Rider names veterans' center for alumnus who earned three degrees

Dr. Eugene Marsh Center marks first university space named for Black alumnus

Gabrielle Saulsbery//November 19, 2021

Rider University dedicated its campus’ veterans affairs office to Eugene Marsh, described in a university announcement as “a passionate student, war hero and dedicated veterans’ advocate whose moving personal journey inspired widespread admiration.”

Marsh earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2013 and 2018 respectively from the university, and was posthumously awarded his doctorate in 2021 after dying in January from complications of COVID-19.

He had been working toward his doctorate at the time of his death. He was enrolled in Rider’s Doctor of Educational Leadership program and had already completed part of his dissertation.

The Dr. Eugene Marsh Center for Veterans and Military Affairs is the first space at the University to be named for a Black alumnus.

From left, Courtney Billington, veteran & president, Janssen Neuroscience; Gregory G. Dell'Omo,Rider University preisdent; Elaine Walker Marsh, the late Eugene Marsh's wife; and Craig Kramer, mental health ambassador and chair, Global Campaign, Johnson & Johnson at the dedication ceremony for the Dr. Eugene Marsh Center for Veterans and Military Affairs at Rider University on Nov. 11, 2021. — From left, Courtney Billington, veteran & president, Janssen Neuroscience; Gregory G. Dell’Omo,Rider University preisdent; Elaine Walker Marsh, the late Eugene Marsh’s wife; and Craig Kramer, mental health ambassador and chair, Global Campaign, Johnson & Johnson at the dedication ceremony for the Dr. Eugene Marsh Center for Veterans and Military Affairs at Rider University on Nov. 11, 2021. – PETER G. BORG/RIDER UNIVERSITY

More than 150 of Marsh’s family and friends raised $97,000 toward their goal of $100,000 to renovate and rename the office, and to relocate it from the back of campus to its new and more centrally located home in Rider’s student center, the university said in a Nov. 19 announcement.

The dedication coincided with the University’s annual Veteran’s Day ceremony on Nov. 11 “as the committee was confident its fundraising goal would be imminently achieved,” the university said.

Marsh was one of 13 children, growing up in South Carolina in the 1950s during an era of segregation. His mother, who inspired him to pursue education, was illiterate.

After high school, where he was one of the first Black students at a previously all-white school, Marsh enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He earned the Bronze Star for Valor in combat, the U.S. Army Medal and the Vietnam Veteran Medal.

He sought education later in life, enrolling in Mercer County Community College to earn an associate’s degree in 2010 and then transferring to Rider.

Those interested in supporting The Dr. Eugene Marsh Center for Veterans and Military Affairs can do so here.