Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Alumni Association | July 2022 |
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Diversity – Integrity – Loyalty – Pride – Respect |
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What a week!
One of the most talked about and celebrated events at Marshall University in quite some time, Community Cares Week, was a resounding success for all involved.
What began as a vision to bring alumni, staff, faculty, students and community members together to actively participate in the beautification of campus turned into a complete transformation of spaces around the university. It also created a unique opportunity for members of the Marshall family to give back in new and meaningful ways.
In all, nearly 500 volunteers signed up and completed 1,240 service hours, including prominent members of Marshall's administration, Alumni Association board members, alumni chapters and members of the Huntington community. At the end of the event, there was an overwhelming sense of community and goodwill that so many felt in getting a little dirty and helping create a better campus for current and future students.
Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful event. You are the reason that Marshall University remains a cherished location for its students, alumni and supporters.
Enjoy reading this edition of Sons & Daughters. GO HERD!
MU Office of Alumni Relations
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Board of Governors meets in special session on baseball stadium |
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New location announced for stadium |
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With a clear field of vision and a strong, continued commitment to deliver a state-of-the-art baseball facility to the university and community, the Marshall University administration presented a revised baseball stadium project statement which was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors during a special called meeting in Huntington.
The decision comes after a board meeting in April where President Brad D. Smith thanked Herd Nation for its patience and passion as the final details, “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s,” were being worked out for the stadium.
The new stadium will be built along a parcel of land located at Second Avenue and 22nd Street, adjacent to the Marshall University Dot Hicks Field.
Smith said while the project was initially slated for property on Fifth Avenue, the newly designated site was selected because it will be developed at a lower cost, with an accelerated time to completion and will leave the Fifth Avenue and 24th Street site for future development opportunities for the community.
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Students in M.S. in Forensic Science program achieve highest collective score nationwide |
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The graduating class of Marshall University’s Master of Science in Forensic Science program has again earned the highest collective score in the nation on the Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT). Since the program was accredited in 2005, Marshall’s M.S. Forensic Science students have ranked No. 1 for 11 of the 13 years that they participated.
“This national ranking speaks both to the level of students admitted into the program and the quality of education being delivered at Marshall University,” said Jason Chute, lab director of Marshall University’s Forensic Science Center Operation Lab. “When we see marks like this, it is no surprise that our graduates are being sought after by agencies across the country.”
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Welcome to the Sun Belt!
It is official! As of July 1, Marshall University is officially a member of the Sun Belt Conference! The Thundering Herd will play in its first SBC conference game on October 12 vs. Louisiana at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
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Hundreds of volunteers pitch in for Community Cares Week to make campus shine |
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Marshall University’s inaugural Community Cares Week: Giving Back to the Herd was a success, with hundreds of volunteers pitching in to make a positive impact on the university’s Huntington campus.
The weeklong sweat equity event focused on engaging faculty, staff, students, community members, local businesses and alumni chapters to help check off “To Do List” items on the campus, while giving back to the university that has invested in them, as well.
A total of 451 people signed up to volunteer, working 1,240 service hours. Additionally, there were 53 staff members leading projects, 17 administrative volunteers, a dozen staff or cabinet members serving lunches and five VIP guests who drew daily raffle prizes.
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A Message From President Smith |
Dear Marshall University community,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I am at a loss for words to express my most sincere appreciation and admiration for the work you did on our Huntington campus during Community Cares Week.
Our Marshall family embraced the idea to set aside a week to give some sweat equity back to the university, and I could not be more proud. I had so many of you comment to me about how rewarding you found the experience, and how you enjoyed meeting and working alongside other members of the Marshall community to beautify our campus.
The effort exceeded all my expectations, which were high to begin with. You certainly delivered! We had 451 volunteers who contributed a total of 1,240 hours of service, doing landscaping, painting, pressure-washing, deep cleaning and more!
University Communications put together a short video to highlight the week. I encourage you to watch it and to take pride in all the good work done over those five days.
Our next step will be to take our efforts out into the Huntington community and give back in return. Stay tuned for more information about that effort—coming soon!
I am humbled and honored to be your president.
Sincerely,
Brad D. Smith
President
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Athletics launches first Fan Committee |
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Marshall Athletics recently announced the plans for its first Fan Committee. The athletic department is now accepting applications for the Marshall Fan Committee in search of members who can help create the best fan experience on Thundering Herd gamedays and throughout the year.
“Our Fan Committee will play a critical role in helping us develop our gameday experiences,” said Christian Spears, Marshall’s director of athletics. “If you have great ideas for us, please complete the application. We are excited to put together a great group.”
Those interested in applying for the Marshall Fan Committee can do so using the button below.
The application period is open until Friday, July 8, at 11:45 p.m. The athletic department is looking for a diverse pool of members, composed of 20 to 25 people. Members who are selected are appointed to a term of two years, with meetings occurring quarterly.
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Homecoming Spotlight:
'Fun in the Sun' Belt
MUAA announces Sun Belt themed Homecoming
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Marshall University proudly extends a warm invitation toward its alumni, family and friends back to campus for its 2022 Homecoming celebration Oct. 29.
The theme, Fun in the Sun, is a nod to the Sun Belt Conference, and plays up the name of our Homecoming opponent, Coastal Carolina University.
This year’s activities will begin early in the week with the Unity Walk and end with our highly anticipated Homecoming football game against Coastal Carolina on Oct. 29. Among the week’s many activities include the annual parade and bonfire (Oct. 27), Picnic on the Plaza (Oct. 28), Homecoming Stampede 5K (Oct. 29), Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate (Oct. 29) and more.
Campus events are sponsored by the Marshall University Alumni Association, Student Government Association, Office of Student Activities, Office of Intercultural Affairs and others.
For more information visit www.herdalum.com.
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Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
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Submit your Marshall travel photos!
This summer, travel with the Herd!
Throughout the summer months, we are going to be featuring photos of alumni and Thundering Herd supporters who represent Marshall University while traveling to local beaches and exotic locations around the world.
Pictured above is Matt Arvon and his family who sent in this group photo from Athens, Greece, and to the right is Nate and Cassandra Hensley who celebrated their honeymoon in Hilton Head, South Carolina, rocking their Herd gear!
Submit your photos by sending them to alumni@marshall.edu or use the hashtag #MarshallUTravel. Safe travels and GO HERD! |
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Nominate an awardee today!
YOU can be a part of Marshall's biggest night of the year for alumni!
Submit an online nomination today to recommend an outstanding member of the Marshall University family for an alumni award.
There are numerous awards including Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna, Distinguished Service to Marshall University, Outstanding Community Achievement and Distinguished Young Alumnus/Alumna.
Nominate someone today or learn more about the awards in the links below!
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Woodlands Retirement Community |
A premier Continuing Care Retirement Community in Huntington |
The Marshall University Alumni Association is proud to partner with Woodlands Retirement Community located in Huntington, West Virginia.
Woodlands Retirement Community is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) for people 55 and over that sits atop 171 acres of spectacular property overlooking hilltops and valleys in the area. Woodlands is a community that offers peace of mind by catering to three defining areas of living. First, encouraging wellness through an active, independent lifestyle and the companionship of close friends. Second, spacious cottages and apartments and providing services, events and special amenities to provide an unparalleled independent living experience. Finally, providing every resident access to onsite assisted living and memory support, should health care services ever be required.
Woodlands has the distinction of being the region’s only LifeCare community. Residents who choose LifeCare have the security of knowing they will always be able to stay in their Woodlands home – near friends, old and new – even if their health care needs change and they outlive their financial resources.
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Southern Coalfields Chapter |
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Last month the Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter held their 32nd annual golf tournament.
After the original date was rained out, alumni and supporters of Marshall in southern West Virginia and guests from the Huntington campus returned to Grandview Country Club for the annual event, which raises money for local scholarships. Congratulations on this wonderful event and for your continued support of Marshall students!
For more information visit the chapter Facebook page. |
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Marshall University has had many memorable home games inside the confines of Joan C. Edwards Stadium since it opened in 1991. In fact, the Thundering Herd has one of the highest winning percentages in the country when playing at home since the stadium opened.
While there have been championship games, overtime battles and last-second kicks decided at home, the five highest attended games in stadium history are:
- West Virginia (September 10, 2010, pictured above)
- Louisville (September 24, 2016)
- West Virginia (September 8, 2007)
- Purdue (September 6, 2015)
- Kansas State (September 10, 2005)
See more throwback photos and #HerdHistory every week on the Marshall University Alumni Association social media channels.
@MarshallUAlumni
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Marshall Foundation
News and Updates
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Marshall Foundation welcoming new students this summer
The Marshall University Foundation is welcoming new students to campus this month during Marshall’s New Student Orientation.
Throughout the months of June, July and August, incoming freshmen and new students to Marshall University will be visiting Huntington for a more intimate tour of campus before the start of the semester in August. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for classes, discuss financial aid, visit dorms and classrooms, and learn about life as a college student.
During the New Student Orientation sessions, the Marshall Foundation will be setup in the Memorial Student Center and on the MSC Plaza greeting students, offering an opportunity to sign their class banner – which will be displayed during their graduation ceremony – and take photos in front of the Memorial Fountain.
Check out the photos from these sessions at the link below.
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Marshall Rises is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date. The comprehensive campaign includes five pillars where support is most needed:
1. Enhancing the Student Experience
2. Expanding Academics and Growing our Reputation
3. Creating an Environment of Innovative Learning
4. Forming a Foundation of Research and Creative Discovery
5. Deepening Community Partnerships
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May we write you a check?
A great way to support your future and ours is with a Charitable Gift Annuity. It’s the gift that pays you back, soon with higher guaranteed payments for life. Keep watching for more information about the new rates effective July 1, 2022. To learn more about how a Charitable Gift Annuity works follow the link below.
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Felder, Painter named to new positions at Marshall
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith announced two senior-level university administrators will assume new roles in his administration, effective July 2.
Bruce B. Felder, director of human resources, has been promoted to serve as the university’s inaugural Chief Talent and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Virginia R. “Ginny” Painter, currently senior vice president for communications and marketing, has been named Chief of Staff.
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Aviation Maintenance program receives FAA certification
Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program received its formal FAA certification in June. This makes the program the newest FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school in the country and the first of its kind in the region.
The AMT program offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree through an 18-month, year-round program.
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Board of Governors meets in June session
Amid receiving end-of-year updates ranging from finance to earnings to budgets, the Marshall University Board of Governors approved a Capital Expenditure Project Report (CEPR) for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC), should funding become available.
While Marshall’s current CEPR list includes some $532 million worth of proposed projects from the 10-year campus master list, they are prioritized according to the most critical needs. The HEPC will make the final decision on which projects, if any, will be funded.
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Marshall Athletics announces 2022 Hall of Fame class
The Marshall University Athletics Hall of Fame Committee has announced its 2022 induction class for the Hall of Fame.
"One of the best things you get to do as a director of athletics is call those who are set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," said Christian Spears, Marshall's first-year AD. "They have achieved something that brings true recognition to themselves, their school and their families."
The annual Hall of Fame dinner is scheduled Friday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m., in the Don Morris Room of the Marshall University Memorial Student Center.
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Submit Your
Content Today!
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Have something you would like included in an upcoming issue of the Sons & Daughters alumni newsletter or an upcoming Marshall Magazine?
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519 John Marshall Drive,
Huntington, WV 25703
(304)-696-3134
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