Pamela Marshall ’24 CPS—Soldier and Student

Pamela Marshall grew up in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and had given no thought to becoming a career soldier until the day she accompanied a girlfriend to an Army recruitment office. Her friend had the intention of joining the military and Pamela did not. Nonetheless, on a lark, that day she took the Army recruitment exam, not understanding that it was used to place recruits into appropriate training. She scored well and, for the first time, considered a military career. Taking that test was, she says, the best “mistake” she ever made. With the support of her family, Pam joined the United States Army at the age of 17, where she completed a total of 27 years of combined active duty and National Guard service.

In the Army, Pamela saw the world and her travels took her through North America, Europe and Asia. Her specialization was Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (“NBC”) warfare. While serving in the military, Pamela was also able to earn an associate degree. With that in hand, she hoped that she would be able to continue her education and secure a bachelor’s degree.

In 2009, Pamela retired from the Army but not from service. She joined the National Guard and continued to do the work she loved so well. She eventually settled in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, where she now lives with her mother, daughter and grandson. Following her retirement from the military, she soon realized that to develop a new career, she would need additional education. Suddenly, completing her bachelor’s degree took on increased importance. Through a U.S. Army program designed to assist veterans as they successfully transitioned to civilian life, Pamela made the choice to attend Villanova University. When she visited campus for the first time, Pamela knew that Villanova was a special place. She remembers how welcoming every single person was, taking the time to be sure she connected with the right departments and offices so that she could register. She is a woman of great faith and appreciates that the Villanova community is supported by the Augustinian virtues of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas.

Currently a sophomore, Pamela is enjoying her time here. At this stage of her life however, becoming a college student is not always easy, especially during a pandemic. As with most households, Pam’s experienced a somewhat difficult year in 2020. Pamela took her freshman year classes entirely on-line, working and studying from her home, while she cared for her mother and for her young grandson. She also experienced the loss of her father during the pandemic. So far, this year is proceeding much more smoothly.

Pam will say now that the best part of being a Villanova student is taking part in campus life, which “rejuvenates” her every day. But some bumps in the road remain. Pam had to re-learn how to study and overcome awkwardness with her classmates, who typically are much younger. She is enrolled in the College of Professional Studies, where her major is Information Systems and Technology. Yet, she continues to rise to meet all challenges and is now considering pursuing a Master’s degree.

There is no doubt that a Villanova education is a gift to Pamela. Likewise, there is little doubt that she is a gift to the community. All students benefit from having opportunity to share classes and college experiences with Pam and her student veteran colleagues.

Villanova generously supports student veterans through participation in the Yellow Ribbon program, providing an essential supplement to G.I. Bill benefits which eligible veterans receive to pursue their education. Your support of this valuable program allows Villanova to welcome more talented veterans on campus. For additional information on how you can help, please contact Tim McKinley at 215-240-0812 or timothy.mckinley@villanova.edu.

Our veterans served us well. What better way to say “thank-you” than to help them achieve a Villanova education.