At the Thanksgiving ceremony for public relations maven Marcia Erskine on April 13, 2024, two scholarships in her honor were revealed.
Roshal Marshall, Erskine’s daughter, informed the attendees that a $15 million Marcia Erskine Scholarship Fund will be established by the family to “help create and educate the next wave of women journalists at The University of the West Indies.”
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In closing, she paid a moving homage to her mother and announced that the scholarship would “honor her legacy of love, community, and mentorship”.
Marshall remarked on the unique bond she had with her mother and how her mother had embraced her chosen course in life.
Tears welling up in her eyes, she replied, “She prepared me, loved me, nurtured me and now she’s left me — and I miss her beyond reason.”
“But I’m trying to take comfort in that, that all I have to do is miss her, and though the pain of her absence often feels overwhelming it pales in comparison to the gratitude to have known such an extraordinary woman. There are no regrets, only cherished memories and a legacy of love that will never fade because, in a way, she lives in me and Machel, in my children, in all who loved her and whose lives she touched,” Marshall remarked.
“Thank you for imprinting my life with your boundless love, wisdom, and praise. I will love you forever, I will miss you forever. I wish we had more time together, but it was enough. Thank you for everything, mummy,” She spoke while shedding many tears.
The program at the burial included further information on the scholarship.
It stated that the scholarship, created in honor of Erskine’s outstanding contributions to public relations and journalism, “will provide full tuition for three years of studies at UWI, ensuring that talented and deserving female students have the opportunity to pursue their passion for journalism” enabling them “to make meaningful contributions to the media landscape of the Caribbean and beyond”.
Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) chairman and founder Gary Williams revealed the second scholarship during his homage, recalling Erskine’s significant involvement as a board member in the organization.
He stated, “To honor her work and legacy, COJO will be presenting the Marcia Erskine Scholarship. The first presentation will take place at our upcoming scholarship awards luncheon next month.”
