His loss connected the Harcum community to one of the defining events of our time in a deeply personal way. Behind the numbers and historic images was a young man with a family, friendships, aspirations, and an enthusiasm for the performing arts.
A passionate actor, Kevin understood the unique power of theatre to bring people together, communicate ideas, evoke emotion, and tell stories. His connection to the arts makes the way his memory lives on at Harcum particularly meaningful.
A Place to Remember
In the years following Kevin's passing, the Marlo Family found a way to honor Kevin that would extend his memory into the life of Harcum and into the futures of its students. With the restoration and advancement of Harcum's Little Theatre, a lasting tribute to Kevin and to the art he loved was created. Today, the theatre bears his name: the Kevin D. Marlo Theatre.
For Harcum, it is more than a theatre. It is a space dedicated to remembering Kevin and a space for students to embark on their future. Kevin's life may have been cut short, but the values he represented—creativity, expression, connection, and the pursuit of one's passions—continue to find a home at Harcum.
Remembering Through Opportunity
The Marlo Family's connection to Harcum also led to the College's creation of the Kevin D. Marlo Scholarship. Established in Kevin's memory, the scholarship provides partial tuition support to Harcum students who demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Since its inception, the annual scholarship fundraising event, Kevin D. Marlo Golf & Racquet Classic, has raised more than $1.5 million and awarded financial support to over 100 students.
"Receiving the Kevin D. Marlo Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express. It has allowed me to focus on my education without the constant stress of financial burden. It has also eased pressure on my family and gave me the freedom to pursue my goals with greater independence and determination." said James Mallon, anticipated 2027 Physical Therapy Assistant and Scholarship recipient.
Each scholarship recipient represents a continuation of something that Kevin never had the opportunity to experience: the unfolding of a future. Through their education, their accomplishments, and the lives they go on to lead, these students carry forward a legacy that began in remembrance.
A Personal Connection
At Harcum, Kevin D. Marlo provides a personal connection to the remembrance of that tragic day. September 11, 2001 was not simply a moment in history but a collection of individual tragedies—thousands of people whose lives, families, dreams, and communities were changed forever. Kevin was one of those individuals. And because of his family's connection to Harcum, his story has become part of Harcum's.
The Kevin D. Marlo Theatre ensures that his name remains visible. The scholarship ensures that his name is associated with opportunity and education. Together, they provide tangible reminders that remembering someone can mean more than looking back. It can also mean carrying something forward.
From Despair to Hope
As the world marks the 25th anniversary of that tragic day, nothing can ever undo the devastating loss the Marlo Family experienced. But they chose to respond to that loss by creating something that would endure. They helped create a place where students could experience the arts Kevin loved. They established a scholarship that helps students pursue their education. And they allowed the Harcum community to become part of the continuing remembrance of Kevin's life.
At Harcum College, Kevin D. Marlo's name lives on in a theatre filled with creativity and in a scholarship that helps students pursue their dreams. His story lives on in the students who walk through Harcum's doors.
For more information on the Kevin D. Marlo Scholarship and how you can contribute to continue his legacy, please visit the Harcum website.
About Harcum College: Founded in 1915 as the first college in Pennsylvania to grant associate degrees, Harcum College is a private, residential college located on Philadelphia's historic Main Line. A leader in career-focused education, Harcum provides students with outstanding preparation in 20+ in-demand programs including Dental Hygiene, Early Childhood Education, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Veterinary Nursing. With a commitment to experiential learning and personalized support, Harcum empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Courses are offered on-site at Harcum's Bryn Mawr campus and at regional partnership sites, as well as online.
SOURCE HARCUM COLLEGE
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