The scholarship will support students with financial need who are studying history.
Hiram College has a new scholarship available to students who are studying history, thanks to alumnus Frederick Martin. Martin endowed the scholarship in memory of his brother, alumnus James Kirby Martin, with a gift of $150,000, which will both establish the scholarship and purchase two new vehicles for Hiram College.
According to an article on Hiram College’s website, Shawn Dailey, who serves as the university’s vice president for development and alumni relations, was quoted as saying of the scholarship, “This scholarship reflects not only Mr. Martin’s commitment to Hiram, but also the deep personal meaning Hiram holds for his family. By honoring his brother’s legacy, he is creating opportunities for future students to pursue the study of history—just as both he and James did.”
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who have a demonstrated financial need and who are pursuing history at Hiram College. Fred Martin studied history and political science at Hiram College, earning his degree in 1964. His family has deep connections to Hiram College, beginning with his father, Paul E. Martin, who served as a college trustee for more than 40 years. Fred also served on the Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1996.
According to his Wikipedia page, James Kirby Martin was a Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen University Professor of History at the University of Houston. After graduating from Hiram College with his bachelor degree, he went on to earn his master’s and PhD from the University of Wisconsin. Throughout his career, he taught at the university level, wrote several academic pieces, appeared on the History Channel, and edited several book series. He passed away in December 2024 at the age of 81.
Fred Martin has generously supported the college over the decades through endowed funds, philanthropic initiatives, and serving in various leadership roles for the college.
For more information about Hiram College, visit the school’s website.