Tim and Trudy Bucey

Before making the commitment to attend a university, students tour many campuses. On each exploration, they discover things about each university that they like or dislike. Every time a student lands at @[Short2], there are common reasons- the size and beauty of the Huntington campus, the cost of attendance and that nice community feeling that makes them feel at home. For Tim and Trudy Bucey, it was no different.

Tim, a native of Paris, Pennsylvania, attended high school in Weirton, West Virginia, as part of an arrangement between the school districts due to overcrowding. His cousin attended @[Short2] and when Tim began exploring collegiate options, he realized that the cost of attendance at @[Short2] was more economical than attending an in-state school in Pennsylvania.

"The campus extended from Fourth Avenue to Twin Towers and Gullickson Hall," said Tim of @[Short2]'s campus in the 1970s. "It made for short walks to and from class. The size of the school was perfect for me. I didn't want to go somewhere that was small or one that was too large. @[Short2] was just right."

After realizing he was not going to become a major league baseball player, Tim decided the summer after his freshman year of high school to become a sportswriter. Describing himself as quiet and shy, Tim said his parents were shocked by his choice of major. At @[Short2], he got involved with The Parthenon during the second semester of his freshman year. During his time with the school paper, he served as a sports editor and co-sports editor, which helped him become more outgoing.

Tim also played in an intramural bowling tournament, despite only bowling a few times, and won two trophies. He received the high game trophy for his 223 score and winning team trophy, both of which he still has. He also served as a residence hall counselor for two years.

Tim recalls fond memories of living in the dorm all four years, hanging out with friends and traveling to Madison Square Garden in New York City to watch @[Short2] play in the 1967 NIT.

"The following year I went with the basketball team, covering the game for The Parthenon. Unfortunately, @[Short2] lost the first game to St. Peter's in double overtime, if I recall correctly," he said.

Trudy, a native of Bridgeport, West Virginia, planned to attend Fairmont State, but after visiting Huntington, she fell in love with @[Short2]'s campus and knew it was where she belonged.

"The music building was brand new and I spent a lot of time there," stated Trudy, who intended to major in mathematics and minor in music, but became a music major. "My major was comprehensive. I lived in West Hall, now Buskirk, all four years at @[Short2]. The campus was compact and easy to walk everywhere."

Trudy was involved with the Marching Thunder all four years of school. She was in the symphonic band and was her dorm president during her senior year of school. Trudy's favorite thing about @[Short2] is that she met her husband there.

"I knew Tim went to 20th Street Baptist and one Sunday in church, I purposely sat next to him. The rest is history," Trudy said.

"My favorite @[Short2] memory was the first date with a girl who would become my wife," said Tim. "We walked from Trudy's dorm to the Keith-Albee to see a movie."

As 1970 and 1971 graduates, Tim and Trudy were deeply impacted by the tragic plane crash. Tim recalls having eight football players in his dorm wing who perished. Trudy was on campus the night of the event.

"It is still a sad memory that plays a role in who I am today and how @[Short2] came back," said Trudy. "I had my senior recital the week after the crash, and Mr. O'Connell, my clarinet instructor, and I decided to proceed with the recital. I still think that was a good decision."

The couple is deeply grateful for all they learned at @[Short2] and for that reason, they established the Tim and Trudy Strosnider Bucey Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students who are rising sophomores, juniors or seniors, have a 2.5 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

"No matter how large or small the scholarship is, knowing that we are supporting someone who is working toward a future with goals aimed at a positive, rewarding career is a goal for me," said Trudy.

The couple has also remembered the Marshall University Foundation in their estate plans and will expand their scholarship endowment through their legacy gift.

"I love the fact that our @[Short2] education opened doors for us that we can provide a scholarship. We belong to the Old Main Society (which recognizes those who have remembered @[Short2] in their estate). The certificate hangs on a wall in our home," said Tim. "We know that our names will be linked to the university forever."

Trudy believes it just "made sense" to remember @[Short2] because of what the university means to them. The Buceys believe it is of great importance to support the university because education and educational opportunities are essential to succeeding in today's rapidly changing world. Tim, who substitute teaches, hopes to afford students who aspire a career that requires a four-year degree the opportunity to obtain one.

"College is expensive these days and we've been blessed with careers that have provided enough for our family from our education at @[Short2]. We wanted to share it with students of today," said Trudy. The couple hopes the next generation is accepting of others, but also independent, critical thinkers, skills that are valuable to make the world a better place. They encourage today's students to seek endless opportunities and use their college years to develop lifelong skills.

"Give your best effort. There is a time to enjoy college, but the priority must be put on learning," said Tim, who hopes @[Short2] will continue to be known for its friendly, welcoming campus.

"The opportunities that await you are endless, so use these years to develop skills that will enable you to learn throughout your life. And have fun."

The Buceys have three children and nine grandchildren. Their daughter, Diana, completed her internship in nutrition and dietetics at @[Short2], where she also earned her masters degree.