Grantham University awarded the Gold Star Memorial Scholarship to Gold Star wife Marie Mackey-Fahey. Mackey-Fahey was married to Staff Sergeant Bryant Wayne Mackey, U.S. Army, who was Killed In Action in February 2008 in Mosul, Iraq. Mackey-Fahey plans to use the Gold Star Memorial Scholarship for her education to allow her children the chance to use the survivor’s educational benefits.
KANSAS CITY – During today’s Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, Grantham University and the entire stadium honored the life of United States Army Staff Sergeant Bryant Wayne Mackey, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty in Mosul, Iraq in 2008. Grantham University awarded Mackey’s wife, Marie Mackey-Fahey, the Gold Star Memorial Scholarship. Mackey-Fahey was joined on the field by the Mackey’s three children, Grantham University Board of Governors member Lieutenant General Thomas G. Rhame (Ret.) U.S. Army, and Grantham University’s Interim President and Provost Dr. Cheryl Hayek, Chief Operating Officer and Campus President Steve Waldron, and Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christine Shelly.
The 2016 Gold Star Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Mackey-Fahey on the field during the second half of the game.
“We are proud to present this award to Marie,” Hayek said. “She and her late husband represent the mission of Grantham University founder, Donald Grantham, to provide education opportunities to those who sacrifice and serve our country. Grantham University goes beyond simply awarding a scholarship. Coupled with this award is Grantham’s known high touch support team to help her through her chosen degree program and see her through to graduation.”
Mackey-Fahey and her family were overwhelmed with gratitude as the entire stadium honored the life of her late husband.
“I am so very grateful for this wonderful opportunity; it makes me so grateful and happy that there are still people and organizations that care and are willing to help and support Gold Star families, and that their sacrifices are not forgotten and will not be forgotten,” Mackey-Fahey said.
The scholarship was awarded as part of Grantham University’s week of events to recognize the contributions of military veterans and active duty service members. The veterans week activities began on November 4 with volunteering at the biannual Heart of America Stand Down event in Kansas City supporting homeless veterans. Events will continue through November 12. To see the complete list, go to https://www.grantham.edu/in-the-news/grantham-university-will-hold-week-events-honoring-veterans/.
About Grantham University: 2016 marks Grantham University’s 65th birthday. Established in 1951, today the University offers more than 50 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates. Grantham University is nationally recognized as one of the top military-friendly colleges in the country, and is proud to support and honor its military students, faculty and staff. Possessing a keen understanding of the challenging military lifestyle is an important part of the university’s mission to help its military veteran and active duty student population achieve their goals by earning a quality, relevant higher education.