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Merrimack College track and field student athletes Jadis Yarbrough and Elizardo Melenciano were recently named the first recipients of the David McGillivray ’76 Endowed Scholarship. A $100,000 scholarship, established by longtime running industry leader, philanthropist and Merrimack alumnus McGillivray.
The new endowed scholarship creates a permanent source of financial support for future Merrimack student athletes, with Yarbrough, a native of Chicopee, and Melenciano, a former Lawrence High School track runner, becoming first recipients.
The scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to Merrimack undergraduate students who participate in a running discipline on one of the college’s varsity athletic teams.
McGillivray’s connection to Merrimack goes back more than 50 years. He graduated as valedictorian in 1976, helped get the college’s cross country and track programs started, delivered Merrimack’s commencement address and was inducted into its Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1983, he also bicycled more than 1,000 miles throughout New England to raise money for a scholarship fund at Merrimack College.
The school said the David McGillivray ’76 Endowed Scholarship seeks to build upon that history by creating a permanent source of financial assistance for future generations of Merrimack student athletes. Income from the endowment will be used in perpetuity to provide, need based, assistance to one or more eligible undergraduate students.
“Merrimack College gave me so much, and I have always wanted to find meaningful ways to give back to the school and the students who come after me,” said McGillivray, founder of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. “Running became such an important part of my life during my time at Merrimack, including having the opportunity to help get the cross country and track programs started. To now help student athletes pursue their education while participating in a sport that has given me so much throughout my life is incredibly meaningful.”
Mark Connolly, head track and field coach at Merrimack, said, “Dave has an extraordinary connection to Merrimack College, and this scholarship is another example of his commitment to giving back and helping the next generation.” He added, “Financial support like this can make a meaningful difference in a student athlete’s college experience. We are grateful to Dave for investing in our students and establishing something that will benefit Merrimack Track and Field athletes for many years to come.”
McGillivray added, “Success has never just been about crossing a finish line first. It is what you do with the opportunities you have been given and how you help others along the way. I’m proud that this scholarship will continue helping Merrimack students long into the future.”