The Robert & Kathryn Milia Memorial Scholarship


“We were so blessed to have the parents that raised us, the community we grew up in, and the schools that educated us. We can only hope that if we can help make the path just a little easier for students today, then it will have a ripple effect and carry on the legacy of our parents.”

— Dr. Marc J. Milia ‘89


To honor the generous spirit of his parents, Brother Rice alumnus Dr. Marc Milia ’89 and his wife Caroline are giving back to the school that has meant so much to their family. With a gift of $100,000 to the Brother Rice Endowment Fund, they have established the Robert & Kathryn Milia Memorial Scholarship.

Robert and Kathryn Milia were steadfast believers in the power of education and instilled this value in their family. Married for more than 40 years, they were known for their love of family and friends and their generous spirit. They enjoyed nothing more than to give to those they loved and to those in need. Robert (deceased 2011) and Kathryn were reunited in heaven on December 5, 2020, after Kathy battled complications from COVID-19. To honor their parents’ lives, legacy, and generous spirit, Marc and his sister Martha each established scholarships at their respective high school alma maters. “We were so blessed to have the parents that raised us, the community we grew up in, and the schools that educated us. We can only hope that if we can help make the path just a little easier for students today, then it will have a ripple effect and carry on the legacy of our parents.”

Marc Milia was a standout student-athlete at Brother Rice and went on to play football at the University of Michigan (1989-1993), where he was an Academic All-American. He also earned his medical degree from U of M’s nationally ranked Medical School and is well respected in the Metro Detroit area as an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in shoulders and knees.

When it came time for Marc and Caroline Milia to select high schools for their children, Sophia (Cranbrook) and Rocco, they looked to their Catholic education roots. Rocco Milia is a member of the Brother Rice Class of 2021 and follows in his father’s footsteps as a talented student-athlete and leader (Band of Brothers President 2020-21).

As a steadfast supporter of Brother Rice High School through the years, the Milia Family vision is to grow this scholarship fund to provide the lifelong gift of a Brother Rice education for future Warriors today and for many years to come.

To make a gift to the Robert & Kathryn Milia Memorial Fund, select Scholarship Program under the Designation drop-down, and include Robert & Kathryn Milia Scholarship in the comments.

If you are interested in supporting an existing scholarship or creating a new scholarship, please contact Michelle Lievois, Director of Annual Giving and Scholarships.