The Temple Symphony Alliance Board of Directors held a tea in honor of Mary Alice Marshall’s 100th birthday on March 9 at the home of Mary and Neal Locke.

Though Mrs. Marshall won’t be an official centurian until Dec. 23, Kathy Kay, board president, said the TSA wanted to honor her for the many contributions Mrs. Marshall has made to the Temple community.

Mrs. Marshall has been a long-time supporter of the arts, primarily via the Temple College music department.

In 1953, she wrote the words and the music for Temple College’s fight song, “Go, Fight, Win!” Ever since, she has been working to help music students achieve their education, both as teacher and as scholarship founder. The TC Performing Arts Center was named in her honor.

At the March 9 tea, Mrs. Marshall surprised her hosts by giving them a performance of the TC fight song.

“She said she hadn’t played it since more than 30 years ago,” Mrs. Kay said. “But she amazed us all. She can still belt out a song and tickle the ivories.”

An encore came after a round of applause and a dozen smiles.