Elizabeth Merchut '10

Elizabeth Merchut is a 2010 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School where she graduated summa cum laude. During her time at Dowling Catholic, she was actively involved in many facets of student life. She served as a drum major of the marching band, team captain of the mock trial team, officer of student ambassadors, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She also participated in band, school musicals, and various academic and service activities that helped shape her commitment to leadership and community.

Elizabeth went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications with a minor in Spanish from Truman State University, graduating with Departmental Honors and receiving the Outstanding Student Award in her program. While at Truman, she was awarded several scholarships, including the President’s Leadership, Honorary, and Combined Ability Scholarships. She served in multiple leadership roles within Tau Lambda Sigma, a local service sorority, including president, parliamentarian, and special events co-chair. Elizabeth was also a student ambassador for the university, giving weekly tours, coordinating showcase events, and working in the Admissions Office. Her undergraduate research was selected for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) where she presented her visual project titled Churches. She was also selected to study Spanish through an immersive language and cultural program in Costa Rica where she studied at Universidad Técnica Nacional.

Elizabeth currently resides in Lake Barrington, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where she is a partner and co-owner of View Marketing & Creative, an award-winning marketing agency. Her work focuses on helping clients grow through strategic branding, thoughtful storytelling, and creative execution across platforms. Her clients include B2B companies, startups, and various non-profit organizations including the Diocese of Des Moines.

She remains dedicated to service and her Catholic faith through volunteer work. She contributes her time and talents in marketing and design to the Together in Joy Gala for St. Teresa of Ávila Catholic Church and serves on the Board of the Jeremy Stom Remembrance Foundation. She previously served as Board President and Inside Volunteer Coordinator for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. In recognition of her faith-filled leadership, she was honored with the Christifideles Award from the Archdiocese of Chicago, which is given to Catholic laypeople who have demonstrated a deep commitment to parish life.

Elizabeth fondly remembers early mornings for marching band practice, late nights preparing for mock trial competitions, and the strong friendships that continue to be a meaningful part of her life today. The academics, mentorship, and sense of community she experienced at Dowling played a formative role in shaping the person she is today, and instilled in her a lifelong commitment to service and faith.