Toby Bright ’77

Supporting graduate student momentum 

Aerospace engineering alumnus Toby Bright ’77 understands how unconventional a student’s educational path can be — and how powerful the right support can be at the right moment. That belief inspired him to establish the Dr. James F. Marchman III Graduate Fellowship in the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering.

As an out-of-state student from West Virginia, Bright faced significant financial pressure during his own time at Tech. Despite his determination, he was forced to pause his studies twice to work and earn the money needed to continue. The experience left a lasting impression. 

“I experienced firsthand how financial pressure can disrupt even the most determined students,” Bright said. “That stayed with me and shaped my belief in supporting students at critical moments.”

Bright credits the College of Engineering with playing a meaningful role in his personal and professional development. He spent 28 years at Boeing before helping launch Jackson Square Aviation, an aircraft leasing company, and retiring in 2019 as its president and CEO. Participating in the Moraco Fellowship Challenge offered a way to give back while helping today’s graduate students maintain momentum and focus on their research rather than financial uncertainty.

The fellowship is named in honor of Dr. James F. Marchman III, professor emeritus of aerospace and ocean engineering, whose mentorship had a direct and personal impact on Bright’s path. At a pivotal time in his college career, Marchman provided encouragement, summer work in the wind tunnel, and research opportunities — support that offered financial relief while building confidence and hands-on experience that shaped Bright’s future.

Through his fellowship, Bright hopes recipients gain the freedom to fully engage in their work and pursue bold ideas. “I want students to have the space to take intellectual risks and turn curiosity into real‑world solutions.”