LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Merrill Sweitzer, Jr. has established a new endowment with the Lock Haven University Foundation to support track and field at his alma mater. 

The Lt. Col. Merrill Arden Sweitzer, Jr. USMC Ret. and Helen Terry Lauler Sweitzer Track and Field Scholarship will provide an annual scholarship for a Lock Haven University student athlete participating in track and field. 

During his time at Lock Haven, Merrill was a three-time PSAC Champion and three-time PSAC runner-up in track and field.  He was also captain of the track team.  His achievements include fifth place in the two mile in 1954, second place in the two-mile and second place in the mile in 1955, champion in the mile and second place in the 880 in 1956, and champion in the two-mile and champion in the mile in 1957.  Additionally, he completed his college running career in May of 1957 with a string of dual meet consecutive wins of 46, an all-time school high.   

Aaron Russell, head men's & women's cross country coach and co-head men's & women's track & field coach describes, “Merrill was one of the early track and field icons here at Lock Haven and it'll mean so much to future track and field athletes who receive this scholarship in his name.  Legends like Merrill helped lay the foundation for our track and field programs, and we owe so much to alums such as him.” 

Merrill's decision to support the institution in this manner illustrates his devotion to Lock Haven and his desire to help current and future student athletes.  Coach Russell explains, “It's so great to see Merrill's commitment to LHU even after all these years.  It's obvious that The Haven, as well as the track and field program, hold a special place in his heart.  My hope is that with the help of scholarships such as this we can continue to provide such opportunities for future track and field athletes here at LHU.”

The Foundation administers approximately 200 individual scholarships for students at the University.  If you would like to contribute to this scholarship or others, please send contributions payable to LHU Foundation with the scholarship listed in the memo line.  Applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the Foundation's website, www.lhufoundation.org, or by contacting the Foundation at the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, 10 Susquehanna Avenue, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745.

*Release courtesy of Carleigh Wilt, Major Gifts Officer, LHU Foundation