Fisher Assistant Coach Selected as a Recipient of the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor
St. John Fisher College football assistant coach Gary Mervis has been selected as one of the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients.
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life. The award is sponsored by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO).
In addition to everyday Americans who have made freedom, liberty and compassion a part of their life’s work, the list of previous medalists is expansive. Past medalists include six U.S. Presidents, one foreign President, Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor will be presented to Gary and other 2013 recipients at a Gala Dinner on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The Gala will be held in the beautifully restored Great Hall on Ellis Island.
Coach Mervis was nominated by New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy who is a 2012 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Lieutenant Governor Duffy noted in his nomination that Mervis “epitomizes the adage that one person can make a difference in the lives of others and in our world.”
Mervis is an assistant coach for the Fisher football team and is in charge of Kickers/Punters. He has been coaching at Fisher for 23 years, making him the longest tenured coach on the staff. Mervis is well known in Fisher community for his contributions to society that exceeds the playing field.
He is the Chairman and Founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. Camp Good Days sponsors Fisher’s annual Teddi Dance, which has been a fundraising tradition at the College for the past 30 years.
Mervis is also a member of the Fisher Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted as part of the Class of 2007.
Full List of Ellis Island Medals of Honor Recipients
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