Multigenerational philanthropy is one of the most fulfilling types of giving, especially at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), where donor investment can impact generations to come. Through the years, the support of the Miller family has made a particularly significant and enduring impact.
The family’s connection to LJI began with Ernest “Ernie” C. Miller, who invested nearly two decades of service as a member of LJI’s Board of Directors and left an indelible mark on the Institute and its research. His commitment to exceptionalism, an ethos he shared with LJI, resonated throughout his distinguished life and career—from naval service aboard the USS San Diego to academic achievements and professional success in business consulting, publishing, and academia.
Miller’s life path mirrors the foundational narrative of LJI—both were deeply rooted in Japanese cultural exchange. After being selected for a Japanese language-learning program in the Navy, Miller’s military career took off, and he later parlayed his successful military tenure into a thriving civilian career. His marriage to Tung-Fen Lin in 1985 not only enriched his personal life but also merged his study of Asian culture with Tung-Fen’s background and interests. Together, the couple traversed the globe, expanding their perspectives and strengthening their dedication to cultural understanding—a commitment that profoundly influenced Miller’s personal and professional philosophies, evident in his leadership at LJI.
Miller’s global perspective and dedication to service extends to his children—Reverend E. Charles, Laura Lee, and Marcy Rogers—who continue the family tradition of leadership through pursuits in business, theology, academia, the arts, and education. Following Miller’s passing in 2018, the Miller family chose to celebrate his life and legacy at LJI through philanthropy. Their support has notably underwritten the LJI Postdoctoral Association (LPA) lecture series for the 2024-2025 academic calendar and the 2025 annual LJI Scientific Retreat at Lake Arrowhead. These initiatives not only foster academic excellence and collaboration among researchers but also reflect Miller’s enduring principles and belief in rigorous academic inquiry.
In celebrating Ernie C. Miller and the Miller family, LJI recognizes the transformative power of multigenerational philanthropy in advancing its mission. The lecture series and retreats made possible by the Miller family are milestones in an ongoing journey of discovery and innovation. The Miller family legacy is not simply remembered; it lives on daily through the researchers whose work is touched by the family’s generosity.
As LJI charts its future, it does so with the steadfast support of the Miller family guiding it forward, just as Ernie once navigated the seas.
