FLINT, Michigan -- Marc Alexander promises his "angels" that he will pay it forward.
In the midst of a credit crisis, the 23-year-old had been rejected seven times for the $16,000 loan he needed to attend Kettering University this term.
But someone out there just couldn't stand to see the star senior quit college.
The anonymous letter came to Kettering's financial aid office just days after his story appeared in The Flint Journal -- enclosed was a $16,000 cashier's check.
Just one simple request from his secret donors: Pay it forward.
"I was just blown away," said Alexander, head of a non-profit organization that helps youth. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me. This was something I'd only seen in the movies.
"It's kind of hard to even express how grateful and thankful I am. I am on top of the world."
A powerful message
Here's the anonymous letter Marc Alexander received with a $16,000 check to pay for classes at Kettering University:
Dear Mr. Alexander,
Enclosed is a cashier's check for $16,000. This is a gift to pay for your classes next term at Kettering. We hope that at some time in your successful future you may find someone in need and "pay this gift forward."
Sincerely,
Flint friends who are grateful for Kettering University and its outstanding graduates.
Everything had been going well for the Pontiac native until a struggling private loan industry last year increased the credit score requirements for loan co-signers.
Alexander, whose family struggled financially, could no longer find a credit-worthy co-signer -- his mom, uncle and three other acquaintances didn't fit the bill.
With 12 classes left to go and $130,000 already accrued in debt, Alexander wasn't sure he'd be able to graduate.
A recent blog blip about his story generated responses from several people asking how they could help.
"What a great young man," one person commented online. "I read many articles about Mr. Alexander after Googling his name and Kettering together.
"He deserves the chance to finish his schooling and make a difference in this world."
The generous gift came just in time for April classes. Alexander taped the letter by his desk at work.
"Anytime I get down, I look at it and smile," said Alexander, who hadn't been able to attend class for nearly a year. "Someone gave me a chance and I'm not going to ruin that."
And he promises to honor the donors' request to "pay it forward."
He and fiance Angela Tremble are already planning to start a scholarship with the goal of offering 16 scholarships at $16,000 per person.
Alexander also wants to work full time as president and CEO of the non-profit Youth of Tomorrow, which helps gear young people toward careers through hands-on experiences.
He started the group after watching youths struggle in his hometown because a recreation center closed. Alexander realized then that "my heart was with the youth."
The non-profit has more than 175 participants in its programs, partners with other non-profits including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and uses Kettering's classrooms and resources.
"What really inspired me is that a lot of the youth I come across remind me of me," said Alexander, who is working to get a main office in Detroit. "They have so much potential but don't have the resources to go above and beyond.
"I had a lot of mentors to help me get to where I am today."
Alexander and his sister grew up in a small apartment in Pontiac. When he was in eighth grade, his single mother was diagnosed with throat cancer, leaving them using food stamps and other assistance.
There were other hardships. Alexander's 26-year-old stepbrother was murdered in 2005 and he met his father for the first time last year.
But the high school homecoming king always stayed focused, said his mother, Rhonda Harris.
"I told him when he first went to Kettering that it would be so much easier if he went somewhere cheaper or closer, " said Harris, of Clinton Township. "But he was so determined to go there. He never gave up on his dreams."
She said the family is stunned by the gift.
"What a blessing. That was so beautiful," she said. "I think he's getting so blessed now because he's done everything he can to give back to his community. He has never forgotten anything or anybody, or where he grew up."
Alexander, who switched from a mechanical engineering to business management major, has two terms of classes left and plans to graduate in December.
With help from another non-profit, he also has started a program in Pontiac called "Future All Stars" that allows students in grades 6-12 to play basketball and includes student referees and even photographers and reporters.
"He's definitely the shining star here at Kettering," said Ella Derricks, Alexander's academic advisor.
Donors won't be disappointed, she said.
"Marc wants the best for kids and I know if he's capable, he's going to help them," Derricks said. "Just reminiscing back on his childhood and how hard it was for him ... there is no doubt in my mind Marc will help the next young person who comes along."