In one of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Catherine Miller-Geroy and Gary Geroy have made a commitment to endow a chair in the Department of Prosthodontics in honor of Miller-Geroy’s father, Dr. Thaxter “Thax” Miller (’54 MS, ’54 PROS).

A graduate of the College of Dentistry and a World War II veteran, Miller returned to Iowa City after his military service and joined the college’s faculty. He taught hundreds of dental students over more than 30 years, including current dean Clark Stanford. 

“As a student, I didn’t realize how much a humanitarian Dr. Miller was until much later. He always came across gruff and intimidating but he had a really warm heart,” says Stanford, “He would often support students in quiet but very warm ways."

"Thank you to Cathy and Gary for making this impactful and significant contribution to our college, which will impact generations of dental students.”

The endowed position will be named the Dr. Thaxter H. and Eleanor P. Miller Chair in the Department of Prosthodontics in the College of Dentistry. The chair will provide essential resources to recruit and retain distinguished faculty and enhance student learning.