Ball said he was inspired to contribute because of the program’s powerful mission to help students earn their degrees without the financial burden of student debt.
“I think the Marshall For All program is one of the best programs I’ve ever heard of,” Ball said. “It’s a way for a college student to come into school and have a clear path of how to graduate debt-free — and that’s what it’s all about.”
Launched by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, the Marshall For All initiative aims to provide students with a debt-free pathway to graduation. Whether through a tuition-free education for West Virginia residents or other forms of financial support, the program opens doors for students to focus on learning, leadership and service rather than on how to pay for college. Marshall’s goal is to ensure all eligible students can graduate debt-free by the university’s bicentennial in 2037.
President Smith expressed deep gratitude for Ball’s generosity and commitment to student success.
“Shawn’s gift not only impacts a student — it’s reshaping family trees,” Smith said. “On behalf of all the students whose lives you are changing, this gift is incredible.”
The $100,000 donation will directly support the continued growth and sustainability of the Marshall For All program, which is a cornerstone of the university’s broader efforts to expand access, affordability, and opportunity for all students.
“We’re grateful to Shawn for his support of Marshall For All,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “This gift will create more life-changing opportunities for our students and help the program continue to prosper.”
In addition to his significant financial gifts to the university, Ball also served Marshall as a Board of Governors member from 2018-2025.
For more information on the Marshall For All program, visit this link.
The Ball gift was announced during an event at Marshall on Monday where Shawn and Angela Ball of L&S Toyota, the Pack Family Foundation, and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation announced a combined contribution of more than $1 million to the Communities In Schools (CIS) virtual pantries throughout West Virginia.