The only carry-over from the Ralph Gephardt era, Gary Mervis began at Fisher in 1989 and is the longest tenured coach on the Fisher staff.
Mervis, who was instrumental in the success of Will Bean, a 2004 All-American kicker who ranked second nationally in field goals per game, makes contributions to the community that exceed the playing field.
Mervis 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 more than 30 years. He is also the sponsor and co-founder of the Fisher Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the driving force behind the creation of the Courage Bowl, Fisher’s annual game dedicated to the children of Camp Good Days, which has been played during every season since 2005.
In 2008, Mervis received The Morrie Silver Award from the Rochester Press-Radio Club, which recognizes an individual who makes an impact in both the local sports and charity scene.
In 2012, Mervis was awarded the Major Donald Holleder Award. Given by the Rochester Press Radio Club, the Major Donald Holleder Award is awarded to a person who has exhibited the highest level of sportsmanship, character, and achievement consistent with the name of Don Holleder.
Adding another honor in 2013, Mervis was 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. Coach Mervis was nominated by New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy who is a 2012 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
In December of 2013, Mervis was honored with the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for his contributions as Chairman of Project Exile, a community based organization dedicated to reducing crime in the region. The DCLA, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.
In October 2014, Mervis was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Anthony L. Jordan Health Foundation for his work with Camp Good Days. The award, established in 2008, identifies a local advocate who has made significant contributions in community medicine, public health and/or community development.
Mervis is a member of the Fisher Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted as part of the Class of 2007.
Mervis, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by Fisher in 2005, was also inducted into the College's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. He resides in Pittsford with his wife Wendy.
