#United States #Washington, D.C. #Harrison Street #Horatio Alger #Christopher Merrill

Christopher Merrill Inducted into the 2025 Horatio Alger Award

Christopher Merrill, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Harrison Street, has been honored with the esteemed 2025 Horatio Alger Award. This accolade recognizes individuals who have faced significant adversities and still managed to achieve great success. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans aims to inspire young people to pursue their dreams through the values of hard work and resilience.

Overcoming Challenges

Born in 1971 in Okinawa, Japan, Merrill's early life was marked by the challenges associated with a military family. Although he enjoyed a relatively stable childhood in the suburbs of Chicago, his teenage years were fraught with financial difficulties and his mother's health issues. These experiences shaped his determination to succeed and fostered a dedication to supporting others in similar circumstances.

During his time at Roanoke College, from which he graduated in 1993, Merrill began interning at a Chicago-based real estate investment firm. It was during these formative years that he carved out a niche for himself by developing the firm's European strategy. By the late 1990s, he had become a pioneer in the Central European real estate markets, all while pursuing an MBA at the City University of London at night.

Founding Harrison Street

In 2005, he took a monumental step forward by co-founding Harrison Street, a global firm specializing in real assets management. Under his leadership, Harrison Street has focused on sectors that sincerely impact communities, such as education, healthcare, life sciences, and renewable energy. With a workforce of over 300 employees and a global presence, the firm is widely recognized as a leader in investment management, boasting an impressive $56 billion in assets under management.

Merrill’s leadership style emphasizes discipline, resilience, and humility. He is deeply committed to uplifting his community in Chicago. His outreach initiatives involve partnerships with various local organizations, including the First Tee and PanCan, illustrating his dedication to creating opportunities for individuals from all walks of life.

Commitment to Education

Merrill articulates a passionate belief in education as a powerful tool for positive change. His active role in the Horatio Alger Association allows him to extend support to Scholars through internships and scholarships. Merrill aims to inspire these young leaders to explore their potential and the offerings of the free enterprise system.

Notably, he emphasizes the importance of community involvement and philanthropy in his life and career path. As a trustee at Roanoke College, he showcases his commitment to higher education and guiding future generations in their academic journeys.

Looking Ahead

Christopher Merrill, alongside other distinguished leaders, will formally receive his Horatio Alger Award at a three-day induction ceremony in Washington, D.C., from April 3-5, 2025. This annual gathering celebrates exceptional achievements and fosters connections between leaders and Scholars who embody the spirit of perseverance.

Merrill’s personal story and professional accomplishments exemplify the mission of the Horatio Alger Association, which has awarded over $265 million in need-based scholarships since its inception. This longstanding effort has helped more than 37,000 students pursue their educational goals, transforming lives along the way.

In his own words, Merrill expressed, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the growth and development of tomorrow's leaders.” Through his role in the Horatio Alger Association, he hopes to ignite a flame of ambition and resilience in young people, encouraging them to never give up in their pursuits. With leaders like Christopher Merrill at the helm, the future seems bright for the next generation of dreamers and doers.

For further information about the Horatio Alger Association and its initiatives, visit horatioalger.org and follow them on social media channels.