Livy Merchant was the Headmaster at Robert College from 2001 to 2005.
Dr. Livingston (“Livy”) T. Merchant, Robert College Headmaster from 2001-2005, passed away on March 2, 2023. A man of the world, Livy Merchant received a BA in Slavic Languages, an MA in Soviet Studies, and a PhD in International Affairs from Harvard University, as well was a MDiv from General Theological Seminary in New York, and a PhD in Chinese History from Brown University. He served as an administrator and teacher in several countries including Taiwan, Greece, the Netherlands and Belgium. He spoke eight languages: French, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Greek and Turkish, as well as English.
Livy Merchant always encouraged RC students to be thoughtful of what was going on in the world, and often emphasized their need to give back to Robert College and to society in return for the privilege of their education. After Robert College, Merchant taught international relations at Bilkent University. He loved to read, study languages, and listen to music. He also enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods in the different cities where he lived. He is survived by his wife Çiğdem, daughter Madeleine, son Charlie and his former wife Christa.
Published July 2023
