Consequently, he delved into a variety of social issues in the area, such as housing, race relations, substance abuse, education and conservation. With Bob Merriman as executive director, CCF served as a clearinghouse for Hartford philanthropy, researching contribution programs of corporations and introducing donors to worthwhile causes.

Three years later, with the help of several foundations and banks, he joined a small group of business and civic leaders in establishing the Coordinating Council for Foundations, Inc. Working in fundraising, he soon found that while many individuals and corporations were ready and willing to make gifts, they lacked the time or experience to fully evaluate potential recipients. Joseph College - now the University of St. In the mid 1960s, Bob Merriman left GM to join the non-profit sector as director of public relations and development for St. While on a sales call in Columbus, Ohio, Bob Merriman met Carmen Valentine, and the two were married on May 12, 1950, before relocating to Burlington, Conn. For the next 20 years, he worked in sales for the New Departure division of General Motors, travelling frequently for his job. He was discharged as captain of infantry in 1946.

and Quadrangle, he earned his degree in English literature.įollowing his graduation, Bob Merriman was drafted into the Army and assigned to the Fort Benning Infantry School, subsequently serving in World War II’s South Pacific theatre. Described in the Hamiltonian as “a New England farmer who can skate,” he joined Delta Upsilon as well as the Choir, Outing Club and Winter Carnival Committee, and lent his athletic talents as a member of the hockey and track teams. The son of George Merriman, a mathematics teacher, and the former Rachel Harper, he arrived on College Hill eager to engage in campus life. Robert Smith Merriman ’40, an avid outdoorsman with a talent for matching worthy causes with generous donors, was born on July 31, 1918, in Bristol, Conn.

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