The Cleveland Clinic stands as a global leader in healthcare, and at its heart is the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion. This state-of-the-art facility serves as both the hospital’s new main entrance and its renowned heart hospital, a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy. Named in honor of Sydell and Arnold Miller and their family, the pavilion is a symbol of their enduring commitment to the Cleveland community and to advancing medical care.
The Miller family’s connection to Cleveland is deeply rooted in their entrepreneurial success. In 1980, Sydell and Arnold Miller founded Matrix Essentials, a Solon-based company that revolutionized the hair and beauty products industry. Matrix Essentials quickly became a household name, recognized for its innovative products and salon-quality formulations. The company’s brands, including the widely popular Systeme Biolage and Matrix Essentials lines, achieved global recognition, culminating in worldwide sales of $200 million by 1994.
The year 1992 marked a significant turning point for the Miller family and their relationship with the Cleveland Clinic. Arnold Miller sadly passed away, and in the same year, Sydell Miller underwent crucial heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. The surgeon who performed this life-saving procedure was Dr. Toby Cosgrove, who later became the Clinic’s esteemed Chief Executive Officer. This personal experience with the Clinic’s exceptional care deeply resonated with Sydell Miller and solidified her commitment to its mission.
Two years later, in 1994, Sydell Miller sold Matrix Essentials to Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. While the terms of the sale remained undisclosed, the legacy of Matrix and the Miller family’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to flourish. In 2005, Sydell Miller, along with her daughters Lauren Spilman and Stacie Halpern, made a monumental philanthropic gesture, donating $70 million to the Cleveland Clinic. This extraordinary gift was directed towards the construction of the long-awaited heart center and a new main entrance, which would become the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion. At the time, this donation stood as the Clinic’s second-largest ever, underscoring the Miller family’s profound generosity and vision.
Sydell Miller’s engagement with the pavilion’s development has been deeply personal. She actively followed the construction process, touring the site multiple times and witnessing firsthand the realization of her family’s contribution. Her words reflect the profound impact of this gift: “It’s been very exciting… watching it every step of the way going up,” she stated. “We’re so proud that our family has helped make this possible, because it’s going to benefit so many people’s lives.” The Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion stands as a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of countless individuals through advanced healthcare.
In a parallel act of Cleveland philanthropy, the Cleveland Clinic also recognized Carl and Babs Glickman of Shaker Heights, naming the Glickman Tower in their honor. The Glickmans, long-time philanthropists and consistent donors to the Clinic, made a significant contribution of $8 million in 2002 to the Clinic’s urological and kidney institute. This was the largest gift received by the institute, which now proudly bears their name. Carl Glickman further honored Dr. Andrew Novick, head of the institute, with a $1 million donation in 2006 to endow a research chair. Dr. Novick is credited by Glickman with saving his life after performing a kidney transplant in 2002. Carl Glickman’s extensive background in real estate development and his community involvement further solidify the Glickman family’s deep roots and commitment to Cleveland.
Both the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion and the Glickman Tower stand as powerful symbols of Cleveland’s philanthropic spirit and the remarkable impact of individuals dedicated to advancing healthcare and community well-being. These landmarks within the Cleveland Clinic serve as daily reminders of the generosity that fuels medical innovation and provides hope for countless patients and their families.
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[alt]: Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion entrance at Cleveland Clinic, showcasing modern architecture and welcoming atmosphere.
