College Receives Estate Gift Supporting Education Program
Campus News

Franklin College has announced an estate gift of $100,000 establishing the endowed Ted Marston Teaching Fund. The gift comes from the late Ted L. Marston, a long-time trustee and his late wife Alma “Elaine” Marston, both alumni of the college.

The Marstons had a lifelong passion for education. They established an original fund in 2011 to provide support for promising young Franklin College students pursuing careers as educators. This estate gift will be added to that fund to create a permanent endowment, increasing its impact for education students. It will provide financial assistance in support of the college’s Education program, including student financial assistance, virtual technology needs, support of the Marston Education Curriculum Resource Center and department-related travel.

“We are very grateful to the entire Marston family for this gift,” said Franklin College President Kerry Prather. “Ted and Elaine were committed to lives of service, and their generosity has enabled many students to pursue a college education. Their affinity for the teaching profession is reflective of Ted’s early career as a classroom teacher, and this endowed fund will enhance the historically successful Education program at Franklin College.  The resources will immediately impact our program and its students, but they will ultimately also enhance the lives of the many students our graduates will influence as teachers.”

The Marstons are a part of Franklin College history. Ted, a 1951 alumnus, served in many roles at the college including on the Board of Trustees for 20 years, five of them as Board Chair. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the college in 1992 and was elected as a lifelong Honorary Trustee in 2002.

He and Elaine, a 1952 alumna of the college, met while attending Franklin and married in 1950. They have two children, Michael Marston, a 1992 Franklin College alumnus and resident of Edwards, Colorado; Melissa (Marston) Schulz, a resident of Louisville, Kentucky; and eight grandchildren. Ted and Elaine shared their lives together until Ted’s death in 2016. Elaine passed away in late 2020.

“On behalf of my entire family, I am pleased and proud to be able to provide this type of support for deserving Franklin College students and members of the Education department,” said Michael Marston. “My parents were very proud of their Franklin College history, and our entire family loves the institution as a result. They worked tirelessly in support of education, human rights and equality for all. The fact that we will be able to have an impact on future educators is particularly fitting, as those are the very people who will shape young minds, and ultimately, make the world a better place. I know my parents would be gratified to see this gift supporting Franklin College in this way.”

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

 

POSTED Feb 8, 2021