Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Viles & Beckman, LLC

Introductory statement Viles & Beckman is committed to strengthening, enriching, and protecting the neighborhoods we serve. As a personal injury law firm, we help people secure the compensation they need after being harmed. We also recognize that recovery from serious injury and the health of a community require collective effort. That commitment is reflected in company-sponsored team serve days, partnerships with local groups for holiday food and toy drives, and other community-focused initiatives.

The Viles & Beckman Foundation In 2023, the firm expanded its outreach by creating the Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose stated mission is Empowering Young Minds, Illuminating Futures. The foundation concentrates on supporting children in the community by offering opportunities, resources, and skills to help them succeed. The foundation was launched by executives Michael Beckman, Kayla Grayson, and Marcus Viles.

Remembering Marcus W. Viles Shortly after the foundation was established, Marcus Viles died following a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Marcus — the son of a rocket scientist — combined sharp intellect with an exceptionally generous spirit. He believed in treating others with kindness, often expressing the idea that “you get more with honey than with vinegar.” Marcus cared deeply about the people who worked with him, took a sincere interest in their families and goals, and worked to foster a workplace where everyone felt valued and impactful.

A visionary leader and creative thinker, Marcus frequently asked, “But what if we could do this?” — challenging the status quo and inspiring others to think ambitiously. His passion for learning and reading was well known, and one of his long-held aspirations was to establish a scholarship program to support students.

The Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship To honor Marcus’s life and values, the Viles & Beckman Foundation awarded the inaugural Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship in 2023, shortly after his passing. The scholarship is intended to help keep local schools and neighborhoods strong and supportive so that community members can thrive.

Eligibility Requirements To be considered for the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be attending, or accepted to attend, an accredited college, university, or graduate school in the United States
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Be a legal resident or citizen of the United States
• Agree to and follow all terms and conditions associated with the scholarship
• Provide proof of enrollment, valid personal identification, and any other required documentation
• Submit an original 1,000-word essay on the topic provided below

Who is not eligible The following individuals are not eligible to apply:

• Employees of Viles & Beckman, LLC and/or Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc.
• Children of employees of Viles & Beckman, LLC and/or Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc.
• Applicants who refuse to be interviewed by representatives of Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. if selected as the award recipient
• Applicants who submit the same essay for multiple years or for multiple scholarships, or who duplicate previous submissions
• Prior recipients of the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship

For questions about the scholarship, required materials, or the submission process, please contact the Viles & Beckman Foundation.