Christopher Grady Marks

Christopher Grady Marks was born on May 4, 1982 in Nashville, Tennessee. Even though he was born in Tennessee, Grady always had a Kentucky heart. As the son, grandson, and great grandson of WKU alumni, he dearly loved WKU. That love fueled his decision to follow the family legacy and attend WKU as well. While on the Hill, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and a student in the Gordon Ford College of Business. He graduated in 2007.

After graduating, he went back to his hometown in Franklin, Tennessee, where he worked in the banking industry and later for Traveler’s in their Surety Bond Division. He was well thought of at work and beyond for his huge personality, his compassion for others, and his ability to make friends with anyone. He loved sports—skiing and golf in particular. He also spent much of his free time with his friends, family, and volunteer organizations, as giving was very important to him.

Grady remained an active alumnus, with an abiding love for his time on the Hill and his role in carrying on a Marks family tradition. He served on the WKU Young Alumni Council and was President in 2012-2013. He also served on the WKU National Board of Alumni in that same year. He was instrumental in the initial fundraising effort of the Young Alumni Council. He assisted with fundraising efforts for the bronzed Big Red statue welcoming Hilltoppers in front of the Augenstein Alumni Center. He also was the leading force in establishing the Young Alumni Council Scholarship Fund.

Grady passed away suddenly on December 19, 2019 at the age of 36. To honor his memory and contributions to the Young Alumni Council, the council re-named the scholarship after him. Through the Grady Marks Young Alumni Council Scholarship Fund, his legacy on and off the Hill will continue in perpetuity.