Leaving a legacy

 By Kathleen Poti

Marjorie Williams learned at a young age that hard work and determination can lead to success. But she never thought it would allow her to leave a legacy at the College of Business Administration. 

Williams, who majored in supply chain and marketing with an entrepreneurship minor, grew up as an only child in the Detroit area. Both of her parents were police officers and instilled the importance of a strong work ethic. They encouraged her to try new things, and she participated in cheerleading and drum line while attending Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills.

When it was time to look at colleges, a relative recommended Williams tour BGSU. 

“I attended preview day, and it was the best day of my life,” she said. “Everyone here was genuinely nice, and I was accepted on site.” 

Williams was encouraged to apply for the Alumni Laureate Scholarship (ALS) after her ACT scores were reviewed. Those who receive the ALS award obtain full tuition reimbursement and a $1,000 book scholarship. This opportunity excited Willaims because, after visiting BGSU, she knew that she wanted to be a Falcon.

Williams also received a full scholarship offer from another university but she really wanted to attend BGSU. She was afraid to tell her family and friends that she wanted to turn down the other scholarship to become a Falcon. 

Williams’ dilemma eventually solved itself when she found out that she had received the ALS and would be able to fulfill her dream of attending BGSU. 

“BGSU is an easy place to become the best version of yourself,” Williams said. “I feel like a better person because I have been exposed to different people and experiences. There is a place for everyone here at BGSU, and if you don’t find it you can create it.”

Not only did ALS provide Williams the financial means to attend BGSU, but it also helped her become more involved on campus. She is a part of the Honors College, a College of Business Student Ambassador, a member of the Supply Chain Management Association and the Women in Business Leadership student organization. She is on the Dean’s Advisory Council and has completed three internships while attending BGSU. 

Williams worked in brand marketing at Marathon Petroleum Corp. in Findlay, in purchasing at Sanoh America in Findlay, and at Toyota in Kentucky. Upon graduation, Williams will work as a purchasing specialist for Toyota in Ann Arbor, Mich. 

She is excited for her journey and plans to stay connected to BGSU. 

“I feel like there is so much more to do now with my BGSU degree,” Williams said. “I probably would not have been able to go to school at BGSU if alumni didn’t give back. I want to give back financially. It is important to give back.”

Although Williams has been actively involved in the College of Business through the variety of groups and organizations, she still felt she could be doing something more impactful. She decided to leave a legacy by doing something that would continue to benefit the CBA while keeping her connected to the school. 

Coincidentally, her Honors project brought the perfect opportunity to the table. As part of the Honors College, seniors are required to complete a project. Williams was inspired by the Women in Business Leadership (WIBL) organization to do something pertaining to diversity within the CBA. She saw how successful WIBL was in bringing women together and decided to do her research on the current diversity statistics within the CBA while gathering peer and external opinions. From there, Williams worked with Dean Braun to create the Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion (DACODI). This council is modeled after the BGSU’s President’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion (PACODI).

Williams was inspired to create DACODI within the College of Business as a way to help student organizations be aware of diversity and to use it to better include everyone. She does not believe there is a diversity problem within the CBA, but wanted a special council to help make sure that everyone felt welcomed and involved. She will act as the alumni chair for DACODI and continue to be involved. 

Through hard work and determination, Williams successfully found a way to impact the school that gave her so much, and allowed her to return the favor.