MARCH Foundation Makes $20,000 Gift to Alabama State University for Last Mile Scholarships

Montgomery, Ala. - The MARCH Foundation recently visited Alabama State University, and made a $20,000 gift to the ASU Foundation to help students in their last mile to graduation.

The funds given to the ASU Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Initiative, will specifically help students who need emergency funds to graduate from the Montgomery-based HBCU. Director of Development, Audrey Parks, says she routinely speaks with students who are “trying to get an education – and make ends meet.”

“Some students have had to decide between paying a light bill or paying a room reservation fee,” says Parks, a second generation graduate of Alabama State University, who is passionate about her alma mater.?

Parks explains how difficult it is for her to hear those stories, but is inspired by the university’s efforts to assist these students. She realizes how important it is for her to continuously make the extra effort to raise money to support these students.?

MARCH, which stands for Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope, was launched to support the education of African American youth 25 years ago. Board Members – African American executive men, all of whom retired from United Parcel Service (UPS), initially funded MARCH with their personal funds. The philanthropic foundation has distributed more than $2 million in grants and scholarships, impacting more than 2,000 students to date.

ASU’s Parks sees organizations like the MARCH Foundation as a lifeline to so many students who just want a chance. She uniquely has several perspectives about the challenges of the journey.

“It has been my personal mission to be a part of what ASU is doing and has been doing for all of these years.”? - Audrey Parks

In 2016, Parks joined ASU as an Admissions Recruiter at the 156-year-old institution, leading its efforts for the Last Mile Scholarships Program. Plus, she is a proud ASU Hornet Alum and parent, who embraces its rich history of educating thousands of students, and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.?

“So now to be on the side of development and know that we can impact those choices, makes me feel as if this is not just a job, it's a calling and a purpose in life,” Parks says. “Because what I know is that these students are able to finish and graduate.”

“I am a mother of five children,” Parks says. “And four of them have degrees from Alabama State University … ASU is deeply, deeply a part of who we are.”

Parks spent 25 years in banking. In 2010 she decided to make a major life and career change. She enrolled in classes at ASU to earn her Bachelor's degree, and hasn’t looked back since. “I was nearly 40 years old, starting college and going to class for people that were 17 and 18 years old, all throughout the day,” Parks recalls.?

“It was during that journey that I saw what ASU was pouring into our young people," Park says. "And that made me want to be a part of what was going on at Alabama State University.”

From the moment Parks walked on the campus, she set out to make a difference for ASU’s students.?

“It has been my personal mission to be a part of what ASU is doing,” Parks explains, “and has been doing for all of these years.”?

For more information about donating to the MARCH Foundation visit Donate - MARCH Foundation or email [email protected]

#UPS #philanthropy #hbcus