b'WWW.MARSHALL.EDU/FOUNDATIONEducating Future Generationsrealize I was learning, said Ed, whoTo me, scholarships give students an opportunity to pursue what they love. Personally ensures most of the foundations moneyspeaking, my scholarship allows me to invest myself in the education of others and be able supports higher education.to genuinely enjoy my studies and my future occupation, said Kirsten Hill, a Maier STEM Educator Scholar. I remember the day I received the call for my scholarship like a dream. Throughout his career, Ed has served onI was coming home from school. After the phone call, I remember crying tears of joy and more than 20 boards of various interestsimmediately calling my mom. It was such a great day that literally changed my life.and held leadership positions on most. He believes the knowledge gained fromAs a secondary chemistry education major in the class of 2023, Kirsten is looking forward to those experiences is of the highest value.learning how to become an exemplary educator and equip her future students for success. I have spent most of my adult lifeI aspire to be a teacher that students can rely on and genuinely learn from, whether this working and partnering with non- be chemistry or about life in general. My high school chemistry teacher had such a great profit, charitable organizations. I haveinfluence on my life and I want to be that positive influence on my future students, Kirsten worked with wonderful, able peopleexplained. to accomplish each organizations mission, said Ed.The Scott Depot, West Virginia, native chose to attend Marshall because of the environment While the Maier Foundation has createdand the opportunities it offers students and said she knew she was home when she stepped a path at Marshall that touches nearlyon the Huntington campus. Describing the university as amazing, Kirsten said some of the entire campus, two of the mosther favorite aspects include the class sizes, community, proximity of campus, organizational notable awards are the annual Williamofferings and various other opportunities Marshall offers students. She cites Towers J. Maier Writing Awards - which awardMarketplace as her favorite place on campus because she can hang out with friends or study students for their creativity in variousthere. categories - and the William J. Maier Jr.My greatest challenge as a college student has been separating from my twin sister. She Latin Awards and Scholarship - whichchose to attend West Virginia University. It has been a drastic change in my life, but I still is received by the winner of the Maier Latin Cup and Maier Sight-Translationbelieve that Marshall was the best choice I could have made, she explained.My biggest competitions. Both award assembliessupporter is my mom. She was always supportive of my decision to separate from my twin are held each spring and are highlyand pursue the major I chose.competitive among Marshall students. Kirstens hope for her time at Marshall is that she will grow personally and professionally, For Eds notable dedication to helpingmake connections and enjoy herself.She is looking into extracurricular activities to join and Marshall rise, he has received thecurrently tutors other students in several subjects. Marshall University Alumni Associations Community Service award and wasOn her educational journey, Kirsten is most thankful for the support she received through the inducted into the Hall of Fame atschool system, citing her high Marshalls Lewis College of Business.school teachers and Marshall He was one of the original members ofUniversitys College of Education the Society of Yeager Scholars Board ofand Professional Development Directors, a program that Ed is proud offaculty and staff, who have supporting. In May of 2002, Ed wasalways been helpful when it honored by Marshall University with acomes to decision making or Doctor of Humane Letters degree. offering clarity.She hopes that What I do is rewarding to me. Therealumni realize what a difference are challenges in all types of work, butthey can make when they give what I do is meaningful, said Ed. back.Ed is the proud father of four childrenAlumni should give back and six grandchildren. His wife, Susanbecause they could make such Maier, is a Marshall alumna and spenta difference in students lives, years educating elementary studentsthrough donations, networking as a teacher in Kanawha County,with current students or giving West Virginia. Susan has impactedadvice. I am so grateful for my countless students in Marshall Universitysscholarship donors generosity College of Education and Professionaland cannot thank them enough Development through the Susan Runyanfor this opportunity.Maier Distance Learning Classroom.'