Marcus Shaw

One of my favorite things about Marcus is that his curiosity and love of learning are so evident. He challenges himself to get involved in the campus, but he doesn’t stop at the activities and organizations that share his identities. Marcus works multiple jobs including as a most beloved and consistent OPAL Student Coordinator who has been a pivotal leader in Dartmouth’s Black Legacy Month celebrations, championing black art, music, and fellowship. He extends his warm and welcoming presence to his volunteer work around sexual assault prevention, and he engages across communities supporting his peers at PRIDE, international student events, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I remember being not surprised to see him participating in a weekend long writing seminar hosted by the Native American Program. He has also been a budding activist and volunteer beyond Dartmouth’s borders with the Poor People’s Campaign, Teen Empowerment, and as a Center for Social Impact intern serving the less fortunate not from a distance but walking alongside them.

Let me share two short examples that will tell you who Marcus is beyond a scholar and leader. First, staff and faculty often remark that he is the last student in the room. He commits fully and deeply; he is there from setup to breakdown and goes the extra mile. Second, during his internship, Marcus befriended a woman who was battling homelessness and cancer. Most people would be sympathetic but arms-length. Not Marcus. He developed a relationship with her, calling her a mentor who shared her inspirational life with him during visits to the hospital.

Marcus is that unifier that everyone wants on their team. With his calm demeanor, sly wit, fair, and inclusive spirit, he gets things done. It has been a delight to watch him grow and step into leadership, and it has been an inspiration to watch him show up for others. His leadership powers lie in his ability to galvanize peers with his thoughtful, strategic, and positive style. Since earning the William S. Churchill Award during his first-year, Marcus has not stopped contributing to making Dartmouth a place where everyone is welcome, can show up as themselves, and be seen and heard. Marcus, thank you for your leadership. It is our honor to present you with this Legacy Award.