The Merritt J and Iris Timmermann Schumann Scholarship was created in loving memory by the Schumann’s five daughters, their families and by generous support from many loved ones in the community and beyond.
Both Merritt and Iris believed deeply in giving back to their community. Merritt through leadership and community development and Iris through her historical preservation efforts. Because of their lifetime dedication to these, they each ultimately received the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Besserung Award, Living Legends Award, were inducted into the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, received the NBISD Silver Unicorn Awards as well as the NBISD Outstanding Alumni awards just to name a few.
Merritt was a proud Longhorn, graduating in 1950 from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree while belonging to the ROTC. Merritt was a forward thinker and started, chaired, or committed to many organizations including the good government league, the Industrial Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, NBISD School Board, Junior Chamber of Commerce, LCRA board, etc., all while running a successful local business.
Iris returned to Texas State University after raising her five girls to pursue her undergraduate and master’s degrees in history. She later became a Certified Archivist and played a large role as the volunteer Archivist for the Sophienburg Museum and Archives where she was instrumental in many aspects of oral and written history preservation.
Both were strong in their faith and served diligently at First Protestant Church of New Braunfels. Whether it be leading the church council, being Sunday school superintendent, leading classes, or hosting youth groups, Iris and Merritt were dedicated to their beloved church.
Iris and Merritt were firm believers in education as a foundation for helping others. We hope that the yearly recipient of this scholarship will use their education to do the same.
The Merritt J and Iris Timmermann Schumann Scholarship is open to applicants who:
*Are New Braunfels High School graduating seniors;
*Are planning to attend either The University of Texas at Austin or Texas State University;
*Have proven leadership qualities with a focus on being community minded and helping others; and
*Are actively involved in a church body (with special consideration for those who hold active membership in a church body or who are active member of First Protestant Church of New Braunfels)