September 4, 2013
When Marilyn and Thomas Price '58CBA exchanged their marriage vows, both assumed that their lives would follow the traditional route and that they would become part of each other's extended families. That's pretty much what happened, although Marilyn quickly found herself as a member of not one but two new families—her husband's biological family and his St. John's University family as well.
St. John's meant a lot to Thomas Price, and he attributed much of his success in life to the excellent education he received at the University's College of Business Administration. And although Marilyn isn't an alumna, it's readily apparent that even though her connection to St. John's began with her husband, it has now taken on a life of its own.
"St. John's was important to Tom," she said, "so of course it quickly became important to me. Although I'm not a St. John's graduate, it's easy to see that it's a wonderful university and a very special place. My husband was a student there many years ago, and he often said that, even back then, St. John's was about teaching students that values were as important as academics. That stayed with him throughout his whole life."
Over the years, Marilyn and Tom enjoyed coming to campus for social, cultural and athletic events. As season ticket holders, they were ardent supporters of the men's basketball team.
Shortly after Tom passed away in 2006, the Thomas F. Price Memorial Scholarship was established to benefit academically deserving students enrolled in St. John's The Peter J. Tobin College of Business who demonstrate financial need. Not surprisingly, Marilyn is among its most generous supporters.
"Not only is this scholarship a way to keep my husband's memory alive at St. John's," she noted, "it's also a way to do something for students who might otherwise not be able to go there. The cost of getting a degree from a wonderful university like St. John's continues to go up, and I know that Tom would be happy to know that this scholarship is helping other young people get a good, solid education—just like he did."
Marilyn also stays connected to St. John's through her membership in The McCallen Society, a group composed of special individuals who have included the University in their estate plans. She enjoys participating in the organization's many social and cultural events held throughout the year while catching up with friends who share her affinity for St. John's.
"The members of The McCallen Society really believe in St. John's, and want it to remain strong in the future," she said. "I'm remembering the University in my will because I know that there will always be students who want to go there but need a little help to make it happen. Over the years I've come to see just how special St. John's is, and it makes me feel good that I'm doing something that I know would make Tom happy. Between the Thomas F. Price Memorial Scholarship and my estate plan, it's nice to know that Tom and I will always have a legacy at St. John's."