Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship

At Viles & Beckman, we believe in the development, enrichment, and protection of our local communities. As a personal injury law firm, we assist injured individuals in obtaining the compensation they deserve. However, we recognize that recovering from a serious injury requires a collective community effort. Our commitment to making a positive impact is reflected in our company-sponsored team serve days, where we actively participate in community service, and our collaborations with local organizations for holiday food and toy drives, among other initiatives.

In 2023, we expanded our community outreach by founding the Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of Empowering Young Minds, Illuminating Futures. Our focus is on supporting children in the community, providing them with the opportunities, skills, and resources they need to succeed in their chosen paths. The foundation was established by our executives, Michael Beckman, Kayla Grayson, and Marcus Viles. Tragically, Marcus Viles passed away shortly after the foundation’s inception, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Marcus Viles was a beacon of hope and inspiration. The son of a rocket scientist, Marcus possessed a brilliant mind and a remarkably generous heart. He believed in treating everyone with kindness and generosity, embodying the philosophy that “you get more with honey than with vinegar.” Marcus’s warmth and inviting nature shone through even in challenging times. He was deeply invested in the well-being of his employees, taking a genuine interest in their families, personal goals, and overall welfare. His vision was to create a workplace where everyone felt valued and knew their contributions made a significant impact.

As a leader, Marcus was unmatched. He was an outside-the-box thinker, a creative innovator, and a true visionary. He always dared to ask, “But what if we could do this?” with a sparkle in his eye, pushing boundaries, challenging limits, and inspiring us to think big and make a lasting difference. Marcus left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Marcus had a profound passion for reading and learning. Establishing a scholarship program was one of his dreams. To honor his legacy, the Viles & Beckman Foundation awarded the inaugural Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship in 2023, shortly after his passing. This scholarship is dedicated to ensuring that our schools and local communities remain strong and supportive environments that uplift and sustain their citizens.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Attend or be accepted to attend an accredited college, university, or graduate school in the United States
• Have a GPA of at least 3.0
• Have legal residency or citizenship in the U.S.
• Adhere to all the terms and conditions of this scholarship
• Submit proof of enrollment, personal identification, and additional required documents
• Author an original 1,000-word essay on the topic provided below

The following people are ineligible to apply for this scholarship.

• Employees of Viles & Beckman, LLC and/or Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc.
• Children of Viles & Beckman, LLC and/or Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. employees
• Applicants unwilling to be interviewed by representatives of Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. upon winning the award
• Applicants who have submitted the same essay or for multiple years in a row or for multiple scholarships
• Previous winners of the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship