Silverback Fund scholarship helps student-athlete be best she can be

Pitt State runner Marissa Dick is driven to compete. A Silverback Fund scholarship has helped her to focus on excelling in and out of the classroom.

"I started running in fifth grade," she said. “I have loved it since then and it just keeps getting better." 

When it was time to take her talents to the collegiate level, she was more than ready. She chose Pitt State because of the people, including the coaching staff and the other student-athletes, and a Silverback Fund scholarship. 

"Earning a scholarship to run at PSU made my decision to attend easier," she said. "I was looking for a college that could support me financially, and PSU was kind enough to do that along with so much more. I will never be able to thank my coaches enough for this opportunity." 

Athlete Marissa Dick

She's majoring in Business Administration in the Kelce College of Business. Being both a student and an athlete can be stressful and time consuming, and Dick said the financial support from the Silverback Fund made a world of difference. 

"Having this scholarship has benefited my experience here at Pitt because it has allowed me to focus on excelling as a student and as an athlete without worrying too much about finances," she said. 

When she's not in class or running, Dick enjoys being involved in her church, singing on the worship team, and focusing much of her energy on her faith.  

"I am blessed that Pitt State has given me the opportunity to grow as an athlete and as a person with this amazing community of supporters," she said. "I have dealt with the highs and lows of this sport, but I have grown to know that going through adversity makes you appreciate the high parts even more."

"As a leader, I try to encourage my teammates to be simply grateful for the opportunity to be a college athlete and never to take these years for granted." 

The Silverback Fund 

The Silverback Fund is a unique opportunity for Pittsburg State alumni, friends, and fans to make a direct and meaningful impact on the academic achievement of our student-athletes. Show your Pittsburg State pride by lifting the burden of academic costs for these outstanding Gorillas and helping them achieve success on the field and in the community. Learn more 

Dan Golfs

Pitt State Athletic Director Jim Johnson has organized an adventure with President Dan Shipp to raise $3 million for the Silverback Fund!

Here's how you can participate:

Remote golf: Gather your fellow Gorilla alumni and register to golf with Dan from wherever you are in the world

Make a gift: Donate to the Silverback Fund and invest in Pitt State student-athletes

Attend an Alumni After Hours: Enjoy food, drinks, and experience the progress being made for the Silverback Fund. Register here

Learn more about Dan's adventure & what you can do to help!

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