Francis J. Marx V, a Richboro, Penn., native and a member of Fairfield University's class of 2004, has been honored with an esteemed business school scholarship of $21,000 to be used toward his senior year tuition for 2003-04.

The William G. McGowan Scholar award, available to students enrolled in accredited business schools throughout the United States, rewards applicants who achieve academic excellence, demonstrate leadership skills, show an intellectual curiosity, display entrepreneurial potential, and are involved in campus and community activities.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc., is a Washington, D.C.-based philanthropic organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to students continuing their educations in selected academic institutions. The fund is named after its late founder William G. McGowan, one-time chairman of MCI Communications Corp.

"I think that it's a great opportunity to showcase some of our top students," said Aaron Seymour, assistant dean of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

"In having won the award I truly hope that I'm going to be able to live up to the ideals that Mr. McGowan set forth in his life and I also hope that winning the award will motivate me to continue with a strong work ethic and allow me to pursue a graduate business education," Marx said.

The fund found its origins in McGowan's struggle to finance his own education. After being accepted to Harvard University for graduate work, he realized he would not have enough money to pay for his first year. Searching for a solution, McGowan, whose home state is also Pennsylvania, stumbled upon a scholarship program that allowed him to finish his studies at Harvard.

Today a new generation of scholars is benefiting from McGowan's generosity, as Marx, a finance major and economics minor in Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business, enters into his final year at Fairfield.

In the past three years, Marx has immersed himself in campus activities, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, a freshman participant in the university's S.K.I.L.L. Leadership program, a member of the Finance Club, and current captain of the Fairfield University men's crew team. The crew team was recently honored with a Student Leadership Award for "Most Outstanding Student Organization," as a result of the team's volunteer work at the Malta House Shelter for Homeless Women in Norwalk, Conn.

Marx was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society, in his junior year. The Dean's List student also boasts membership in the academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest honor society for undergraduate students. Beyond the classroom, Marx has pursued internships at AXA Advisors and the Curley Adjustment Bureau. His volunteer activities include tutoring grade school children through the North End Boys & Girls Club, in Bridgeport, Conn., and serving as both a driver and mentor for Woods Services, a housing facility for the physically and mentally challenged based in Langhorne, Penn.

Thanks to a scholarship from the Institute for Study Abroad, Marx had the opportunity this past semester to study in the United Kingdom, traveling to the University of Bristol, England.

Returning from his study, Marx commented on the honor of being named a McGowan Scholar. "It's been an encouraging experience. There was a great deal of uncertainty and at no point did I feel overconfident in getting it," Marx said. "That success is extremely encouraging to me to work hard and continue my success not only next year but in the future as well."

Going into his senior year, Marx plans to continue his studies in the realm of finance and is currently interning in the GE Capital Financial Management Program, a ten-week summer program geared toward familiarizing students with the company.

Posted On: 06-23-2003 09:06 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 332