Owensboro, Ky. (April 10, 2015) – Kentucky Wesleyan College announces another significant investment in the college from the estate of 1955 graduate and Owensboro native Tom Browning Marshall Jr., who passed away last year in BatonRouge, La., where he had lived since 1957. The gift of over $314,000 will support the Jane Forgy Speech and Drama Award, an endowed scholarship named in memory of the former professor of speech and theatre, who served on the Wesleyan faculty from 1951 to 1974before her passing in 1978.
“This is another great day for growth at Kentucky Wesleyan College,” remarked President Barton D. Darrell. “Tom Marshall’s investment in the arts at our college not only creates more opportunities for young people, but also recognizes and highlights one of the many incredible professors associated with Wesleyan – former and current. On behalf of the entire Wesleyan family, I want to express our gratitude and appreciation for Mr. Marshall and Professor Forgy.”
Dr. Randy Capps of Bowling Green, Ky., a 1957 graduate, said of the announcement, “Browning Marshall was a very good student and a wonderful person. He was quite fond of Jane Forgy, and I am not at all surprised that he chose to honor her in this way. She was an excellent professor.”
Professor Forgy’s daughter, Sarah Jane Mitchell of Nashville, Tenn., remarked, “This is such a tribute to my mother and her commitment to her students. She would have been so pleased, and we are honored that after all these years, she has been remembered in a way that will help the college for which she cared so deeply.”
Professor Emeritus of English Joe Britton ’56 added, “Jane Forgy was an advocate for hard work and success. It is marvelous that a student who graduated 60 years ago never forgot this remarkable teacher,” said Britton. “I remember Browning Marshall as friendly and studious, and I am so pleased that he honored her efforts through helping future generations at his alma mater.”
Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Communications Alan Denton ’74 of Malco Theatres in Memphis, Tenn., described his professor as “a delight.” Mr. Denton remarked, “She stretched us. She wanted us to branch out and see new perspectives. What a marvelous gift in honor of her dedication.”
Mr. Marshall served as a U.S. Navy reservist on active duty for two years before he moved to Baton Rouge. He was employed by Continental Service Life and Health Insurance Company and by American Liberty Life Insurance Company.
Wesleyan Vice President of Advancement Tom Keith said, “This is a great example of how a student’s meaningful experience with a faculty member can lead to lifelong engagement with an institution. That’s what Wesleyan is all about.”
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