AAJ Presents the Judson Legacy Award posthumously to Marian Clay Schott Jackson
Always A Judson was honored to present this year’s Judson Legacy Award posthumously to Mr. James Jackson and his daughter alumna Julie Short in honor of his late wife and recipient Marian Clay Schott Jackson. The presentation took place on Sunday, December 8, at this year’s Judson Legacy Tea.
Marian's husband, daughter, and other family members attended the special presentation in her honor.
“Her dedication to the students of Judson College, the alumnae and continued legacy of our treasured institution through Always A Judson continues to inspire other alumnae even in her absence,” stated Laurie Gruenloh, AAJ Vice President.
Marian’s love and passion for the college was sealed during her freshman year of 1959-1960. She left school the following year to help care for her father after his sudden heart attack and began working to contribute to the family resources, a choice that would later lead her to the man of her dreams, Pharmacist James Jackson.
She quickly became an honorary alumna of Judson and later, sister and mother to two Judson College graduates. In 2015, Marian joined the Judson College Board of Advisors by request of the late President Dr. David Potts and filled the position originally held be her sister Carol Schott, class of 1965, after her untimely passing. Marian’s love and activity for Judson never ceased through her own personal illnesses as she was an active member and later President of the Greater Mobile Area Alumnae Chapter.
Her encouragement to persevere with the efforts of the Judson Legacy Project through AAJ to save the college artifacts and protect the history was a ‘breath of fresh air’. She would ask so many questions about what was happening on the campus, what could we do, etc. and yet, always end the conversation with the question, ‘what can I do to help?’ She took ownership of her beloved Judson College, fostering healthy relationships between our alumnae and promoting a successful path for the future of our Judson story even with the unexpected changes that stymied so many others. She was a ‘quiet’, trustworthy leader with remarkable strength that touched many lives.
“This would have meant the world to my mother who always regretted that she didn’t finish her degree, but always felt like a true Judson girl,” said Marian’s daughter and alumna Julie Short. “Sometimes, my brothers and I wondered if she loved Judson more than us at times!”
Marian’s husband and daughter along with several other family members were in attendance for this special presentation to honor her unwavering commitment to the Judson Legacy and on that will not be forgotten by so many.
