Bond 219
J. Willard Marriott graduated from the University of Utah in 1925 with the vision of becoming a world renowed business leader and philanthropist. Soon after college, J. Willard started his first business with wife Alice. It was a nine stool root beer stand called the "Hot Shoppe." In 1927 he soon expanded into airline catering restaurants and inn 1957 he opened Marriott Twin Bridges Motor Hotel. In 1972 J. Willard's son took over as CEO. In the early 1980's the hotel count was at 75, but by 1989 it it had reached 539. The two divisions of the Marriott corporation are worth in excess of one billion dollars.
His philanthropy contributions are a model to all successful businessmen. He was involved in national civic and political affairs from the 1950's until the 1970's. He attended various presidential inaugarations, the National Republican Committee and conventions, and the candidacy of George Romney.
In 1985 Brother Marriott passed away. In his memory the Utah Alpha chapter
now displays a painting of him in our downstairs living room. In his passing
he directed his family to challeng Utah Alpha to develop, and raise money to form
a scholarship in his name. He also stated whatever money we raised his estate
would match it. The following year through alumni support we raised over $25,000.
Today that account is worth more than $85,000 including the $25,000 they donated.
Each year since we give a $2,000 scholarsip to the Utah Phi that exhibits the same
community, educational, and leadership qualities that Brother Marriott portrayed
throughout his life.
