The Merrill B. Frick Family Endowment for German Studies was established in 1991, by Merrill and Louise Frick of Wawaka, Indiana. Merrill serves as president of Frick Services, Inc., a provider of wholesale and retail farm supplies and grain storage. The Fricks, longtime members of the Rockne Heritage Fund Director’s Circle, have three children: Gretchen, Janell, and Dan. Four of their grandchildren have graduated from the University: Adam (’01), Emily (’04), Amanda (’08), and Daniel (’10).

The Merrill B. Frick Family Endowment for German Studies provides significant support for the development of book collections and electronic resources. As a result, the German studies collection continues to grow at a competitive level, capable of supporting undergraduate study and faculty research.

The importance of obtaining current and historical resources cannot be underestimated. Such materials provide for exploration of cultural, intellectual, and religious traditions of German, which can lead to opportunities in the world of business. In addition, the study of the culture and language provides students with opportunities to investigate other disciplines, such as history, political science, sociology, literature, and art.

Recently, the Frick Endowment allowed for the purchase of around 300 titles or resources in German studies. Teaching faculty and a language and literature subject liaison in the Library often work together to select these materials. The Frick family has two other endowments focusing on early Christian and Protestant studies.