Class of 1979 graduate and first-generation college student Barry Cosgrove credits most of his success at Marquette to support from the Educational Opportunity Program.
“(The EOP program) was the game-changer for me. It took all the financial stress away, and it gave me some of the biggest role models of my life,” Cosgrove said.
Today, Cosgrove and his wife Ingrid are giving back through a generous gift, which will support first-generation students in the College of Business Administration and those majoring in journalism.
“There is no way I could have gotten into or out of Marquette without the generosity of others,” Cosgrove said. “Now, I’m happy to do the same for future students. My hope is that my funds provide low income, first-generation students the chance to build their confidence and skills. After all, their dreams are just as important and achievable as those who are fortunate to grow up in a more privileged environment.”
Read more about Cosgrove’s story and $1 million contribution to Marquette.
Related Marquette Today content: Marquette receives $1 million gift to support first-generation scholarship
backstory is a regular series of stories that highlights the “why” behind the gift. If you would like to give scholarship aid to students at Marquette University who need your support, please go to this link.