Alumni Spotlight with Marquis Jessie '96

Marquis ended his Brown career as the school's all-time leading rusher. His record was broken in the 2001 season but his 3,028 career yards still rank him 10th all-time in League history.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major was and how you came to the Ivy League.

I was born and raised in San Jose, California in a middle-class family. I have an older brother and both of my parents worked coming up. At Brown I was a Biology major on the pre-med tract. I was recruited and played both football and baseball at Brown.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

I never gave much thought to Ivy-League institutions until my senior year in high school when I was recruited by a few of the schools for football. In California, they are not as coveted as they are in the East. The tradition is not as well known. Everyone knows about Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Few know about the other five schools that make up the league.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

I knew that these were some of the brightest students in the country. I knew that a lot of my classmates were amongst the wealthiest in the country. I also knew that I was going to be of the minority in the school… and I was.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

I can only speak from my Brown experience. Brown is a lot more liberal than many of the other ivy-league institutions. One learns a lot about other cultures. There is political correctness that Brown ingrains into its student body. One has to truly experience it to understand.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

I looked forward to the opportunity to play collegiate ball and compete on the highest level, academically. Brown offered me this opportunity.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

There were no issues adjusting to Ivy League life as an African-American male, for me. Things were no different. No matter where you are in the United States as an African-American, you are going to be a minority. Once you leave the campus of a historically black college, you are going to be a minority. This is America. I was realistic about that. My biggest issue was leaving California and relocating in the East. I was a little homesick but that changed once classes and football games got started.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

Defeating Columbia as a sophomore has to be the height of my college football career. However, being a part of both the football and baseball teams at Brown were some of the best times of my life. I cherish the memories.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

Ali. He represents black consciousness in not only the athletic but also the political ring. Many athletes today, avoid political opinion despite their power to make change. Many are unwilling to hold an opinion on political issues that may jeopardize endorsements etc. He is not such a person.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My parents had the biggest influence on me growing up. They provided role models for hard work and stressed the importance of education.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

Athletics can provide a means for funding higher education through scholarships etc. They can provide brief respite from the world of academia and also provide a means of maintaining one's fitness. Keep in mind that few individuals have the opportunity to play at the professional level so be realistic in your goals. Know that you may be gifted athletically but there are many others with similar ability. To "make it" requires hard work as well as some luck. If it is your dream to become a professional athlete, keep your confidence and believe in yourself because at all levels you will be discouraged. Also remember that at all levels eligibility to participate requires a certain standard of academic achievement. Just as you strive to be the best on the sporting field so you should strive to be the best in the classroom.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

Broaden your realm of experience. Schools are not just looking for individuals who can score high on achievement tests. They are looking for individuals who can get along with people, who have character and can positively contribute to the respective schools legacy as both a student and alumni. Be active in the community, athletics, band, theatre, etc.

How has your experience in the world of Ivy League athletics aided you in the day-to-day dealings in your career?

College athletics, whether SEC/PAC-10/ or Ivy-League provide you the strength to be able to work with a team, with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities and motivations. Being able to function in such an environment and to work towards a common goal is an attribute that is priceless in all aspects of life regardless of your eventual area of specialization. I am in the medical field and team oriented people function well in this sector. You would be surprised how many ivy-league graduates are among you in the workplace. Being a graduate always provides a source of conversation and means by which folks regardless of race can find commonality.

What advice would you give to current African-American student-athletes of Ivy League institutions about what lies ahead after college?

Take advantage of the schools resources, take the opportunity to network with fellow students and faculty, keep in touch with your friends after graduation, most of all enjoy the learning experience.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***