Scholarships
Dr. Bill Marion, Jr., First-Generation Scholarship Fund – Closed until Fall Semester 2025
The Dr. Bill Marion, Jr., First-Generation Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) and a group of faculty, staff, and students at Valpo. The goal of this scholarship is to promote student success and retention by assisting full-time, undergraduate, first-generation college students, who demonstrate financial need, achieve their educational dream. A student is considered “first-generation” if neither of the student’s parents/guardians earned a 4-year college degree. A student who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent who did not earn a baccalaureate degree would also be eligible. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and exhibit leadership qualities and community/service involvement.
The scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Bill Marion, Jr., who served as Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Valparaiso University for nearly 32 years. Dr. Marion, Jr. passed away in 2010 following a battle with cancer. Dr. Marion Jr. was an active and strong supporter of the Office of Multicultural Programs and was a recipient of the 2003 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for his significant and sustained contributions toward improving human relations. “The Dr. Bill Marion, Jr., First-Generation Scholarship Fund reflects his commitment, his dedication, his spirit, and his enduring desire to make this University and the greater community, a better place.” (Mark Heckler, Former Valparaiso University President)
The award amount shall be up to $1,000 per student per year. The number of awards and amount of each award will be determined by a committee chaired by the Director of Multicultural Programs in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid. The committee will consult with the Office of Financial Aid to be sure that the federal and University policies are met.
Timeline: Closed until Fall Semester 2025
For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Programs, Ph: 219.464.5306, Email: OMP@valpo.edu.