FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications, 304-696-7153

BrickStreet Insurance gives Marshall $1 million to fund scholarships

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - BrickStreet Insurance today presented Marshall University with a gift of $1 million that will be used to fund scholarships, Greg Burton, chief executive officer of BrickStreet, announced.
The presentation took place in BrickStreet's Charleston offices. 

Earlier this fall, Interim Marshall President Gary White announced a "Strategic Scholarship Growth Initiative" to secure private support to help students of need in pursuing a degree in higher education. This endowed gift from the BrickStreet Foundation supports this initiative and will provide scholarships for medical students in the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and general students at Marshall University.

 "With this gift, BrickStreet is helping our students achieve their potential and change their lives," White said. "We are truly grateful to this generous community partner. BrickStreet Insurance continues to support Marshall University in so many magnificent ways."

 Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of the school of medicine, said medical school debt "is a concern for all of us."

 "Generous gifts, like this one from BrickStreet, have a direct impact on our students which allow us to train compassionate, competent doctors who ensure grateful patient experiences," Shapiro said. "Our program is so appreciative that Greg Burton and BrickStreet directed this important gift to scholarships."

The scholarships will fall into two  groups.  In the first group, preference will be given to students from families of a parent who is either permanently, totally disabled or has unfortunately died from a workplace injury.  In the second group, the scholarships will be available to the general student population based on financial need and grades.

"We are honored to help support tomorrow's workforce, helping the next generation succeed in West Virginia and across the region," said Burton. "There's no substitute for education; it's our hope this gift will create opportunities for students to develop skill sets that are vital to be competitive in today's job market."

BrickStreet will be involved in the selection process through a scholarship committee composed of employees of BrickStreet Insurance and representatives of Marshall University and/or the Marshall University Foundation.

"This endowed gift from the BrickStreet Foundation lives forever," said Dr. Ron Area, CEO of the MU Foundation. "The income generated from this fund helps students from families with need.  It gives students an opportunity to pursue higher education and their dreams.  We commend BrickStreet for its foresight in this area."

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Photo: From left, Greg Burton, CEO of BrickStreet Insurance; Gary White, interim president of Marshall University; Dr. Joseph Shapiro, dean of Marshall Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine; Dr. Ron Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation; and T. J. Obrokta, president of BrickStreet Insurance, participate in a ceremonial check presentation Dec. 17.

Date Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2015