Jim Marshall '74 and Deborah Marshall '79 both were already proud Aztecs when they had their first date tailgating at an SDSU football game in 1981. Now—almost four decades later, married for 35 years and both retired—they frequently sport the red and black as dyed-in-the-wool, never-miss-a-football-game-when-in-town Aztecs for life.
Grateful for the educations that launched their careers and just as grateful for the athletic connections that are such a huge part of their lives, the Marshalls have made a bequest through a trust that will support SDSU athletic programs long into the future.
Jim began his journey at SDSU majoring in psychology and drama with a minor in english and participated in a lot of plays. Deborah majored in business management, graduating with high honors with distinction in her field as a member of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and as a member of Beta Gamma Sigma; she also did graduate work in information systems. They didn't meet until after both had graduated.
"Our continuing connection with the university is based on our connection with student-athletes and with athletic department staff, administration, and coaches," the Marshalls say. "We consider them our extended family."
And both Marshalls are extremely active "family" members. Besides being regular donors, football and basketball season ticketholders, and Aztec Club members, Jim is on the executive board of the Aztec Club and a member of the Campanile Foundation Athletic Committee and the Inter-collegiate Athletic Committee.
The Marshalls' have named SDSU in their estate to create a fund in their names that will provide financial support for student-athletes at SDSU and for the athletic department. The Marshalls say they chose to give via a bequest because it provides flexibility for them and for the university.