Catherine “Cathy” Merrill established the Merrill Family Operating Fund for the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program in March 2024. This fund, established in memory of Cathy Merrill’s father, provides support for the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.
Established in 2004 by the late Philip Merrill, friend of the University and long-time Washington area publisher, the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program honors outstanding University of Maryland seniors as well as recognizing University faculty and K-12 for their mentorship. The program builds a community of scholars, faculty members, and K-12 teachers who recognize and celebrate the importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation.