Allegheny College has a long-held commitment to the understanding, appreciation and celebration of diversity and offers a rich educational experience to its students to prepare them to be productive citizens in a diverse world. One Allegheny trustee is contributing to this rich educational experience by encouraging a more diverse student body.
Robert A. Marchman, Esq., '80 and his wife Fay recently donated $25,000 to Allegheny College to establish The Robert A. Marchman, Esq., '80 and Fay Chin Marchman Scholarship to honor African-American or Hispanic Allegheny students for academic achievement.
And Robert knows the importance of that contribution. "The scholarships I earned while a student at Allegheny were an opportunity for me to demonstrate my commitment to excel," he says. "We intend for this scholarship to provide a similar opportunity to current students who achieve academic success."
The scholarships that Robert received made his college education - the foundation of his success in both career and life - possible. Now an executive at the New York Stock Exchange, he is one of the senior managers leading the Division of Enforcement, which investigates and disciplines member firms and associated persons for violations of Exchange Rules and Federal Securities Laws in order to maintain the integrity of the marketplace. And the Marchmans actively show their appreciation for Robert's Allegheny experience. "This is our way of giving back to an institution that has contributed in many ways to our well-being today," says Fay.
While their generous scholarship will serve as a motivational tool to students today, the Marchmans also hope that the scholarship will contribute to the rich educational experience Allegheny offers to all of its students. "For me, this scholarship heightens the value of an Allegheny education and developing graduates who can give back to the College in a variety of ways," Robert says.
"It's important to support an institution that you believe has helped you to be a success and share the fruits of that success so others can benefit as well," he adds. In addition to establishing this scholarship, the Marchmans have also donated $25,000 to the College's Annual Fund, which supports scholarships, academic departments, the library, athletics, campus beautification and other areas of the College.
Sidebar: Engaged in Our Communities
"At Allegheny, I learned to appreciate the significance of civic engagement and participation," says Robert A. Marchman '80. "I learned how to make a difference by being involved."
Robert is still making a difference - not just on the Allegheny campus as a member of the College's Board of Trustees, but in his own community through his involvement in a number of civic activities. For example, in addition to influencing two sons of his own, he started a mentoring program five years ago at public schools in his hometown of Maplewood, N.J. He has recruited various individuals to visit area schools monthly to discuss issues such as peer-pressure and education with African American 8th grade male students. A product of the New York public schools himself, he knows the importance of the program to these students.
"Helping to ensure a better tomorrow for these children allows us to be a part of the bigger picture: to contribute to society by being part of a process that develops others to be civic and socially engaged - to develop intellectuals that will in turn help the plight of society," he says.
Quotes:
On the liberal arts:
"A liberal arts education like Allegheny's helps to develop the foundation that can launch you into a successful career in business. Skills that are honed with a liberal arts education - such as articulating your thoughts and thinking analytically - are regularly used in the business world." - Robert A. Marchman '80
On experiential learning:
"One thing about my Allegheny experience that has continued to benefit me throughout my career is what is now known as 'experiential learning.' By reading a book, you can learn a certain amount. But when you experience those things, the book comes to life." - Marty Pfinsgraff '77
On giving back:
"The real future leaders and contributors to our society will be those who are educated in environments like that fostered at Allegheny - and that is where my commitment is. We need to support the College - give back so that Allegheny can continue to produce leaders who will improve our society. We need to preserve organizations like Allegheny if our culture as a whole is going to grow and be enhanced." - Bruce McIndoe '79
