A Life Shaped by Service

WHEN ASKED WHAT MOTIVATES HIM TO MAKE SERVICE A VOCATION, BILL MERRITT RESPONDS WITH CHARACTERISTIC HUMILITY. “IT’S HARD TO GO THROUGH LIFE AND NOT GET INTERESTED IN ACTIVITIES THAT ARE DOING GOOD.”

William “Bill” Merritt (US’66) is the 2025 recipient of the 30th David K. Andrews Alumni Award, honoring a lifetime of devoted service, spiritual commitment, and principled leadership.

Among his many notable contributions is one many Principia alumni and Christian Scientists know firsthand. As a co-founder of The Campership Fund for Christian Scientists, Bill helped enable thousands of young people to attend Christian Science camps and participate in formative programs. 

The Campership Fund was founded in Atlanta in 1992 by Bill, along with Don Wallingford and Clifton Irby, both Journal-listed practitioners. Initially created to support Sunday School students in Atlanta, the Fund steadily expanded its reach—first across Georgia, then to Florida, the southeastern states, the entire country, and ultimately to Christian Scientists around the world.

Bill traces his lifelong dedication to service back further, to a pivotal moment at Principia Upper School. Just 24 hours after being admitted, he boarded a plane for Missouri to attend sports camp to play football. Within a couple weeks, an unexpected opening on the student council presented itself. “It was very fortuitous,” Bill recalls. “Joining the student council had a profound impact. I saw how I could use my voice to make a positive change.” Working closely with Head of School Eric Bole, Bill discovered the power of service-driven leadership, an experience that opened doors to a lifetime of civic and institutional engagement.

After graduating from Princeton University, Bill went on to build an impressive professional life, co-founding Merritt Watson, LLP and later helping establish Georgia’s first minority-owned bank, an institution that remains in operation today. He also participated in the Judge Advocate Program for two summers at Quantico, Virginia, serving as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In parallel with his professional and alumni leadership, Bill has devoted himself to the Cause of Christian Science, a commitment that initially drew him to Principia as a teenager. A longtime member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta, he has served in numerous roles, including First Reader and board member. Additionally, he completed a three-year term on the Principia Board of Trustees and served on the Board of CedarS Camps.

Service has long been central to Bill’s life, a commitment he shares with his wife, Laurie. Together, they have coached children’s basketball for more than a decade and welcomed children into their home through a family visitation program in Georgia. 

Whether expanding access to transformative experiences or quietly supporting individuals in need, Bill continues to live by a simple measure of impact. “I always want to feel that anything I’ve been involved in is better off as a result of my participation.”