NORTH ANDOVER, MA – August 31, 2026 – The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation today announced that Merrimack College track and field student athletes Jadis Yarbrough and Elizardo Melenciano have been selected as the first recipients of the David McGillivray ’76, Endowed Scholarship.
Established by longtime running industry leader, philanthropist, and Merrimack College alumnus Dave McGillivray, the $100,000 endowed scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students at Merrimack College who participate in a running discipline on one of the College’s varsity athletic teams.
The first scholarships were awarded to Yarbrough and Melenciano, members of Merrimack’s men’s track and field program.
“Merrimack College gave me so much, and I have always wanted to find meaningful ways to give back to the school and the students who come after me,” said McGillivray, founder of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. “Running became such an important part of my life during my time at Merrimack, including having the opportunity to help get the cross country and track programs started. To now help student athletes pursue their education while participating in a sport that has given me so much throughout my life is incredibly meaningful.”
McGillivray’s connection to Merrimack spans more than five decades. He graduated in 1976 as valedictorian of his class and returned to the College in 2012 to deliver its commencement address and receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. He was inducted into the Merrimack College Athletics Hall of Fame as a Special Contributor in 2017.
His commitment to helping Merrimack students also dates back decades. In 1983, McGillivray bicycled more than 1,000 miles throughout New England to raise money for a scholarship fund at his alma mater.
The David McGillivray ’76 Endowed Scholarship builds upon that history by creating a permanent source of financial assistance for future generations of Merrimack student athletes. Income from the endowment will be used in perpetuity to provide need based assistance to one or more eligible undergraduate students.
“Dave has an extraordinary connection to Merrimack College, and this scholarship is another example of his commitment to giving back and helping the next generation,” said Mark Connolly, Head Track & Field Coach at Merrimack College. “Financial support like this can make a meaningful difference in a student athlete’s college experience. We are grateful to Dave for investing in our students and establishing something that will benefit Merrimack Track and Field athletes for many years to come.”
For McGillivray, the scholarship brings together several of the themes that have defined his career and his philanthropic work: education, physical activity, goal setting and creating opportunities for others.
“Success has never just been about crossing a finish line first,” added McGillivray. “It is what you do with the opportunities you have been given and how you help others along the way. I’m proud that this scholarship will continue helping Merrimack students long into the future.”
ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Its vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, empowering them to move forward — one step at a time. For over eighteen years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org.