Professor Marcie LePine gives back to pay it forward

Marcie LePine, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship, knows the difference a scholarship can make. Because of her experience, LePine has always looked for opportunities to support students at ASU.

Marcie LePine, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship, knows the difference a scholarship can make. “I was a first generation college student, and a recipient of a scholarship from my small town high school,” she shares. “It made a huge difference for me, knowing that others had confidence in me, and I had the resources I needed.”

Because of her experience, LePine has always looked for opportunities to support students at ASU. She makes an annual gift for Sun Devil Giving Day, and this year is contributing to the W. P. Carey School of Business Kay A. Faris Emergency Scholarship Fund, which provides critical financial assistance to undergraduate students facing unforeseen hardship.

This fund’s importance was solidified for LePine after a student shared her struggle to purchase course materials. “This student had lost her job and had children, so was in the awful position of having to choose between school and feeding her family,” LePine says.

LePine directed that student to the Emergency Scholarship Fund, an incredibly valuable resource that provides a safety net to students in need.

“I was somebody during my time as a student who needed safety nets as well, and I know the value of that and how important it is,” she stresses.

The theme of reciprocity is central to LePine’s giving philosophy; those who have been fortunate enough to receive assistance also have the opportunity to give back to the communities who met their needs.

“It isn’t just about my impact. It's more than just me. It's everybody participating who can and giving back where they can. We should all give back in order to pay it forward,” she says.

Sun Devil Giving Day is March 17 this year. Visit the ASU Foundation to support the W. P. Carey School of Business Kay A. Faris Emergency Scholarship Fund and other causes you care about.