IT Student Catherine Marshall Leads FSU Relay For Life to Raise Over 120,000 Dollars

Posted by Fionnula Ulik on

As the executive director of Relay For Life at Florida State University (FSU), Information and Technology (IT) student Catherine Marshall manages all of the organization’s fundraising efforts. This year, Marshall led Relay For Life of FSU to raise over $120,000. 

“Hosting a big event like this is a lot of work and very stressful. I was glad to see that it paid off and that everyone was smiling,” Marshall said. 

Relay For Life team members celebrating their final fundraising total.
Relay For Life team members celebrating their annual fundraising total.

FSU’s Relay For Life is an on-campus branch of the American Cancer Society that fundraises, educates, and advocates for cancer research. While they host several events throughout the year, the final one is their largest: an all-night walk to symbolize a cancer patient’s journey, and the cancer that never sleeps.

“I relay to bring hope to people walking along that road; to bring light to those who most need it,” Marshall says. 

Marshall (left) with Cimarron and Associate Director Samantha Stokes.

Marshall began her involvement with Relay For Life four years ago. In that span, she has participated in various programs and teams, working her way up to the executive director role where she had the goal of realigning the organization with its original mission. To achieve this, Marshall took several initiatives including consistently hosting monthly events to increase brand awareness and participation, and developing more engaged fundraising teams. Each of these built towards their fundraising goal of $108,000 in honor of it being Relay’s 18th year on campus.

By the end of their final Relay event on April 13, they significantly surpassed this number, amassing a total of over $123,000. The event included numerous speakers throughout the night and even an appearance from FSU Marching chiefs to raise spirits. “My favorite part was seeing everyone have so much fun,” Marshall said.

Marshall describes how she is thankful for the doors Relay For Life opened for her and how it taught her to be a leader. When asked about her advice for other students on campus hoping to get involved in a leadership position, she said, “Don’t be afraid. There are so many resources on campus and advisors who are willing to help you excel. People often see things in you that you might not recognize yourself.”

Congratulations Catherine and Relay For Life on their successful year in advocating for Cancer Research!