“The education I received at Marshall University greatly influenced my success in business, which is why I chose to remember Marshall in my estate plans,” said John Ashford. “Endowed scholarships are a perfect example of ‘paying it forward.’” Graduating from Marshall in 1977 with a degree in marketing, Mr. Ashford’s favorite thing about Marshall was, and is, the caring and passionate faculty. Reflecting on his time as a student, his favorite memories come from the Marshall family he embraced as a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Today, he is grateful for the lasting friendships created through the brotherhood. Mr. Ashford also enjoys giving back to the university by actively serving on the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors. He believes the decisions the Board of Directors currently make will change the lives of students forever through enhanced educational opportunities and the encouragement to establish more scholarships. “Education is the key that opens the door to success. Many students would be burdened with excessive student loans or forego a college education all together, without scholarships,” he explained. Due to this belief, Mr. Ashford and his wife, Dr. Robin Ashford, desired to help current students through the William F. and Georganna R. Ashford Scholarship, which is named in honor of his parents due to their commitment to education at Marshall University. This scholarship provides financial assistance to full-time undergraduate students in the Lewis College of Business. The Ashfords are proud of the City of Huntington and the partnership they have with Marshall University to provide educational and cultural opportunities. They also are pleased to see the outreach efforts that have been organized to help with current problems. The couple hopes that Marshall continues to expand its curriculum and become further recognized for its research. They hope that students make the most of their time on campus and become proud Sons and Daughters of Marshall. “Do not squander this opportunity to find your passion,” they encourage. “We hope that the next generation comprehends the legacy and sacrifices of past alumni and accepts the challenge to provide opportunities for others.” Forever Paying it Forward Academic Cross Country team. This honor was exciting for Abbie, as she balanced academics and athletics and succeeded in both, but also because she was the first female runner selected from Marshall University in a decade. In addition to running, Abbie serves as the secretary of athletics for Marshall’s Student Government Association. She has been involved with Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional chemistry fraternity; Gamma Beta Phi, a national honorary and service fraternity; and Marshall Medical Outreach, which provides medical care to the homeless in Huntington. In addition, she volunteers at the A.D. Lewis Center as an elementary and middle-school tutor. Abbie says she loves serving the university as a representative through these activities and does so with great pride. The family-like atmosphere and relationships are just one reason Abbie is proud to be a Daughter of Marshall. The encouragement her academic and athletic scholarship donors have provided throughout her undergraduate program is another. “I would like to tell my scholarship donor that I am immensely grateful to them for the opportunity they have given me and the support they have shown Marshall. It is incredibly humbling to know that someone was willing to sacrifice for me to support my education,” said Abbie. “Scholarships have given me the chance to go to school and pursue my dream of becoming a physician without being burdened by extensive amounts of student loan debt.” Abbie’s favorite place on the Huntington campus is at the study tables between the bookshelves on the third floor of Drinko Library. Fall is her favorite season on campus because of the excitement surrounding a new school year and football season. Her hope is that alumni continue to give back to help the university continue to prosper. “I believe alumni should give back because it allows them to pay it forward for the next generation of college students and it helps keep them connected to Marshall University,” said Abbie. “I hope to continue to see Marshall grow and educate the next generation of students. I would love to see it expand its research opportunities and keep building on the success of its science and medical programs.”