Student representative brings strong leadership and passion for community engagement to the Foundation
TUCSON, AZ — August 27, 2025 — The Marshall Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria deGrasse to its Board of Directors as the student representative for the University of Arizona. deGrasse joined the board in August 2025, continuing the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting education, community engagement, and leadership development.
Originally from Phoenix, deGrasse is pursuing a degree in Accounting at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, with plans to double-major in Entrepreneurship. Her professional experience includes a Property and Casualty Claims Internship with State Farm in the summer of 2025, and she is set to join Protiviti in Chicago as a Business Performance Improvement Intern in the summer of 2026.
In addition to her academic and career pursuits, deGrasse is deeply engaged in volunteer service and student leadership. Through the Eller Leadership Board, she has mentored incoming freshmen and volunteered annually with Junior Achievement, experiences that reinforced her dedication to supporting under-resourced communities and expanding educational opportunities. She currently serves as Vice President of Programming and mentor for the Eller Leadership Board, is a member of the Eller College Dean’s Council, and is active in the Chi Omega women’s fraternity.
“We are delighted to welcome Maria to the board,” said Kelly Huber, Executive Director of the Marshall Foundation. “Her leadership at the University of Arizona, combined with her passion for service and dedication to enhancing student experiences, will be an asset to the Foundation and to Main Gate Square.”
deGrasse looks forward to contributing her perspective as a student leader and engaging with peers at the University of Arizona. “I am incredibly proud to serve on the board of the Marshall Foundation. The Foundation is giving me the opportunity to further help students and engage with my community as I help carry out its mission’
Outside of her academic and volunteer work, deGrasse enjoys rock climbing, painting, and hiking.
About the Marshall Foundation & Main Gate Square
The Marshall Foundation, headquartered near the University of Arizona main campus in Tucson, was established in 1930 as a philanthropy to support education in Arizona. Its giving is funded by retail leases on commercial properties within Main Gate Square, real estate acquired over time by founder Louise Foucar Marshall beginning in 1903. Today, Main Gate Square is home to more than 50 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, two full-service hotels, all within steps of the University of Arizona main gate at Park Ave. and University Blvd.
For more information about the Marshall Foundation and its philanthropic initiatives, please visit www.marshallfoundation.com.
