Introduction to John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships


0:00 - Claire Holderman, Director, John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships


The Office of National Fellowships was founded with the endowment given by the John W. Merting family to help students apply for prestigious awards and fellowship opportunities.


0:12- Ambrea Hobbs, Rhodes Finalist


I learned about this program through an email from Professor Holderman. She emailed me and asked me if I'd like to come in for a conversation, and we took it from there. Professor Holderman and the office as a whole pushed me to apply for something that certainly wasn't on my radar before. Most notably, I learned about the Rhode scholarship, which I ended up applying for, and I became a finalist.


0:33 - Elisabetta Savini, Lafayette Fellowship Awardee


It was through this office that I heard about the Lafayette fellowship, which is an opportunity to pursue a master's in France. It was a blessing to work with Professor Holderman. She set up mock interviews to prepare for the interview, which I ultimately was aware of the Lafayette fellowship. So that just that practice, that interaction with professors, even talking about French culture with Dr. Low, was very beneficial in preparation as well as just having that support and some a familiar face through the whole process.


0:59 - Ambrea Hobbs, Rhodes Finalist


I think the level of both student and faculty involvement is very unique. I know throughout the year I heard about my peers being very involved in what the office was doing, and there was definitely no shortage of support from the professors and faculty here at UWF along the way. 


1:17 - Elisabetta Savini, Lafayette Fellowship Awardee


I just want to thank John W. Merting for his generous donation and everyone who's been involved in the office. Having that one-on-one support has really made a difference, and I
just want to say thank you again.


1:27  - Ambrea Hobbs, Rhodes Finalist


After I graduate, I'm going to begin law school at Wake Forest University.


1:31 - Elisabetta Savini, Lafayette Fellowship Awardee


After graduation, I will be pursuing my master's in France. I'll be at the University studying environmental hazards and risk management for 2 years, with the first year being funded by the Lafayette Fellowship. 


1:42 - Claire Holderman, Director, John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships


In order to be able to work with the office of national fellowships, you can just contact me, Claire
Holderman, and we can help you find the right fellowship for you. There are endless opportunities for students. It doesn't require a high GPA for all of them. It just requires motivation and interest.