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

 

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


Dear Marshall Alumni,


July offers something we don’t often have during the academic year — an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.


As a new fiscal year begins, I’m grateful for the momentum our Marshall family has created together. While we continue counting gifts postmarked on or before June 30, preliminary results show more than $35.1 million in philanthropic support during the past year, including a record 945 new donors. Those numbers represent more than dollars — they represent confidence in Marshall’s mission and belief in the potential of our students.


Now our attention turns to the year ahead. Across campus, faculty and staff are preparing to welcome students back in just a few weeks. At the Foundation, we’re focused on building upon that momentum by strengthening relationships with alumni and friends, growing philanthropic support, and advancing the priorities that will help Marshall thrive for generations to come.


No matter where life has taken you since graduation, you remain an important part of Marshall’s story. Thank you for representing our university so well and for helping ensure today’s students have opportunities that will shape their own futures.


I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and Staci and I look forward to seeing many of you during the coming year.


And as always…Go Herd!


All my best,

Nico

Marshall University News

 

MUAA launches Alumni Chapter Match toward Marshall For All


The Marshall University Alumni Association has launched its Alumni Chapter Match, bringing together Marshall alumni across the country to invest in the university’s future.



All proceeds collected by participating alumni chapters during this crowdfunding campaign will directly support the Marshall For All program. Each donation given now through June 30, 2027, will be generously matched by President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith.


Give now

 

Marshall University names Gautam Pillay as head of MURC


Marshall University has named Gautam Pillay, Ph.D., as the vice president for research and executive director of the Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC), following a national search.

Pillay started June 29, serving in a cabinet-level role as Marshall’s senior research officer. He provides strategic, financial, operational and regulatory leadership for the university’s expanding research enterprise.


Read more

 
 
 
 

Foundation News

 

Foundation hosts An Afternoon with Marshall

 

The Marshall University Foundation hosted An Afternoon with Marshall on June 23 ahead of the State of the University address in Washington, D.C.


The event was hosted by Marc E. Williams, a 1982 graduate, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. President Brad D. Smith served as the featured speaker.


The event brought together university leaders, as well as donors and alumni who live in the D.C. area. 


Foundation participates in New Student Orientation

 

The Marshall University Foundation is proud to join its campus partners this summer during New Student Orientation, which concludes at the end of this month.


Incoming first-year and transfer students are encouraged to sign their Class of 2030 banner, which will be displayed during the 2030 spring and winter commencement ceremonies.


The event also allows Foundation staff to share with students about where to apply online for privately-funded scholarships. 

 

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 Alumni Chapter hosts annual golf outing


The Huntington Alumni Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament on June 26 at Creekside Golf Course. 


The event, which was sponsored by many local businesses, was a great opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, give back to the university, and support the chapter’s fundraising initiatives.


Participants had the chance to win prizes and bragging rights for winning golfers! 


Traveling this summer? Share your snapshots! 


Calling Marshall University alumni!


Are you traveling this summer? Snap a photo in your Marshall gear and share your favorite travel memories with us for a chance to be featured on the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association's social media channels. We love seeing Herd spirit from near and far, and you never know where Marshall will show up next! 



Submissions may be sent by messaging the Facebook page. 


 

Make the most of your time off this summer with exclusive travel discounts through Marshall Alumni | Big Green PerksConnect.


PerksConnect is a free service that 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.


Jennifer (Miller) Alvarez ('06) published her latest book, "The Next Contestant," under her pseudonym, Sadie Rose. This is her 13th published book.

 
 
 

🦬 Trivia Time 🦬

The Marshall University Alumni Association just launched it's Alumni Chapter Match! The MUAA was originally founded in the 1930s, with the first local alumni chapter following soon after. Besides West Virginia, how many other states currently have alumni chapters?

 
 

Marshall University Foundation

and Alumni Association

519 John Marshall Drive,

Huntington, WV 25703

(304) 696-6264

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