A Conversation with René and Marilyn Grace

Behind the Why is the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association's Q&A series that takes a deeper dive into the donors and stories that make up our Coyote community. This week's donors are Dr. René and Marilyn Grace of Piney Point, Maryland. Supporters of student scholarships and equal opportunities, the pair established the René E., Marilyn S., & Sara Vivian Grace Scholarship Endowment in 2019. Read on to understand the "why" behind their support and what role USD has played in their lives.

Tell me about your connection to USD.

I (René) was an undergraduate student at the University of South Dakota from 1959 to 1961, though I don't hold a degree from there. I am a native of South Dakota, having lived in several different communities. As a high school student, I didn't pay much attention to higher education, and it wasn't until I graduated high school from Havre, Montana, that I realized a university education was likely going to provide me with the best basis for a career. Being an in-state resident, I applied to USD and was accepted. Since my parents were not able to finance my education, I realized I was on my own and decided to hitchhike from our family home on Lake Enemy Swim, Waubay, to Vermillion. The university was able to find me a part-time job as a plumber's assistant, and I was able to find several additional part-time jobs. One of which was colony keeper for the colony of Rhesus Maques, which was maintained by the department of psychology. In addition to working and being involved in Greek life as a house boy at a fraternity, it was during my time as colony keeper that I realized my main interested was in medicine, leading to me taking my MCATs as a sophomore. I applied to the USD Medical School and also the Medical School at George Washington University in Washington, DC. While I was accepted into both and ultimately chose the latter, I feel that I really found myself at USD.

What inspired you to establish this endowment?

I really dedicated myself to my studies at USD and in retrospect, the education I received was excellent. Even though I supported myself while at USD, I had help. I was awarded the Hepzy Moore Cook Scholarship which amounted to $500, and when paired with the part-time employment they helped me find, USD helped me in ways I will never forget. So, I guess the inspiration behind this endowment is to show my gratitude to the institution that helped me find my way. There are students who study hard and are excited to work, and still have financial barriers. Mrs. Grace and I feel that we have been blessed and want to share that - want to help with those financial barriers.

Why is philanthropy important to you and Mrs. Grace?

We are blessed to have paid our debts and really enjoy helping others. The University of South Dakota is important to me - it is there that I realized I could care for myself without having to depend on anyone or anything else. That time prepared me to go on and contribute to the world, especially when I volunteered to join the Navy for duty in Vietnam. That time in my life showed me the power of giving back.

What do you hope to accomplish through the René E., Marilyn S., & Sara Vivian Grace Scholarship Endowment?

I hope to encourage other students, especially those pursuing math and science, to continue their hard work and studies. I want to show students and alumni it's worth it and will pay dividends. As an alumni, whether you give through estate planning or a trust, it's important. As my mother always said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I guess that's what I'm trying to do.