This fund was established in loving memory of West Liberty graduate James G. Marsh by his wife Phyllis and children James Matthew and Melissa Marsh in 1999. Marsh received his physics degree from West Liberty in 1960 and taught high school in Follansbee, W.Va. until earning his master’s degree from West Virginia University. Marsh then began working for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. He climbed the ranks as a highly respected scientist and team leader, and he was a key player in many NASA missions. Marsh fostered international cooperation and collaboration, and developed extensive investigative ties with the astrodynamics, geophysics, geology and oceanography communities. He wrote and co-wrote over 80 peer-reviewed publications.He received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 1980 and the Silver Award from the French Space Agency in 1981. Marsh also played a key role in the successful French-American satellite TOPEX/Poseidon, which was launched a year after his death in 1991. He was honored at the World Space Congress in Washington, D.C. in 1992 by NASA and the French Space Agency.
One incoming freshman will be awarded with a four year scholarship.
Requirements: Eligible students must be a West Virginia resident entering with a declared major in math or science. Students must qualify for financial aid, have a strong work ethic, and provide a letter of recommendation from a high school math or science teacher.