(L-R) Principal Barbara Green, Jean and Andrew Miller, and Chair of College Council Liz Dax.

Andrew Miller announces the Miller Foundation gift of $1.5million to the Campaign.

Miller Family heralds new era with $1.5m gift

The Campaign for the Southern Development has had solid foundations laid thanks to the generosity and support of major benefactor, The Miller Foundation.

At a luncheon for alumni and friends to celebrate the Launch of the Campaign, Campaign Chairman, Mr Andrew Miller, announced on behalf of himself, his brother Richard and the Miller family, a gift of $1.5million from The Miller Foundation towards the Campaign.

Speaking at the Launch, Andrew spoke of his long standing and growing fondness for St Hilda’s. “Some people ask me why I am involved with the Campaign for the Southern Development. In fact, I often ask myself the same question. The answer: The rural connection. I have a passion for agriculture, and St Hilda’s College supports students from rural communities.”

As a family, the Millers have been involved with St Hilda’s even before the first brick was laid in 1964, with the late Noel Miller joining Lady Paton to fundraise for a womens residential college. Since those early days, generations of Millers have continued this tradition.

Noel Miller was also the College’s first treasurer, and Andrew has served St Hilda’s as a member of the College Council, chair of a previous fundraising campaign and as current chair of the Investment Committee. Andrew and Jean’s daughter, Sally-Anne resided at St Hilda’s during her university years.

In addition, the Miller Foundation continues to provide ongoing support to the College with an annual gift to the Miller Trust Fund, which supports current students with scholarships and bursaries. “It is also an exciting time for the College as it adapts to the changes of the University as the Melbourne Model advances,” Mr Miller added.

Welcoming guests to the Launch, Principal Mrs Barbara Green explained, “The construction of the new building has been long dreamt about.

“Our desire to enhance the academic life of the College through accommodation enabling the appointment of more residential tutors and the retention of more students beyond their second year led naturally to the need for a new residential building. The College is in great shape to embark on this project, and these are indeed exciting days for St Hilda’s.

“Finances are healthy and continue to be well managed. Now, with the generosity and support of the Miller family and the wider College community, we will be able to protect our financial reserves, so these can be drawn upon to provide increased support to our current and future students.

“Historically the support of the Miller family has been of significant value and benefit to this College, and this magnificent gift continues the tradition. We are enormously grateful that Andrew accepted the role of Campaign Chair at a time when we are building the future of St Hilda’s College.”

The five storey building is on schedule for the first occupants to take up residence in 2008. We are now seeking the support from the St Hilda’s College community to assist us to bring the building to life!

For more information or to assist with the Campaign for Southern Development, please contact the College on 61 3 9248 8400 or email.

Mrs Jean Prest and Mrs Barbara Green.

Tim Greenall (2002), Andrew Miller and Brian James.