CHARLES D MILLER was an American business executive and philanthropist best known for his long leadership of Avery Dennison Corporation and his deep commitment to education and civic engagement. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University (Class of 1949), Miller served as CEO of Avery Dennison for more than two decades, guiding the company through significant growth and innovation in the global labeling and materials industry.
Following his retirement, Miller devoted much of his time and resources to philanthropy, particularly in support of Johns Hopkins. He made a landmark $7.2 million gift to create the Vision Fund, aimed at fostering leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global understanding among students. A strong advocate for international education, he believed students should gain firsthand global experience to compete in an increasingly interconnected world.
In addition to his educational philanthropy, Miller supported numerous arts, medical, and community organizations, especially in California and Wyoming. He is remembered as a thoughtful and generous leader, vocal about the transformative power of higher education.