The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary Friday at its annual Celebratory Gala in the District. The foundation is the oldest and largest need-based scholarship organization that supports United States military families. Gardner is the foundation’s director of communications and investor services. Who will be recognized at the gala?
We have 1,636 students, and several of those students will be attending the ceremony. Of course, we will be recognizing those students. In D.C., we’re going to recognize the Microsoft organization for their support of education. That’s our main honorary for the D.C. gala. Our student speaking is Thomas Jefferson III, who might be enlisting as a Marine Corps officer.
You just received an additional $575,000 for scholarship funds. Where does the money come from, and how many students do you expect to help?
The scholarships come from individuals in the metro D.C. area as well as corporations that have a presence here. The significant amount of the dollars comes from corporate sponsors as well. It will support annual and endowed scholarships. Last year we awarded $5 million in scholarships. This year, we’ve experienced a 25 percent growth, so we know we will go over that $5 million mark.
What is the mission of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation?
Our mission is easy: We honor Marines by educating their children.
What is your favorite part of working for the foundation?
It’s the kids and their parents. These are really remarkable kids. They have recently gone through 10 years of war and have seen their parents being deployed. Some have even lost their parents. We become a part of their military family and their military community. It’s part of the honor of serving this country.
— Roxanne Turnbull
