John F. Merrell Music Scholarship

Every road to a new endowed scholarship is unique, and the John F. Merrell Music Scholarship is no exception.

John F. Merrell was a self-made individual and businessman. Orphaned at an early age, as an adult he became a door-to-door salesman—a very good one. He eventually established his own business as a wholesale distributor of books and magazines. Later he met and married Marion Farrell, whose son Michael graduated from CLC in 1968. It was through Michael that Mr. Merrill was introduced to CLC.

In fact, the Ferrell family had several close ties to CLU. Not only had Mike graduated from CLU, but he married a fellow student, Candyce Crawford ‘68. Mike and Candyce had two children, Scott and Christin, who graduated in 1993 and 2000 respectively. A few years later Christin earned a degree in marriage and family therapy from George Fox University.

Christin added another accomplishment to the family record at CLC when she was recognized as the Outstanding CLU Young Alumna in 2008. As a student, she had served as a resident assistant, played the cello and participated in the student congregation, Lord of Life. After she graduated she worked as interim executive director at Camp Lutherwood in Oregon and found time to volunteer as a firefighter. In 2001 she became director of family life ministries with Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon, where she worked with children of all ages. The award she received from the CLU Alumni Association recognized her career achievements, humanitarian concerns and service to her alma mater.

With all the connections the family had with CLC, when John Merrill died the foundation established in his memory chose to honor him with an endowed scholarship at CLC. Because of John’s love of and appreciation for music, the foundation designated the scholarship for students who demonstrate the desire to study music.