When sisters Sarah and Jackie Wazelle each received unexpected news from Marshall University’s financial aid office, they could hardly believe it. They had both been selected for the Marshall For All program. What began as a moment of confusion over a missing $2,000 turned into relief and celebration: both woudl be able to attend Marshall debt-free.
“I was checking my financial aid and noticed $2,000 was missing. I didn’t have $2,000 to pay for college,” Sarah said.
Sarah called her financial aid advisor who informed her she had been accepted to the Marshall For All program-and she’d get to go to school debt-free.
Her sister, Jackie, was in the middle of a shift at Lowe’s in the garden center when Sarah called her. When Jackie checked her own financial aid account, she discovered that she, too, had been selected for the program.
Marshall For All is saving the sisters each at least $2,000 per semester-$16,000 each over the course of their college careers.
“If I had to pay for school, I’d have to take a job off campus, and that would take away from me being able to make connections with my peers that will help me in my career,” sarah said.
The sisters, from Charleston, West Virginia, have taken drastically different paths to Marshall.
Jackie graduated high school in 2020, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She didn’t want to attend college online and chose to enter the workforce and stay home to help care for their then-newborn baby sister, Josie.
Now Jackie’s a thriving natural resources and recreation management major.
“If I hadn’t found the major that I did,I would be struggling much more,” Jackie said. “The way they teach my major is very geared towards people with ADHD or just learn better hands-on.”
Both sisters hope to be the first in their family to graduate from a
Marshall University Family Legacy: A Homecoming Tradition and Future Thundering Herd Member
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A Marshall University family, the Wazelles, showcased their Herd pride during the 2025 Homecoming celebration, bringing a large contingent to campus for Parent and Family Weekend. This visit highlights a multi-generational connection to the university, with even the youngest member already planning to join the Marshall family in the future.
Homecoming Float and Family Gathering
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) Homecoming float for 2025 https://www.marshall.edu/moments/ served as a backdrop for the Wazelle family’s visit. Eighteen family members joined Jackie Wazelle and her family on campus, demonstrating a strong commitment to Marshall University.
A Future Thundering Herd Member
The family’s dedication extends beyond the current generation. Jackie’s youngest sister, Josie, currently in kindergarten, has already expressed her intention to attend Marshall University and graduate with the class of 2042. This aspiration underscores the family’s desire to establish a lasting legacy at the university.
Building a Family Tradition
“As the two oldest of six kids,we have started a legacy,” Jackie Wazelle stated,emphasizing the importance of Marshall University within her family. This sentiment reflects a growing trend of families choosing to build traditions around higher education institutions,fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Marshall University: A Growing community
Marshall University continues to attract students and families seeking a supportive and engaging academic environment. With a focus on student success and community involvement, Marshall provides a foundation for future generations to thrive. https://www.marshall.edu/
Key Takeaways:
* The Wazelle family demonstrated strong marshall University spirit during the 2025 Homecoming celebration.
* The family brought 18 members to campus for Parent and Family Weekend.
* Youngest family member, Josie Wazelle, plans to attend Marshall University in the future, continuing a family legacy.