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

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

Marshall has always been defined by the strength of its people. That is especially true when it comes to our alumni.

Everywhere I go, I am reminded of the pride Marshall graduates carry with them and the impact they are making in their communities and professions. That pride and connection continue to shape the future of this university.

Over the past several months, our team has been focused on strengthening opportunities for alumni to stay connected and engaged with Marshall. In February, we were proud to sponsor breakfast at Marshall Day at the Capitol, where alumni, university leaders, and state officials came together to advocate for the university and highlight Marshall’s impact across West Virginia and beyond.

We also recently submitted alumni engagement data to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s CASE Insights survey for the first time. Participating in this national benchmarking initiative will allow us to measure our progress against peer institutions and help guide our strategy as we continue to grow and strengthen Marshall’s alumni network.

At the same time, the momentum in philanthropy continues to grow. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we are seeing strong support for scholarships, academic programs and the student experience. Every gift helps create new opportunities for Marshall students and strengthens the future of the university.

Planning is also well underway for Alumni Weekend, one of the most meaningful traditions on our calendar and an opportunity each year for alumni to return to campus, reconnect with friends and celebrate the Marshall community.

Marshall’s alumni remain one of this university’s greatest strengths. Thank you for the many ways you continue to represent this university so well.

All my best,

Nico Karagosian

President and CEO, Marshall University Foundation

Marshall University News

Foundation News

Day of Giving returns

April 22-23

Marshall University’s fifth annual Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall returns April 22–23.

Last year, our Marshall family showed up in a big way, making it a record-breaking Day of Giving with $275,189 raised in support of students, programs and priorities across campus.

Want to help make this year even bigger? Become a Day of Giving Ambassador and help spread the word with your network! Even if you were an ambassador in the past, you will need to sign up again to be one this year.

For questions, contact Griffin Talbott at griffin.talbott@marshall.edu.

Learn More

$25,000 gifted toward Jeff Nathan Scholarship

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a $25,000 gift toward the Jeff Nathan Scholarship within the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications. The donors of the gift wish to be anonymous.

Jeff Nathan was a junior from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who served as sports editor for The Parthenon, Marshall’s student newspaper. Nathan is one of the 75 individuals who died on Nov. 14, 1970, as the Marshall football team, coaches, fans and flight crew were traveling back to West Virginia after a game against East Carolina University.

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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

MUAA Board of Directors nominations now open

Are you an alum looking to make a difference at Marshall University? Now you can by serving on the Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors!

The board is made up of dedicated alumni who serve as ambassadors for the university and representatives for fellow graduates across the country.

Board members participate in important alumni-focused conversations, provide insight and perspective from their regions, support engagement efforts and alumni initiatives, and promote Marshall in their local communities.

Apply Today

Students prepare for graduation during Countdown to Commencement

Marshall students participated in Countdown to Commencement on March 10–11, and the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association were on hand to celebrate and welcome the soon-to-be graduates into the Marshall alumni family.

At the Alumni Association table, students learned more about staying connected after graduation, played games for a chance to win a raffle prize, and picked up Marshall Alumni–branded swag.

At the Foundation table, students signed the Class of 2026 banner, which will be displayed during commencement ceremonies on May 9.

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.

Did you know? The Marshall University Alumni Association offers PerksConnect, an exclusive perks program available to all Marshall alumni.

With PerksConnect, you’ll gain access to a range of discounts — both locally and nationwide. From dining and shopping to travel and entertainment, your free account unlocks big savings wherever you are.

Getting started is easy. Visit marshall.perksconnection.com 

to register and start saving immediately.

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!

🦬 Trivia Time 🦬

Marshall's name has changed over the years!

Marshall University was founded in 1837 and was named Marshall Academy in 1838. On March 2, 1961, then-Marshall College was officially renamed to Marshall University.

Do you know when Marshall Academy became Marshall College?