Mrs. Marcia Walton Lawrence

Established in 2003, the purpose of the Marcia E. Walton Scholarship is to assist the dreams of a second-year, non-traditional female student at Jefferson Community College whose plans are to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a degree in teaching. Marcia was an outstanding teacher who was dedicated to her students and is described as a leader, an influence, and motivator. She continues to be an inspiration to students and is an example to all.

Marcia E. Walton was born July 14, 1945 in Watertown, N.Y. She grew up outside of Redwood, N.Y. on a farm just north of Alexandria Bay. Marcia graduated from Hammond High School in 1963. After high school, she began her studies at JCC and graduated in the first Graduation Class earning her Associates of Applied Science in 1965. Marcia then transferred to SUNY Brockport, earning her Bachelors in Health and Physical Education. Upon graduating from Brockport, she returned to JCC in 1968 and became the First Full-Time Women’s Physical Education Instructor and developed the First Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Program where she organized and coached women’s basketball, softball, Sportdays and was the Cheer-leading Advisor. After two years of teaching and coaching, Marcia left JCC to earn her Master’s Degree at SUNY Cortland in Outdoor Education and Recreation.

She was then hired at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY where she was hired again to develop and organize a Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Program and to teach Physical Education and Recreation majors. After eight years at HVCC, Marcia was hired by Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY to develop a curriculum in Recreation Leadership where she coordinated and taught that curriculum until she retired in 2000. While at OCC, Marcia also was a Chairperson for the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Leadership Department, developed a nationally recognized Wellness Program for College Administrators and served on numerous committees. While at OCC, Marcia was awarded the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1985. When she retired, she was awarded Professor Emeritus status.

Upon retirement, Marcia returned to her roots and bought a home on the St. Lawrence River where she continued her passion working with students at JCC in the Advising and Counseling Department during the summer months. She also taught golf for the Community Education Department. During the winter months, she and her husband would winter in Southwest Florida.

Marcia continues her drive and enthusiasm for education through this scholarship. She continues to support the dreams of students in the North Country. She has made outstanding contributions to higher education and is an inspiration to other women pursuing their educational ambitions.

Jefferson Community College is honored and grateful to Mrs. Marcia Walton Lawrence for establishing this scholarship and for continuing to be an outstanding role model and teacher.