Since opening in 1979, the building now known as Miller Hall has been home to thousands of Bentley students. Beyond bricks and mortar, the dormitory holds an important place in school history because of its namesake: Nathan R. Miller ’54. The alumnus, who died last year at age 93, was one of the most successful graduates from Bentley’s early years and a gentleman who embodied the values that have long distinguished the institution.

Nathan Miller grew up in modest circumstances on Boston’s Beacon Hill. Like many others of his generation, he attended evening classes while working full time and raising a family, After graduating from the Bentley School in 1954, he opened a small accounting practice — but soon saw the advantages of investing in real estate. He began buying rental and commercial properties around the city, concentrating on his old home of Beacon Hill and nearby neighborhoods. Property in those areas, he believed, would become especially valuable.

Time, of course, proved Miller right. His business grew steadily, and Nathan R. Miller Properties would come to include some of the most prestigious residential and business addresses in Boston. His investments helped transform the city’s moribund commercial district into a vital and influential financial center. From the 1950s on, Miller was one of the most respected and well-known executives in Boston.

Throughout his life, Miller remembered the lessons he learned at Bentley and kept the school close to his heart. His commitments including serving on the Board of Trustees from 2005 until his death, establishing two endowed scholarships, and supporting a variety of initiatives. In recognition of his distinguished career and generous, steadfast support, the four-story, 50,000-square-foot Miller Hall was named for him in 1997.

Perhaps of greatest consequence, his philanthropy made possible an essential part of the campus master plan in 2001. He funded construction of a parking deck behind Miller Hall, which solved a serious parking issue and allowed an existing lot to be transformed into the highly popular green space located at the heart of campus.

Miller’s accolades include a Distinguished Alumni Award (1996) and an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree (2000). “Bentley and I started out the same way, with plans to be the best,” he said upon receiving the former.  “We’ve both achieved our goals. The education I received helped me so much more with my life than I imagined in those early days. It’s wonderful to be able to help give other students a similar chance.”