Lambda-Lambda Chapter Remembers John Merkel
[Note Epilogue copy below, posted on 2/22/2008]
John Merkel #171 entered the fraternity's Chapter Celestial on March 29, 2007. In John's memory, Eric Cuthbert #172 led a group of Lambda-Lambda Chapter alumni in a fundraising effort to support a separate college scholarship fund being established for John Merkel’s two young children -- Krissy and Jonathan. The ultimate goal was to raise $2,000 so that each child receives a $1,000 gift on behalf of John’s fraternity.
Through these efforts, the goal was reached. During Homecoming Weekend, it was announced that a grand total of $2,005 was raised in gifts made by John’s Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers.
The donor list includes Eric Cuthbert, Jay Luke, John Fitchett, Kevin Hand, Carlton Jarratt, Chris Olsen, Marvin Purvis, Don Worsley, Zene Fearing, Gary Evans, King White, Gene Walker, Steve Harper, John Murray, Greg Blackburn, Martin Wheeler, and Jay Paul.
On behalf of Lisa, Krissy, and Jonathan, we thank everyone who supported this noble effort in memory of our Brother, John.
A.E.K.D.B.
Epilogue
On January 28, 2008, Eric traveled to Wilmington, Delaware and had a nice lunch visit with John's widow, Lisa Merkel. He presented her with gifts totaling $2,015 on behalf of the Lambda-Lambda Alumni Chapter of Kappa Sigma. These proceeds shall be placed in education funds for John & Lisa's two children, Krissy and Jonathan.
Lisa Merkel asked Eric to express her sincere gratitude to all who honored John's memory through this kind and generous gesture of fraternal support. She expressed how John would have loved the gesture and how he constantly talked about his love of Kappa Sigma and how he kept his Kappa Sigma Jersey and hat and other memorabilia. She was very touched and emotional at this expression of love and support by his Kappa Sigma brothers.