Volunteer Spotlight: The Impact of Brother Marwan Marouf
For years, the FIRST® in Texas community has been strengthened by the generosity, leadership, and vision of Brother Marwan Marouf of MAS Dallas. As a League Coordinator and dedicated Venue Host, Marwan’s commitment has shaped countless experiences for students, coaches, and volunteers across North Texas.
A Welcoming Partner in STEM
In 2021, FIRST in Texas began a partnership with MAS Dallas under Marwan’s leadership. From the very beginning, he opened the doors of his community’s newly renovated facility to robotics teams.
Lon Cherryholmes, FTC North Program Delivery Partner, recalls his first encounter: “My first encounter with Brother Marwan was in October 2021, when I visited MAS DFW for a facility feasibility check. He greeted me warmly, always had a smile on his face, and gave me a tour of the newly renovated facility. He wanted to host as many robotics competitions there as possible."
Fast forward to the end of the season, Marwan told Lon with a smile, “we’re happy to host again, again, again, and again”—and they did.
Marwan’s vision was simple but powerful: create a space where families, volunteers, and students could come together to learn, compete, and celebrate STEM.
What made MAS DFW stand out was not just its beautiful venue, but the warmth that Marwan brought to every event. He ensured teams had everything they needed from smooth logistics to free meals and refreshments, always making the robotics community feel welcome. Though he offered the space at no cost, FIRST in Texas provided the standard League Coordinator stipend, which MAS DFW graciously reinvested into the community.
Uno MAS Qualifier
Marwan’s commitment has consistently gone beyond providing a venue. During the 2021–2022 FREIGHT FRENZY season, a winter storm forced the cancellation of a key qualifier in Coppell just weeks before the Regional Championship. Dozens of teams faced the possibility of losing their season. Within hours of the weather clearing, Marwan stepped in to host a rescheduled qualifier at MAS DFW, rearranging his own community’s calendar to ensure that students wouldn’t miss their chance to compete. The event, playfully named the “Uno MAS Qualifier,” became the prototype for what is now known as the “Last Call Qualifier.”
Building for the Future
Marwan has also played a foundational role in launching ITKAN, the nonprofit that has since become the largest and fastest growing robotics organization in North Texas. Between 2021 and 2023, he dedicated MAS DFW’s second floor as a makerspace and workshop for ITKAN’s first teams, helping to nurture FTC 19564, FTC 21330, FRC 9128, and multiple FIRST® LEGO® League teams. Working alongside Dr. Mohamed Ebeida, Marwan piloted the ITKAN concept, which has since grown to serve more than a dozen FTC teams locally and many more globally.
Dr. Mohamed Ebeida, the founder of ITKAN, said, “His contributions for the past four years to STEM education and the community are extraordinary. His commitment made it possible for hundreds of young people to experience robotics in an inclusive environment. He has opened doors with civic leaders, council members, and mayors from Richardson, Irving, Plano, and Arlington.”
A Living Legacy of Generosity
Between 2021 and 2024, MAS DFW, under Marwan’s leadership, hosted eight league meets, one qualifier, and an off-season “Marvel Cup” event. Yet his impact cannot be measured only in numbers. It lives in the students who find a safe, welcoming place to explore STEM; in the volunteers who feel cared for and appreciated; and in the coaches who know they can always count on his support.
Today, Marwan continues to support FIRST in Texas by working side by side with volunteers, coaches, and families to expand opportunities for students across North Texas. His example reminds us what the heart of FIRST in Texas truly is: people who give of themselves to lift up students and open doors for opportunity.
Beyond STEM, he is active in outreach and community service. Last year, the City of Richardson issued a proclamation honoring him for facilitating the delivery of 100,000 hot meals during the 2020 pandemic to hospitals, schools, and frontline workers. All his combined efforts go to show that Brother Marwan is providing for people’s needs and providing for students’ need to prosper in their education and careers.
We are grateful for all that Brother Marwan continues to contribute, and we look forward to building on his vision as the FIRST in Texas community grows.