The University of West Georgia is pleased to announce the Lois Martin Endowed Scholarship. Lois’ son, Dr. Frederick “Rick” Martin, established the fund in honor of his mother. Dr. Martin started this fund in 1988 as an annual scholarship, benefiting more than 50 students. The now endowed scholarship, totaling $70,000, will be awarded annually to students majoring in biology or chemistry, and with an interest in pursuing a medical degree. This year’s recipients want to return to Carrollton and help those within the community.
Lois Martin was born in Clayton County, Alabama in 1911 on a farm with her parents and nine siblings. Lois moved to Carrollton with her husband, Thomas Watson Martin, after World War II. After her husband passed, Lois served both parental roles for Rick. Lois worked in the College Street lunchroom where her son attended school, and went on to hold various jobs in Carrollton, many in sales to support her family.
Rick Martin graduated from West Georgia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1973. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine and did his residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. In 1981, Dr. Martin returned to Carrollton and began a private practice in OB-GYN. Dr. Martin and his wife were in attendance for the scholarship signing along with UWG Vice President for University Advancement Dave Fraboni.
Dr. Martin spoke of the love and care his mother took to show him the value of hard work and perseverance.
“My success is not purely my own, but I would not be in the place I am today without the tough, but loving, influence by my mother and hero,” he said.
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