Longtime OPRF Rotarian and Brookdale Oak Park resident Jim Marshall has a special place in his heart for education. 75 years ago in Massachusetts his life changed when he received a scholarship that gave him the opportunity to attend college. The impact that had on him as well as the fondness he has for young students gave him the idea to create a scholarship fund for Brookdale Oak Park Dining Employees. On July 25th at the weekly Rotarian lunch at Brookdale, Jim along with Sherly Martin of the Community Foundation, were on hand to present eligible dining employees with scholarships for the 2nd year in a row. This year 14 college students were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship for educational purposes. Kierra Gaddis, Miyah Gipson, Taylar Jones, Brianna Murphy, Eugenio Pina, Alexandrea Polk, Tameka Carr, Jesse Alvarado, Justice Watkins, Jazmin Benion, Elisabeth Orozco, Berenice Pina, and Melanie Range were among the recipients. Rotarian Cathy Yen is amazed by Jim’s generosity. She states, “The Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest is honored to count Jim Marshall among our membership. Youth Service is one Rotary’s primary ways we support our community and Jim is the standard bearer. His scholarship program not only assists incredibly hardworking, deserving young people, but lets them know that we as a society believe in them. We are very grateful for Jim’s generosity and thrilled for the recipients”. Jim, with the help of his family, will continue to promote education and support the young students at Brookdale Oak Park. His kindness and generosity has touched many lives and will continue to do so for many years to come.
