Philly Leader

The Kimmel Center's Merriam Theater will now be called the Miller Theater due to a philanthropic gift from Kimmel Center board founding member and Universal Health Services Inc. Executive Chair Alan B. Miller.

The donation will be used to fund restoration projects for the theater, the Philadelphia Orchestra said in a release. The projects, which will include improvements to infrastructure and ADA-compliant seating, are set to begin next year.

"I've always been an admirer and supporter of the arts and its enriching impact on life," Miller said in the release. "To be associated with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center by offering my family's namesake to the iconic Merriam Theater is a privilege. I am delighted to be able to support the Avenue of the Arts in this way and hope that generations to come will enjoy the experiences offered here."

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus joined forces in June to create The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc, the Philadelphia Orchestra said. The partnership was ratified in December.

"We are so grateful to Alan, Jill and their family for this incredibly generous gift, which will have a long-lasting impact on the theater that so many Philadelphians know and love," said Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. "This extraordinary philanthropic commitment will aid in both beautification and accessibility efforts, as we revitalize this treasured space on the Kimmel Cultural Campus. In addition, I would like to thank Anne Ewers for her critical role and partnership with Mr. Miller on this important project. We look forward to welcoming generations of visitors to the Miller Theater for years to come."

Ewers, former president and CEO of the Kimmel Cultural Campus, said in the release that Miller is a prime candidate for the theater's namesake.

"Alan's passion for history and the restoration of historic sites, combined with his love of the arts, makes his exceedingly generous naming of this theater a perfect match," Ewers said. "As a founding member of the Kimmel Center Board, Alan has played a pivotal role in supporting the performing arts in Philadelphia for decades. We are thrilled to see the Miller name on the marquee and look forward to witnessing the transformation of this beloved icon on the Avenue of the Arts."

Miller founded Universal Health Services Inc. in 1979 and has since built it up to be a Fortune 500 company, the Philadelphia Orchestra said in the release. There are more than 400 facilities operated by the company spanning 39 states, as well as a presence in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. He is also the founder, president and CEO of Universal Health Realty Income Trust.

Miller was a founding member of the Kimmel Center board of directors and had served two terms, the Philadelphia Orchestra said. His is a former trustee of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company as well as chairman emeritus of Opera Philadelphia. Miller also served on the board of overseers and executive board of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with an MBA.

Miller has a history of philanthropic efforts, the Philadelphia Orchestra said. This includes the Distinguished Civilian Award from the Ben Franklin Global Forum for the Patriot Support Program, which helps military members and their families with behavioral healthcare.

Forbes included Miller in its list of America's most innovative leaders, and Modern Healthcare included him in its list of significant people in health care throughout several years, the Philadelphia Orchestra said. He also earned the George Washington University president's medal, the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League and the Chairman's Award from the United Negro College Fund.

Miller graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1958, then became second lieutenant of the U.S. Army Reserve, the Philadelphia Orchestra said. He served for six years with the 77th Infantry Division, then retired as a captain.