Matthew Marroquín
Buena Vista University
Matthew Marroquin, a third year student at Buena Vista University, is a first generation student leader active in addressing quality education for low income populations within the Storm Lake community. For the past three years he has worked closely with local youth mentoring efforts to assists students in preparing for college and learn the skills needed to be successful in their field of study. He is currently serving as the debate coach for a local high school and mentoring 5 first generation college students in their transition to college at BVU. His leadership and ability to put others first is why he is a great candidate for this award. He has helped mobilize and empower many students to get out and serve communities with their gifts and talents.
Personal Statement
Matthew N. Marroquín is a Salvadorian-American slam poet, Education for Service Scholar, and resident assistant at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Marroquín is attaining a degree in theatre and media performance. Service has been a part of his life since childhood from working food banks to aiding students in the college application process. He currently is serving by coaching Speech at St. Mary’s Highschool in Storm Lake and working for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion on campus. Social justice is a core element as seen in Marroquín’s poetry that discusses such issues. These poems have been published in multiple literary magazines. Whether it be organizing Black Lives Matter rallies and protests to helping students - Marroquín always tries to help out those in his community. He takes the title Education for Service to heart.
