Curving through itself, the organic form of the Mariko Mori sculpture that graces the entrance of UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Care Outpatient Building is dynamic and calming at the same time. A gift of Tricia Miller and the Miller family, the sculpture’s circuitous path in many ways echoes her own life’s journey.

Born in Philadelphia and attending college in Washington, D.C., Ms. Miller's teaching degree took her to the U.S. Virgin Islands where she taught English as a second language. After earning a master's degree in psychology in California, she moved to Dallas where she earned another master's degree in art history from SMU. Those experiences informed her outlook and approach to both art and philanthropy.

Today, Ms. Miller gives back to her community, serving as Chair of the Arts and Interiors Committee of UT Southwestern’s President’s Advisory Board. This impactful board advises President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., and the institution’s leadership on opportunities across its mission.

In her own words, Ms. Miller believes inspirational art can enrich the institution for patients and staff alike, “because art can give all who work and are treated at UT Southwestern a sense of peace and calm.”

Ms. Miller recently expanded on her philosophy behind family philanthropy and her feeling that the healing power of art coexists neatly with her family’s overall support of UT Southwestern’s advances in medical research.

What is your family’s connection to UT Southwestern?

The Miller family initially became involved with UT Southwestern many years ago on a patient basis. We were impressed by the skill level of the medical community and by the care and coordination of support staff. The groundbreaking research and state-of-the-art medical facilities proved comforting and exciting to us from a patient perspective.

Why is the Mariko Mori sculpture in UT Southwestern’s Cancer Care Outpatient Building special?

The Mariko Mori suspended sculpture, Infinite Energy of the Universe, speaks to us in so many ways. It is profound, impactful, and welcoming in its gracefulness. We sought to honor our beloved husband and father, who was and always will be the infinite energy of our universe.

My husband, Bill Miller, to whom it is dedicated, was a lifelong health care professional. As such he was aware of the patient’s experience but also of the daily experience of medical professionals and all hospital support staff. As UT Southwestern began building a new home for the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, we realized that the entrance of any facility must create a welcoming atmosphere.

As this is a facility for cancer patients and their families, it is apparent that visitors may be experiencing anxiety, fear, or uncertainty. With its unique lighting and graceful form, we hope the sculpture will provide comfort and perhaps even distraction as it envelopes guests as they enter the Simmons Cancer Center. We have actually had patients comment to us that they felt somehow reassured as they entered the building – knowing that our family holds UT Southwestern in such high esteem. UT Southwestern personnel greeting guests in the building’s lobby have commented that they gaze up at the sculpture as they go through their day and find pleasure in its presence.

Why has cancer research been central to your philanthropy?

We support cancer research because we value the health of our community. We recognize UT Southwestern is on the cutting edge of cancer research and that this research will not only lead to lifesaving medical care for the Dallas population but will be studied and widely considered by medical professionals everywhere.

What does family philanthropy mean to you?

Family philanthropy has long been a cornerstone of our endeavors. Bill and I began sharing our philosophy of giving with our children, Josh Miller and Abby Miller Evans, when they were young.

By engaging in community projects together, we experience the satisfaction of shared engagement. I now believe we learned from each other and grew as a family by understanding each family member’s priorities. We now meet regularly to educate one another on new ideas and have begun to bring younger family members into the conversation. It’s gratifying to observe the enthusiasm with which they embrace their philanthropic projects.

What do you hope to contribute to the Arts and Interiors Committee?

The Arts and Interiors Committee is a collaborative of arts professionals, savvy collectors, design experts, and UT Southwestern curatorial leadership. This group is vital to selecting art that is appropriate for its relevance to the mission of the Medical Center. For example, art that is chosen for a patient clinical space may have a different meaning and impact than art in research or educational buildings.

Courtney Crothers, our Art Curator, has often said, “The art program relates to our mission to heal, educate, and discover.” The arts program at UT Southwestern represents a connection with the North Texas community. Fifty percent of the art is created by a local artist or procured from a local art gallery. This connection is vital to creating a bond of familiarity for patients and staff – thereby a sense of security and comfort.

• Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O'Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.