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

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

Dear Marshall Family,

As summer begins, I want to thank you for the many ways you continue to support and represent Marshall University. Whether through your service, advocacy, philanthropy, or simply sharing your Marshall pride, you play an important role in the continued success of our university.

The spring semester concluded with several memorable celebrations. Alumni Weekend and the 87th Alumni Awards Banquet brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to recognize achievements, honor distinguished alumni and chapters, and celebrate the enduring connections that unite the Marshall family.

We also welcomed more than 1,500 graduates into the Marshall University Alumni Association during spring commencement. As each graduate received their first alumni T-shirt, it served as a reminder that commencement is not the end of their relationship with Marshall, but the beginning of a lifelong connection to their alma mater. We are excited to welcome these newest members into our alumni community.

Community Cares Week once again showcased the strength of our alumni network. Across multiple communities, alumni chapters dedicated their time and talents to service projects that made a meaningful impact. Their efforts reflected the values that have long defined Marshall and demonstrated the difference Marshall alumni continue to make wherever they live and work.

This month began New Student Orientation, where we are introducing incoming students and their families to the lifelong opportunities and connections that come with being part of the Marshall family. We also continue to focus on expanding alumni engagement opportunities, strengthening chapter support, and creating new ways for alumni to connect with one another and with the university.

The momentum across Marshall continues to grow. This year, alumni and friends of the university helped us surpass our fiscal year fundraising goal, contributing more than $32 million in support of Marshall's students and programs. While the dollars are significant, what they represent is even more meaningful: a shared commitment to ensuring future generations of Marshall students have access to the opportunities and experiences that make this university so special.

Thank you for all you do for Marshall University. Staci and I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the summer and fall at alumni events across the country.

All my best, and Go Herd!

Nico Karagosian

Marshall University News

Foundation News

Teubert grants more than $39,000 toward HELP Program

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a grant of $39,798 from the James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust to benefit the HELP Program’s summer prep program, which will launch in July.

“We are honored to support Marshall University HELP Program and the important work it does for students. The James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust is excited to help begin this summer prep program and hopes these scholarships will encourage more visually impaired students to pursue higher education and realize their potential,” said Shelley Adkins, executive director of the Teubert Foundation.

The grant will support the HELP Program with funding to create a skill-building summer prep program designed to include and support blind and low-vision high school graduates across West Virginia.

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Embraer grants $35,000 toward Division of Aviation for student experiences

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a grant of $35,000 from Embraer and the Embraer Foundation through its Educational Partnership Program to support student experiences in the Division of Aviation at Marshall University.

“Embarking on a career in aviation starts with opportunity,” said Monica Newman McCluney, head of U.S. corporate social responsibility and the Embraer Foundation. “Since the launch of Marshall University’s AMT program, the Embraer Foundation has contributed over $150,000 — and paired that support with campus visits, mentoring and immersive experiences that help students see themselves in aviation. Through Embraer Signing Day and Embraer Campus Days, we are proud to inspire students across disciplines to envision a future in this dynamic industry.”

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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

Alumni Relations to host Back to the Herd open houses during student orientation

The Alumni Relations team is set to host its Back to the Herd Alumni Open House series during New Student Orientation in June and July.

The open houses are a great opportunity for the Alumni Relations team to connect with alumni whose family members or friends are incoming students who are attending orientation.

The open houses are from 1:30-2:30 p.m. July 8-10 and July 29-31. All of the open houses will be located in the third floor atrium of John Deaver Drinko Library. Light refreshments will be served.

Charlotte chapter to host event at Chili Willi's

Many alumni who attended Marshall in the 1980s through the early 2000s remember Chili Willi's — the fan favorite and Huntington staple for all things Tex-Mex.

While the original restaurant closed in 2011, a revived version recently opened in Cornelius, North Carolina, outside of Charlotte.

To celebrate, the Charlotte Alumni Chapter is hosting an event at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June, 23. The restaurant is located at 9615 Bailey Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031.

Visit the chapter's Facebook group for more information.

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.

🦬 Trivia Time 🦬

"Science is Truth, Truth is Beauty." These words adorn the Third Avenue side of Marshall's Science Building. There are also the names of six well-known scientists carved into its facade. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Chamberlin, Louis Pasteur, Josiah Gibbs, Charles Steinmetz and ________.