The Merrick School of Business is Baltimore’s hub for business education, it equips students to innovate and lead globally. We delve into the man behind the name, Robert G. Merrick.
The Merrick School of Business, part of the University of Baltimore, is distinguished by its strong emphasis on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. It is named after local business legend Robert G. Merrick, Sr.
Located in the heart of Baltimore’s thriving business sector, Merrick is known as “Baltimore’s business school.” It has deep roots in the local community, which benefits its students. This includes internships, consulting projects, and partnerships with local businesses, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges.
With plenty of learning options including online, evening, and weekend classes – Merrick offers students maximum flexibility. Its high-tech and urban campus offers modern facilities such as “smart classrooms” and access to plenty of academic resources.
Additionally, Merrick highly values sustainability and corporate social responsibility. They embed these principles into their teaching and research to cultivate responsible global leaders.
Dating back to 1925, the University of Baltimore has a rich history in education. In 1972, the university introduced its first MBA program. Its business focus was sharpened in 1973 when it merged with the Baltimore College of Commerce.
Between 1982 and 1996, the institution received multiple financial contributions from the France-Merrick Foundation. In recognition of these donations and to honor the lasting impact of Robert G. Merrick, Sr.’s philanthropy, the business school was named in his memory.
Let’s delve into the story of the man behind the name.
Robert G. Merrick, Sr. (1895 – 1986) was a prominent Baltimore banker and philanthropist whose legacy continues to influence the city. After serving in World War I he returned to Baltimore to earn a Ph.D. in economics from Johns Hopkins University where he had done his undergraduate degree.
Robert’s career in banking was marked by his transformative leadership at the Equitable Trust Company. As president and CEO of the Equitable Bank, Robert grew its position to become a leading bank in Maryland with $438 million in assets and 53 branches.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Robert was deeply committed to philanthropy. In 1962, he established the Robert G. and Anne M. Merrick Foundation to support education, community development, and cultural enrichment. That same year, Robert was elected to the board of the Jacob and Annita France Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Baltimore and the surrounding region. He ultimately became that foundation’s president in 1981, and both foundations merged in 1998 to become the France-Merrick Foundation.
Through his charitable work Robert significantly impacted Baltimore’s social and cultural landscape. Numerous university buildings, scholarships, and the city’s performing arts center bear his name.
The Merrick School of Business honors his contributions by fostering an environment of academic excellence, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. Robert’s vision of betterment through education and community service is a guiding principle for the school and its students.
The Merrick School of Business has produced a diverse array of successful alumni across various industries. These notable alumni exemplify the school’s commitment to excellence in business education and its impact on the broader community.
Bob Parsons graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1975. He founded GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar and web hosting company. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have left a mark on the tech industry.
Bob is also a generous supporter of his alma mater and donated $1 million to establish a new professorship in digital communication.
Mark Renbaum is an alumnus from the MBA class of 1997. He has left a substantial mark in the real estate industry as the Principal of MLR Partners and CEO of Schwaber Holdings.
Mark McTamney is an alumnus from the MBA class of 2008. He is the founder and CEO of IsItGood and has carved a niche in the tech industry with his social podcast app.
McTamney’s entrepreneurial path includes his win at Accelerate Baltimore’s Demo Day Pitch Night 2018. His work exemplifies the blend of technical understanding and business intelligence that the Merrick School of Business aims to instill in its students.
The Merrick School of Business continues to open new doors for students from diverse backgrounds. By offering a comprehensive and flexible education, it ensures all its graduates are prepared for future success.
With a continued focus on social responsibility and lifelong learning, Merrick’s mission mirrors the lasting legacy of Robert G. Merrick, Sr. As it evolves, the school remains a pillar of community and education in Baltimore and beyond.
