Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe’s tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to educational equity exemplify the principles of service and leadership that defined her illustrious career. Her remarkable accomplishments are a testament to the profound impact that one individual can make in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Marjorie demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and community service throughout her educational journey. She earned her bachelor’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees from the University of Arkansas, complemented by a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.
In the 1980s, while serving as the Displaced Homemakers/Women in Transition Program Coordinator at Northwest Technical Institute, Marjorie recognized a critical barrier hindering single parents from accessing higher education: unexpected expenses. Determined to address this issue, she spearheaded a grassroots effort that would later evolve into the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County (SPSFBC). Collaborating with generous volunteers and donors, Marjorie founded this organization in 1984, providing crucial financial support to single parents striving to break the cycle of poverty. In 2021, Single Parent Scholarship Funds of Benton County and Northwest Arkansas combined efforts. Under Marjorie’s guidance, these initiatives have collectively awarded over $17.8 million in scholarships to 21,435 single parents in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington Counties, catalyzing transformative change for countless families and communities.
Her relentless advocacy for single parents garnered national recognition, with President George W. Bush honoring her with the President’s Community Volunteer Award at the White House in 2002. Her dedication was further acknowledged with the Community Service Award from the State Department of Human Services and the Governor’s office in 2005. In 2012, her alma mater, the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions, celebrated her as an Outstanding Alumna in Education, a testament to her enduring impact on the community and beyond.
Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that education, coupled with unwavering dedication, can have on individuals, families, and society. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, resilience, and the steadfast belief in every individual’s potential to shape their destiny.
SPSFNWA Co-Founder
12/16/33 to 3/3/2013
