Tusculum University is celebrating the legacy of Marion Edens, a distinguished former staff member, with a proposed endowed scholarship that aims to continue his impact on students for generations to come.
During the 2025 Homecoming Alumni Meeting, Jim Owen ’60 and Richard Winant ’69 reflected on the lasting influence of Marion Edens at Tusculum, sharing personal stories that illustrated his deep commitment to students and athletics. Their remarks emphasized the profound impact Edens had on generations of Pioneers through his leadership, mentorship, and service to the university.
Pictured are Ralph Horne ’57, Jim Owen ’60, and Richard Winant ’69. Not pictured: Ken Stiritz ’60. These dedicated alumni have been instrumental in advancing the Marion Edens Scholarship initiative and have long championed efforts to honor Edens’ enduring legacy. Their passion for Tusculum and its students reflects the Pioneer spirit that continues to unite alumni across generations.
Pictured are Ralph Horne ’57, Jim Owen ’60, and Richard Winant ’69. Not pictured: Ken Stiritz ’60.
Marion Edens, a 1932 Tusculum graduate, earned letters on the Pioneer football team from 1929 to 1932 and later served as Tusculum’s athletic director, head football coach, men’s basketball coach, and head baseball coach. In 1983, he was inducted into the Tusculum Sports Hall of Fame. Beyond athletics, Edens was instrumental in student recruitment and financial support, often going above and beyond to ensure students could attend Tusculum.
One alumnus, Commander John Redden ’65, recalled receiving a last-minute scholarship from Edens through his local church, enabling him to pursue flight training in the U.S. Navy. Another alumnus, the late Walter Johnson ’70, shared that Edens personally loaned him tuition funds, further exemplifying his commitment to students’ success.
Institutional Advancement at Tusculum is now coordinating with an anonymous donor to establish a scholarship in Edens’ name, recognizing his lifelong contributions to the university and the community. Edward Roberts, vice president of Institutional Advancement, said, “Mr. Edens made a profound difference in the lives of students. We are honored to support the development of this endowed scholarship and encourage individuals to impact our students with a gift in memory of this distinguished member of the Tusculum family. The donations will transform students’ lives and put them on the path to being career-ready professionals.”
To reach endowed status, a scholarship must raise $25,000. Roberts said generous donations have already been received, but additional support is needed to fully fund the scholarship. The Edens Scholarship has already raised more than $67,000 toward its $100,000 goal, with a matching gift opportunity from Jim Owen ’60 and other donors increasing the impact of contributions.
Dr. David Bow, professor of sport science and a former coach and athletic director, recalled some of Edens’ lighter moments in athletics, including a basketball game against Carson-Newman University where the opposing coach disputed a one-point loss and a game at Lincoln Memorial University where the baskets were six inches lower than regulation.
Roberts noted that the Edens scholarship initiative originated with the anonymous donor, who as a child knew Edens and wanted to honor his lasting impact.
Support the scholarship:
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To donate to the Marion Edens Scholarship: https://giving.tusculum.edu/the-marion-edens-scholarship-challenge
For more information, contact Edward Roberts at eroberts@tusculum.edu or call 423-636-7303.