Larry and Joan Miller’s Trust Fund Serves as Foundation for NYU’s Legacy Match

Larry Miller, born and raised in Brooklyn, did not come from a privileged background, but he was determined to rise in the world. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and several years as a New York City police officer, he made the life-changing decision to enroll at NYU Stern School of Business and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1960. The knowledge and skills he gained at NYU Stern helped enable him to launch and build a lucrative executive recruitment company.

Throughout his life Larry’s gratitude and support for his alma mater never wavered, and he was an active, reliable supporter of NYU.

“NYU was always part of his legacy,” says Lois Castagliola, longtime accountant and financial advisor to Miller and his wife Joan. “He never swayed from that.”

After more than a half century of marriage, the couple died within a year of each other—Larry in 2019 and Joan in 2020—but not before establishing a legacy that will continue to benefit NYU students for years to come.

The Millers had created a trust fund that grew substantially over the years. After Joan’s death, the balance of the trust was earmarked for distribution to charitable and other organizations. NYU was one of the leading beneficiaries: to date, approximately $10,740,000 has been paid to the University from the Larry J. Miller Irrevocable Trust—most recently, a gift of $7 million in June 2023.

The foundation of NYU’s Legacy Match is built upon the generous legacy of Larry and Joan Miller. A portion of this estate ($500,000) has been set aside to match each new or increased Legacy gift to NYU.

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