Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | May 2026

A letter from the president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation

Dear Marshall Alumni and Friends,

As another academic year comes to a close, I continue to be incredibly proud of the momentum happening across Marshall University. From student success and academic innovation to athletics, alumni engagement and philanthropy, there is tremendous energy surrounding our university right now.

Over the past several weeks, we celebrated a record-breaking Day of Giving that generated more than $430,000 in support for Marshall, welcomed alumni back to campus for a number of outstanding events, and watched another graduating class officially join our alumni family. These moments serve as powerful reminders of what makes Marshall so special: our people.

I also want to sincerely thank the thousands of alumni and friends who continue to invest in Marshall’s future. Whether through mentorship, volunteerism, attending events, advocating for the university or philanthropic support, your engagement makes a meaningful difference for our students and our institution.

One of the areas I remain especially encouraged by is the continued growth in alumni engagement across the country. Our chapters, volunteers and alumni leaders are helping create stronger connections than ever before, and we remain committed to creating even more opportunities for meaningful involvement.

As we move into the summer months, there is much to look forward to across the university. We will continue to share stories of impact, student success and opportunities to stay connected with Marshall and with one another.

Thank you for everything you do for Marshall University. Your pride, passion and support continue to help move this great institution forward.

All my best, and Go Herd.

Nico 

Marshall University News

Foundation News

McCarthys gift $25,000 to establish Society of Yeager Scholars endowment

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $25,000 to establish the Michael and Diane McCarthy Yeager Scholars Endowment.

The scholarship is generously endowed by Michael “Mike” McCarthy, vice president of information services for Marshall Health Network, and his wife Diane McCarthy, a fellow Marshall alumna and a graduate of the Lewis College of Business.

“We were both Marshall students together and we both benefitted from what the university has been able to provide for us. Not just at a professional level, but at a personal level as well,” Mike McCarthy said.

Read more

Appalachian Power grants $125,000 to engineering, student emergency funding

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a grant of $125,000 from the Appalachian Power Foundation to benefit the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences (CECS) and student food insecurity emergency funding.

“The Appalachian Power Foundation is proud to partner with the Marshall University Foundation to strengthen hands-on electrical engineering education and help ensure students have access to emergency support when unexpected hardships arise,” said Brian Abraham, president and COO of Appalachian Power. “As long-standing community partners, we’re committed to growing the region by investing in students, workforce readiness and greater opportunity.”

Read more

Crowdfunding campaigns make an immediate impact. When you give, you join a community of supporters who come together to create real change.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to provide opportunities and meet urgent needs that move projects forward.

Your support not only helps reach the goal — it shows belief in the people and ideas shaping a brighter future for Marshall.

Support our crowdfunding campaigns

Alumni News

Huntington Chapter connects with new alums at spring commencement

Members of the Marshall University Huntington Alumni Chapter played a special role in welcoming Marshall’s newest alumni during the spring commencement celebrations.

Chapter members distributed commemorative T-shirts to graduates, helping mark the occasion and celebrate their transition from students to alumni.

As the graduates prepared to cross the stage, the Huntington Alumni Chapter was there to personally congratulate and connect with the newest members of the Marshall family.

Visit the chapter's Facebook page

Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter raises thousands for scholarship students

Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley raised $39,000 on April 30 during its annual scholarship dinner hosted in Vienna, West Virginia.

Special guests included President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith, and nearly 250 guests were entertained by the sounds of Jimmy Fortune, of The Statler Brothers fame, and his band.

Since 2009, the chapter has raised more than $475,000 and provided 132 scholarships to Marshall students from the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Visit the chapter's Facebook page

The Alumni Association has partnered with Bobbi-Dobbiez to create a Dobbie of our favorite mascot! These portable, plush friends can latch to your backpack, lanyard, shoes and more!

For a contribution of $25 or more to the Alumni Association General Fund, donors will receive a Bobbi-Dobbie Marco as a thank-you gift.

The fair market value of the Bobbi-Dobbie is $15, and the remaining amount above that will be considered a tax-deductible donation.

Summer is almost here! Make the most of your time off with exclusive travel discounts through Marshall Alumni | Big Green PerksConnect.

PerksConnect helps make your getaways more affordable by saving on airfare, hotels, rental cars and entertainment.

To get started, log in to your account and select Deals → Travel from the top menu. Don’t have a PerksConnect account yet? Register now to sign up. Enjoy your summer adventures — you’ve earned them!

Class Notes

Class notes are a great way to stay up-to-date with news from former classmates and alumni, faculty and staff, and other members of the Marshall family.

Bill Cornwell ('85) was inducted last fall into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In January, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of his hometown of Kenova, West Virginia. Cornwell was also recently elected as the new president of the Marshall University Huntington Alumni Chapter.

Anna Lawhon ('18) has been named the chief compliance officer of Village Caregiving (VCG), a mission-driven, privately-owned home care agency in the U.S.

🦬 Trivia Time 🦬

Time to test your Herd athletics knowledge 👀

Marshall joined the Sun Belt Conference in what year?