We are proud to honor the life and legacy of Merril Halpern with the newly established Merril Halpern Scholarship Fund.
Merril Halpern was a charismatic, ethical, even-keeled and caring leader. He was a deep thinker with a great dry sense of humor. He was a devoted husband and loving patriarch who, in raising Belle Linda Halpern (IE’s founder), influenced the values and actions that led to our organization’s establishment in 2015.
Merril led with humor and integrity and believed in education as a pathway to justice and opportunity. His commitment was woven through his leadership at Far Brook School, the National Humanities Center, and The Ariel Group, and through the steady counsel he offered Belle as she ideated and eventually formed Inspiring Educators. His belief in accepting change with equanimity continues to guide me today.
Today, as educators and social impact leaders more broadly face immense pressure, burnout, and isolation, this scholarship fund will expand access to support and community that they need to stay in the work with clarity and heart.
In recognition of his life and values, all of the funds raised through the Merril Halpern Scholarship Fund will go towards grants and scholarships to support operational leaders and the administrators who are crucial to holding our schools and communities together.
Gifts made in honor of the Merril Halpern Scholarship Fund will be used to provide financial assistance to educators in alignment with this scholarship’s purpose.
Please use the “dedicate this gift” field on the donation form to specify the direction of your gift to the Merril Halpern Scholarship Fund.
