Family of fallen soldier sets up scholarship in his honor
An endowment has been established at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana in memory of Private Van Ryan Marcum, a former student at the Hope campus. His family recently gave $10,000 to establish the memorial endowment to honor Marcum, who died in 2004 during basic training for the Army.
His aunt, Dolly Henley, said they wanted to celebrate Marcum’s life and sacrifice to his country by establishing the scholarship to help others achieve their dreams.
“Ryan enjoyed life and enjoyed helping people. He would be pleased that his family endowed a scholarship to help students become successful in the workforce,” Henley said in a press release. “We, as a family, have a desire to make a difference in the lives of others through educational opportunity while paying tribute to Ryan’s memory in perpetuity.”
A 2001 Prescott High School graduate, Marcum went on to study at UA Hope, which enabled him to work at various manufacturing jobs. He also earned his journeyman electrician’s license with help from his father, Gary Marcum, an electrician, prior to joining the Army. The scholarship will be given to students who are also pursuing a degree in a technical and industrial field, with preference given to a Prescott High School graduate seeking a two-year general technology degree with an emphasis in industrial electricity.
“The UAHT family is honored to play a small part in celebrating the life of a true American hero,” Chancellor Chris Thomason said. “Private Marcum’s legacy of giving to others will continue through this endowed scholarship by changing the futures of countless others to come, one student at a time.”
For more information, contact UA Hope-Texarkana at 870-777-5722.