WWW.MARSHALL.EDU/FOUNDATION medals for his exploits, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for Gallantry in combat action. “It was in that terrible war, I finally decided I had enough and resigned my commission to pursue a career in business,” said Dick, after serving 8 years in the military and being promoted to the rank of Major. Residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Dick served as the President of two banks for 20 years and later as the Chief Operating Officer of a large data processing firm. He also served on several corporate boards of Atlanta companies after retirement. Standing out amongst his peers, Dick promoted outdoor adventure programs for his managers at both banks where he worked. He strived to build leadership capabilities and their confidence. The Atlanta newspapers referred to them as “the bankers who swing from trees.” “My education at Marshall served me very well in the business world,” he said. “If there was any single trait I learned while attending Marshall, it was to never quit and always look for a new trail if the one you are on doesn’t get you to your destination.” In 2005, Marshall University awarded Dick with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. While meeting with Marshall President Dr. Jerome Gilbert, Dick asked how he could help develop something for Marshall or for student participation—he wanted something different than the scholarship endowment he funded for the Society of Yeager Scholars or the professorship in the Lewis College of Business. Feeling pleasantly surprised when Dr. Gilbert revealed he had read Dick’s book, On the Edge: Life Changing Adventures in the Wild, he was elated at Gilbert’s suggestion of a student outdoor program. Detailing Dick’s personal adventures and wilderness activities over a 35-year period, On the Edge: Life Changing Adventures in the Wild is filled with stories about what he had learned from those experiences. He wanted to share this plethora of knowledge to other outdoor enthusiasts, as he believes there is much to be learned in the wild. “Of course, I thought this was a great idea,” Dick said. “I know of no other university that had initiated a program of this nature for student involvement.” “Dick Jackson’s Adventures in the Wild: A Wilderness Experience” began in 2017. During the startup year, three classes were ran in the West Virginia mountains near Fayetteville and the New River. Now, four classes are offered. The syllabus consists of team building, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, rafting and survival training. The program is run by Chad Steen, Assistant Director of Adventure Recreation and Youth Programs at Marshall University’s Rec Center. Dick believes the program’s success has been outstanding. “For me to be allowed to coordinate a program like Adventures in the Wild is an honor,” Chad said. “It is an honor to be working with Mr. Jackson, representing Marshall University, and facilitating experiences that impact the lives of our students. Being on these trips and seeing the faces of students as they are presented with all of the highs and lows of the outdoor recreation activities is the sole reason I am on this campus. This program has the potential to bring a dynamic element to student life at Marshall with the leaderships skills taught through adventure sports. And to think that, due to Mr. Jackson’s generous support of Adventures in the Wild, I will get to continue to share those moments with students for semesters and semesters to come creates so much joy for me and really solidifies how lucky I am to be a part of Marshall University.” Dick hopes the next generation explores new opportunities and seeks out the best and most creative solutions to the problems they encounter. He encourages them to give 100% and to be proud of their actions. Today, when asked about his favorite thing about Marshall, Dick will tell you about his class and teammates. “In my earlier days, I never dreamed how important they would be to me and how much I would enjoy their continuing friendship and company as the years passed us by,” explaining a group of them gets together each Homecoming for dinner and tells stories from the past and a few are even true, he said. It seems that Marshall was one of the best adventures Dick Jackson has ever taken. “My education at Marshall served me very well in the business world,” he said. “If there was any single trait I learned while attending Marshall, it was to never quit and always look for a new trail if the one you are on doesn’t get you to your destination.”