Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Alumni Association | March 2022 |
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Diversity – Integrity – Loyalty – Pride – Respect |
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Is there a better time to be a Thundering Herd fan than on St. Patrick's Day?
The annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is the day we all learn from a very early age that you either wear green, or risk being pinched. The reason, in case you were wondering, is that wearing green is supposed to make you invisible to leprechauns. Who knew?
For our purposes, let's talk about the easy part of St. Patrick's Day as a Herd fan - the green. While Marshall has had its fair share of green hues through the years, the color itself has remained steadfast and has become a beacon of fandom for Marshall fans around the world. After all, our fight song proudly declares that it is the "Green and White of Marshall U."
So as we enter the month best known for its shades of green, be proud in donning your favorite Marshall shirts, polos, hats and sweaters this month. Because, while we are pretty sure there are no leprechauns out there waiting, there are plenty of Herd fans patiently waiting for another excuse to put on that green.
Enjoy reading this edition of Sons & Daughters. GO HERD!
MU Office of Alumni Relations
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Pitt's Christian Spears named athletic director at Marshall |
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Following a national search, Marshall University has named Christian Spears its next athletic director.
“Christian Spears is a transformational leader who exhibits a deep respect for tradition, combined with an ability to architect a vision to unleash potential,” said Marshall President Brad D. Smith. “I am excited to welcome Christian to Marshall to serve in this pivotal role.
“Christian’s leadership philosophy and his drive for Marshall to build on its storied foundation of winning mirror my own. I look forward to working with him to usher in the next chapter of great for Athletics at our university.”
Spears has more than 25 years of experience at all levels of intercollegiate athletics administration. He comes to Marshall most recently from the University of Pittsburgh, where as deputy athletic director and chief operating officer he managed all revenue generation and external operations, primarily focused on strategic partnerships to help reduce expenses and supplement revenue streams. His areas of responsibility at Pitt included marketing and branding, media relations, fundraising, ticket operations, licensing, merchandising, game presentation, broadcast services and multimedia rights.
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Home Dates Louisiana, Coastal Carolina, App State Highlight 2022 Football Schedule |
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The Sun Belt Conference office unveiled its 2022 football schedules, which has the Thundering competing in the league's East Division.
Marshall will be joined in the East by App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison and Old Dominion.
In the West will be Arkansas State, Louisiana, ULM, Troy, Texas State, South Alabama and Southern Miss.
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Marshall shines at MU Day at the Capitol |
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Kelly green filled the halls of the West Virginia State Capitol once again as Marshall University returned for Marshall University Day at the Capitol on February 8.
Back after hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 50 university groups, including the Alumni Association and Foundation, spent the morning meeting with lawmakers and others spreading the good work happening at our institution.
From student organizations like the Student Government Association and WMUL-FM to campus programs like The Luke Lee Listening, Language & Learning Lab and the Robert C. Byrd Institute, the day highlighted all the unique ways Marshall gives back to the state. The star of the show was new president Brad D. Smith as he was warmly received by both the House of Delegates and the Senate.
Proclamations were read in each chamber, recognizing the day as Marshall University Day. The Senate proclamation noted the university contributes $500 million and 3,000 jobs to the state’s economy.
The Senate also recognized Mr. and Ms. Marshall, Zach Ihnat and Caroline Kinder, as well as SGA pro tempore Cameron Donohue and SGA treasurer Thomas Smith for their accomplishments.
Several lawmakers said Marshall had the best showing out of all the state’s institutes of higher learning.
Alumnus Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, former student body president, said being able to represent his hometown and the university in the House of Delegates was a full-circle moment for him.
“Growing up as a kid going to football and basketball games there, then being a student there and graduating and having a career, but then being able to serve the people of West Virginia by making laws, not just for the area and community and city, but for the university, really helps push us forward,” Hornbuckle said.
Hornbuckle said it was a special time for Marshall and thanked President Jerome Gilbert for his leadership in getting the university to where it is today. He said Smith will be able to bring it home.
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University receives first multi-engine aircraft |
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Amid snow flurries and a cold February wind, Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School welcomed its first multi-engine aircraft last month, a Piper Seminole, at West Virginia International Yeager Airport.
The aircraft, piloted by Noe himself, left Piper’s facility in Vero Beach, Florida, and landed shortly before 11 a.m. at Yeager on Feb. 22. The plane then taxied to the flight school’s hangar under a water cannon salute provided by Yeager’s crew.
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Board of Governors meets in February session |
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The Marshall University Board of Governors, meeting in its regularly scheduled February session, approved a series of policy updates for faculty and staff, adopted new names of degree programs and received an update from President Brad D. Smith.
Smith, attending his first regular board meeting as president, reported on five areas of the university’s operations, including student health and safety, academics, organization and talent search, legislative update, and his listening tours, which are a continuing series of meetings with constituents across the university and community.
Smith said the university’s COVID numbers are declining and that, while too early for a definitive forecast, some enrollment indicators for the fall seem to show a return to pre-pandemic levels.
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Men's soccer to compete in college spring league
The Marshall men's soccer team will be participating in the third annual College Spring League. The Herd will play three spring exhibition contests in total, two at home and one away.
The spring campaign will culminate on April 16 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The Thundering Herd is one of eight teams participating this spring, along with Dayton, Louisville and Ohio State in the South Division. Akron, Michigan, Bowling Green and Cleveland State will make up the North Division.
The Herd will travel to Dayton, Ohio, to face the Flyers on March 26 to open league play. Marshall will later host Ohio State on April 2 at 4 p.m., and Louisville on April 9 at 6 p.m. Both home contests will air live on ESPN+.
Attendance to home matches will be permitted and is free to the general public. The Herd will also host Rio Grande for two matches on March 5, beginning at 2 p.m. The contests against Rio Grande are not part of the College Spring League.
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Alumni Spotlight:
Emma Chapman
Escaping the clutches of 'The Mighty Kiwi'
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Imagine, if you will, a race.
On one end of this race stands an ordinary, everyday man or woman trying to complete a 1-mile obstacle course through downtown Los Angeles in front of a national television audience. At the other end of this race, is $1 million.
Of course, like any made-for-television game show, this competition comes with a catch. After a brief head start, these average Americans are then chased down by a series of elite athletes whose entire mission is to stop them from reaching the finish and winning the grand prize.
Sound intense? It is.
Developed by NBA superstar LeBron James and hosted by former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, Million Dollar Mile debuted on CBS with nine episodes during the summer of 2019. With colorful personalities, extraordinary athleticism and gifted physiques, the stars of the show were the defenders who took turns each week hunting down and eliminating contestants.
While all the defenders had their time in the spotlight, one who made a significant splash during the five-month run of the show was Emma Chapman, a two-time Marshall University graduate and former Thundering Herd athlete, affectionately known as “The Mighty Kiwi.” Chapman is one of the most decorated obstacle course racing athletes in the world and has made a name for herself on the competitive circuit of CrossFit competitions and Tough Mudder X races.
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Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
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83rd Alumni Awards Banquet |
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Saturday, April 9, 2022 | Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall |
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Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) are set to host the 83rd annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 9, beginning at 6 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m. at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall.
The Marshall University Alumni Awards Banquet recognizes outstanding alumni, university supporters and students during an evening of celebration and reverence of the great things being accomplished by the Marshall University alumni community. The event, postponed for the past two years due to the pandemic, will feature awardees who were originally slated to be honored in 2020.
Highlighting the list of more than a dozen honorees at the 2022 awards banquet are Brad and Alys Smith. Brad D. Smith has been selected as the recipient of the Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus award while Alys Smith has been selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award, two of Marshall’s highest honors. William Joseph Kehoe and Cathy Burns have been selected as co-recipients of the Outstanding Community Achievement award, and Jeff McKay will receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus award.
Other awards scheduled for the evening will include MUAA Chapter of the Year, scholarship awards and honors from many of Marshall University’s colleges.
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MARSHALL UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Reeves Kirtner is a 2004 graduate of Marshall University, earning his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.
Originally from Culloden, West Virginia, Reeves now calls Huntington home where he serves as the vice president of Kindred Communications. He has been with Kindred Communications since 2006, serving in his current role since 2014. An avid Marshall supporter, Reeves has been a member of the MUAA Board of Directors since 2018.
Why did you choose to serve on the MUAA Board of Directors?
A few years ago, I didn’t do any volunteer work and didn’t volunteer on any boards. I wanted to be involved, I wanted to do more for Marshall University, but I didn’t know where to start. I talked to one of my best friends, Mendy Aluise, who also serves on the Marshall Alumni Association, about getting more involved. She nominated me and I’ve been proud to serve ever since. That jumpstarted me serving on several other boards including the Marshall Quarterback Club, the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and the Cabell County Schools Foundation.
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Hey Herd Alums!
We've got a few alumni chapter events coming up across the country we want to let you know about!
Be on the lookout for more great chapter events in your area. Find an alumni chapter at HerdAlum.com/Chapters. And always remember, no matter how far you roam from campus, you're still one of the Herd! |
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Saturday, March 5 | 7 p.m.
@ Spectrum Center
Charlotte, NC
MU Alumni Association
Marshall Night
Hornets vs. Spurs
DETAILS: Tickets include the game and an exclusive behind-the-scenes pre-game opportunity to watch the players.
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Friday, March 11 | 7 p.m.
@ Nationwide Arena
Columbus, OH
Columbus Chapter
Marshall Night
Blue Jackets vs. Wild
DETAILS: There will be a special pre-game social hour at the arena with alumni beginning at 5:30 p.m.
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In 1933 Marshall constructed a student union building on campus to provide a place for students and faculty to socialize. The white brick, colonial-style building was very popular with students, and notoriously crowded. It contained a soda fountain, jukeboxes, pool tables, meeting rooms and other facilities. An expansion in 1953 added a basement and a west wing, doubling its size.
See more throwback photos and #HerdHistory every week on the Marshall University Alumni Association social media channels.
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Marshall Foundation
News and Updates
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Beneficiary Designation: A Simple Way to Give
A beneficiary doesn’t have to be a person – it can be an organization you would like to see continue to rise long after your lifetime. When you name The Marshall University Foundation, Inc. as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets, life insurance policy or donor advised fund, you can make a big impact on our future. And you can do this simply by filling out a form.
Also, don’t forget to tell us so we may thank you and make sure your intentions for your gift are documented.
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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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Scholar Spotlight:
Semoni Weaver
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An accomplished high school student, the sky was the limit for Chester, Virginia, native Semoni Weaver as she graduated from Thomas Dale High School. But it was the allure of being “One of the Herd” that brought her to Huntington.
“I chose to attend Marshall University because after touring a Green and White day back in September of 2019, that emphasis of what it meant to be ‘One of the Herd’ and a ‘Daughter of Marshall’ was so immersing that I just knew this was the place I wanted to be for the next four years of my undergraduate experience,” Semoni said.
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Career Education plans spring expos for students and alumni
Marshall University’s Office of Career Education will host two separate career expos in late March on the Huntington campus, featuring over 70 companies and representing a variety of fields.
The events are open to all Marshall students, faculty, staff and alumni. Recruiters will be sharing information on part-time, full-time and internship positions.
The first career expo is open to all majors and is scheduled for 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center. The second career expo is for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and health professions and is set for Wednesday, March 30, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is also in the Don Morris Room.
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Marshall, West Virginia State reach athletic training agreement
Marshall University’s athletic training program has partnered with West Virginia State University (WVSU) to establish an articulation agreement for a more efficient transfer of students from undergraduate studies at WVSU to Marshall’s graduate athletic training program. Marshall’s athletic training program is housed in the College of Health Professions.
The agreement establishes a plan of study for undergraduate students at West Virginia State University that will allow them to then enter the Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training (PMSAT) program at Marshall University.
WVSU will advise and counsel students to enroll in the prerequisite athletic training courses at WVSU that have been accepted by the PMSAT program at Marshall University.
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Marshall joins U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network
Marshall University has been selected as a member of the United States Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network. U.S. Cyber Command protects the Department of Defense’s information network, defends the nation against cyberattack, and supports the Joint Force, and its academic engagement network is a series of partnerships with institutions with cybersecurity education platforms.
“Getting Marshall University admitted to the Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network goes a long way toward getting Marshall national recognition in Cyber Security Education,” said Dr. David Dampier, director of the Marshall University Institute of Cyber Security.
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Marshall recognized among the Princeton Review's Best Business Schools
For the fourth year in a row, Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business, home of the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business, has been named among the nation’s most outstanding business schools, according to The Princeton Review®. The education services company chose the school for its list, Best Business Schools for 2022, posted at https://www.princetonreview.com/best-business-schools. The rankings are based on a review of master’s degree programs in business administration.
“We are so proud to be consistently recognized as one of the best M.B.A. programs in the world, through our inclusion in the Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools,” said Dr. Jeff Archambault, interim dean.
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One of the Herd Podcast
Hey Herd fans, listen up!
The Marshall University Alumni Association has officially unveiled One of the Herd, the official podcast of the MUAA featuring news, updates and alumni interviews!
Do you know an alum that would be a great guest on our show? Let us know at alumni@marshall.edu and stay tuned for more information about how to listen!
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MU PerksConnect
The Marshall University Alumni Association is excited to offer a brand new perks program available to all alumni of Marshall University called MU PerksConnect!
The MU PerksConnect portal opens alumni up to a bounty of savings on a variety of offerings, both locally and nationally. Simply register your free account at http://marshall.perksconnection.com and immediately start saving on everything from food to travel. MU PerksConnect will use your location to bring you specific savings at stores, restaurants, and more where you live, or visit the national deals to find savings on travel, theme park and event tickets, and much more!
The MU PerksConnect portal also offers handy access to insurance benefits for auto, home and pet and long-term care resources.
If you want to save even more, you can sign up for a free cash back program called Koiyn! Koiyn provides cash back offers at places you already love. Cash back offers are tied directly to your card from participating popular national brands, plus your favorite regional and local retailers too!
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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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