A simple philanthropic saying has resonated through generations of the Merryman Family. 

“My grandmother always had a saying that for every dollar you give back, you’re going to probably reap five in return,” Floyd Merryman III (MGT ’81) said during an interview with the university last fall.  “Our family has been blessed with good fortune.”

The Merryman family has committed a total of $2 million to Virginia Tech to be split between two areas of the university that are very familiar to the family — Virginia Tech Athletics and the Pamplin College of Business.

Half of the family’s gift will be designated to help renovate and expand the university’s football strength and conditioning center.  The other half will go toward Pamplin’s Global Business and Analytics Complex, which is ex- pected to open in 2024.

Floyd Merryman’s father, Floyd W. “Sonny” Merryman Jr. (ANSC ’46), ignited his family’s passion for supporting the university.

The Merryman Athletic Facility, located between Cassell Coliseum and Lane Stadium, was named for Sonny Merryman and his wife, Lou, as was an endowed professorship in the Pamplin College of Business.  Multiple scholarships are named for Sonny Merryman.  The Merryman Family Learning Studio in the Moss Arts Center also is named for the family.

The family also supports the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and it has established several university-wide scholarships, including the Merryman Public Pupil Transportation Scholarship and the Merryman Central Virginia Scholarship.

“The Merryman family’s long commitment to Virginia Tech is evident across our campus,” said Charlie Phlegar, vice president of advancement. “They are among the many dedicated Hokie supporters who want to ensure that this university continues its strong momentum.”

– Jenny Kincaid Boone and Travis Williams