Some of Sally Merten's most visible spheres of influence have been her family, her nursing career, and her involvement in community arts education. A nurse in the Air Force at the time she met Dr. Alan Merten, also an Air Force officer, Mrs. Merten has had the challenge of raising their family in various states and countries as Dr. Merten's career has progressed. Through it all, she has nurtured her love of the arts and contributed her time by serving on the boards of community arts organizations. In addition to helping to provide opportunities for the visual and performing arts to flourish, she has worked to educate students and the community so that artists and musicians can find appreciative and supportive audiences.

Mrs. Merten is enthusiastic about Mason's emphasis on the arts and arts education. She has joined the board of directors of the Virginia Opera, which is hosted by George Mason's Center for the Arts. But she is equally committed to using her position and home to mix "GMU people with community people" and to host various elements of the university community--students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Mason. And she recognizes the need for Mason, in the midst of high-technology companies with international offices, to train its students to contribute skills and expertise in the high-technology and global arenas.

She shares Dr. Merten's goals for Mason to have a pervasive influence in the spheres of quality education, community service, and the arts, and sees her work and interests as a complement to his. Both Mertens are glad to have the opportunity to live and serve back in the area where they first met.