“When I close my eyes and think of Northwestern, I see support. Everybody is willing to help you in any way that they can.”
When Marshall Bell arrived on campus, it was a bit of a culture shock. From millions to a few
thousand, it was a big change for the Houston native who graduated high school with a thousand. Alva is not the biggest place in the world, but it is what you make it, he said. “It’s a big culture shock, but it’s a good experience for me,” Marshall said. “Everyone needs a new taste of life. You don’t need to be in the same place all the time. It’s a good learning experience.” The senior guard was recruited to play basketball at a number of schools, but the friendly, smalltown environment was one thing that attracted him to Northwestern. Coaches Andrew Brown and Shane Hansen attended his practice and games and showed a strong interest in Marshall. “I wanted to be somewhere I was really wanted,” Marshall said. “When I came here, I liked the university and the friendly people, just the good atmosphere that Northwestern had.” Support in the form of scholarships has allowed Marshall to concentrate on his pursuits, on the court and in the classroom. “It’s a blessing because sometimes I overhear a student saying he’s got to go to work,” Marshall said. “He’s got to pay for tuition for a class or room and board. It’s definitely a blessing and a humbling experience because you don’t have to stress about that kind of stuff.” At Northwestern, Marshall is studying criminal justice. Being around family friends in the field and having participated in pistol competitions, he developed a strong interest in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Border Patrol, and FBI growing up. One day, Marshal hopes his Northwestern education will lead to a career as a federal agent. For now, he plans to continue playing basketball, the sport that brought him to the university. “I just love the sport period and meeting new guys all the time,” Marshall said. “That competitive nature that everybody has just brings out the best in everybody. You get to travel and see different parts of the country.” The energy of Percefull Fieldhouse makes for a great atmosphere, Marshall said, but that’s not the only place he gets cheered on. “You can go to any restaurant or anywhere around town and somebody will ask you about the season. They say they enjoy watching you. Little kids look up to you everywhere. It’s a good feeling and it makes you proud to be here.”
Marshall Bell Class of 2013 8 Annual Report 2012