As an undergraduate, Marcia Fordyce-Steinfurth, BA’94, arrived in Nashville from Washington, D.C., eager to continue her education at another top-tier institution after attending Stone Ridge. At Vanderbilt, she connected with classmates from her hometown as well as peers from a wide range of backgrounds, all while immersing herself in a small-town Southern culture that was entirely new to her. She even embraced the local spirit—buying her first pair of cowboy boots and listening to country music.
During her undergraduate career, she secured an internship at WSMV-TV, Nashville’s NBC affiliate, where she worked as an associate producer and occasionally filled in on evening shifts while completing her degree. After graduating, she remained at the station briefly before returning to Washington, D.C., to join ABC.
“Thanks to my Vanderbilt education and internship experience, I was well prepared to break into the D.C. media market and later transition into a career on Wall Street,” she says. “My interdisciplinary major played a key role in making that possible.”
Now, with a daughter at Vanderbilt, Marcia and her husband, P.R. Steinfurth, have witnessed firsthand how the university continues to help students access professional opportunities. Inspired in part by the lasting impact of Marcia’s undergraduate education, the Steinfurths knew they wanted to give back.
One such opportunity they support is Vanderbilt’s planned graduate campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. Focused on technology, finance and engineering, the South Florida campus will emphasize graduate education and research aligned with the region’s rapidly growing innovation economy.
The Steinfurths, whose private real estate investment company is based in Miami, were motivated by a desire to create opportunities for future students and were early supporters in helping to bring the West Palm Beach initiative to fruition. “We wanted to contribute, with the hope that others would understand that it’s meaningful. We’ve since seen tremendous support from so many people, including land donations to help move the campus forward,” Marcia shares.
As companies relocate to South Florida in droves, the Steinfurths look forward to the impact Vanderbilt’s presence will have on their community.
“It facilitates the kind of networking for which Vanderbilt is known,” Marcia says. “We can help connect qualified students with growing industries in the region. Vanderbilt has already done a remarkable job establishing a presence in major hubs like New York and San Francisco, and this is another key area for growth. There are so many opportunities here and a real need for highly skilled workers, something Vanderbilt students are well prepared to provide.”
The Steinfurths’ most recent gift reflects their continued belief in Vanderbilt’s vision for West Palm Beach and beyond—and in the transformative power of the opportunities that shaped Marcia’s own path. Reflecting on the college experience and Vanderbilt’s unique appeal, Marcia says, “As one of the nation’s top universities, Vanderbilt brings together students from around the world who are driven to succeed. I think that environment really helps others to succeed as well.”
“We can help connect qualified students with growing industries in the region. Vanderbilt has already done a remarkable job establishing a presence in major hubs like New York and San Francisco, and this is another key area for growth. There are so many opportunities here and a real need for highly skilled workers, something Vanderbilt students are well prepared to provide.”
Their investment in the university is ultimately an investment in future professionals who will bolster thriving communities like West Palm Beach. “Giving back to Vanderbilt means expanding access and creating opportunities for more people—strengthening the workforce and society as a whole.”
—Addy Crosby