Gift from Candace Castle Marsellus ’61 Supports First-Generation, Low-Income Students
The alumna's commitment establishes a fund to help admitted students’ financial needs.
Photo from the Colby Echo, VOL LXIII NO. 5, October 30, 1959.
By Katherine Morrison
Sixty-four years after commencement, Candace “Candie” Castle Marsellus ’61 still regularly speaks with six of her Colby classmates, proof that the bonds she formed decades ago remain unbreakable.
These friendships and a lifetime of memories are at the heart of her recent generous $100,000 donation to Colby’s FLI Program, the first-generation/low-income program that provides the foundation and building blocks for success during a student’s time at Colby.
As a student, Marsellus was active in numerous campus activities, leaving a lasting impression on her. She majored in psychology, served as captain of the cheerleading team, worked as a campus tour guide, contributed to the Oracle yearbook, and pledged to Sigma Kappa.
Her generosity reflects a long connection to Colby, education, and the values that stayed with her long after she left Mayflower Hill. She received a master’s degree from Syracuse University and then worked as a school guidance counselor and psychologist to help young students realize their potential. Now, through this gift, she continues those values in a new way.
“Candie’s love for Colby was shaped by the campus experience, her education, and lifelong friendships,” said Candie’s husband, John. She and her husband continually reunited with many of her Colby connections over the years.
“Colby has been a part of my life for over 60 years,” she said. “I want to help first-generation students enjoy that same sense of pride, belonging, and educational support I received.”
Click here to support Colby’s dedication to ensuring the most talented students have access to the best possible education.