Olivia Burns, freshman elementary education major, is the third generation in her family to attend Marshall University. Her grandmother, Sandra Burns, was the first of their family to attend and graduate from Marshall in December 1971. 

“I was the first in my family to attend Marshall,” Sandra Burns said, my husband, sons, nieces, and a nephew also attended the schooly granddaughter (Olivia) is currently going to Marshall, and I have a grandson planning on starting his first year in the fall.” 

Sandra Burns, her son John Burns and her granddaughter Olivia Burns consider Marshall University a second family. “Marshall feels more like a family than other schools that I have visited,” Olivia Burns said.   

Marshall’s smaller campus is one of Olivia Burn’s favorite things about the university. She has visited her friends at other universities and felt they were all missing the family element that she feels at Marshall. 

Sandra Burns and John Burns take pride in their Marshall alumni status and have encouraged their family to become Sons and Daughters of Marshall as well.“I’m proud to have graduated from Marshall. Although it wasn’t easy, through perseverance, I was able to become a Son of Marshall,” John Burns said.

Their love for Marshall has influenced a multitude of other family members to attend Marshall as well. “If my family had not attended Marshall, I definitely think I would’ve considered other schools more than I did,” Olivia said. “I have always heard good things about Marshall from my family, so hearing those things influenced my decision.” In addition to Olivia Burns, her cousin, Isaiah Burns, plans to attend Marshall in the fall, making him the third generation to attend the University in his family as well. 

“Marshall is very accepting of any student that has a desire to attend. I feel like Marshall has always been very welcoming and cares deeply about all of their students,” said Sandra.

Many qualities of Marshall and its community have provided the Burns’ with a memorable and impactful impression they hope to pass on to future generations. “I feel like the plane crash tragedy makes Marshall feel different.” John Burns said. I think the tragedy brought everyone closer together, Marshall wants everyone’s lives to be remembered and honored and wants everyone currently attending campus to feel important as well.” 

The Burns’ appreciation and love for Marshall University is abundant and has impacted each of them in many ways. Sandra said, “Marshall means so much to me. I loved the school that was helping me achieve my life goal to teach. I taught for about 38 years, and that wouldn’t have been possible without my degree from Marshall University.” 

Marshall University has provided the Burns’ with a sense of family for five decades. Sandra and John hope to pass this on to future generations of their family so that they too can enjoy all that Marshall has to offer and has offered them.

Cameron Collins can be contacted at [email protected]