Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Alumni Association | February 2023 |
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Integrity - Respect - Diversity - Pride |
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As you will read in the stories below, the Marshall University alumni office recently wrapped up a trip to Charleston, West Virginia, for the annual Marshall Day at the Capitol event earlier this month.
For us, this is one of the most enjoyable events on the university calendar. Not because the alumni table gets to hand out hundreds of bags of popcorn and even more swag items for lawmakers to proudly display. Not because it is a literal who's who of Marshall University leadership roaming the halls - including faculty, staff, coaches and students. And not because it is fun to see so much green and white jammed into the capitol complex.
No, for us it is fun because this is the one time of year where we get to showcase the best of the university on the grand stage in front of statewide leadership. Roaming the halls you will find nearly every nook and cranny of the university represented, creating a wonderful snapshot of life at Marshall University. And this year, it was our biggest and best showing yet!
Now the university is taking that show on the road with a series of events titled Choose West Virginia where the state's top institutions of higher learning are traveling to major cities across the country to talk about why West Virginia is the best place to call home.
Enjoy reading this edition of the Marshall University alumni newsletter. GO HERD!
MU Office of Alumni Relations
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Marshall Day at the Capitol |
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Marshall University takes centerstage during annual trip to Charleston |
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It was a sea of green and white throughout the West Virginia Capitol building on Feb. 1 as Marshall University took its time in the spotlight during the annual Marshall Day at the Capitol.
This unique event, showcasing the best of the university to state lawmakers, saw more than 50 colleges, departments, programs and organizations on display around the second floor rotunda, as well as students, coaches and university officials.
The event opened with a meet and greet with university leadership and state government officials, followed by a visit to each of the university departments on display. Resolutions were read amid the fanfare of the John Marshall Fife and Drum Corps, as student leaders from all areas of the university were recognized on the floors of the House and Senate.
The event concluded with a visit with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and a group photo. During the meeting with Governor Justice, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, as well as Athletic Director Christian Spears, presented a ceremonial baseball to the governor to symbolize the building of a new baseball stadium in Huntington.
In addition to highlighting key issues that are important to the university, the 2023 Marshall Day at the Capitol focused on seven key pillars for the university in education, energy, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, economic development, healthcare and entrepreneurship and innovation.
Check out some of the videos and a photo gallery from the event below.
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One night prior to Marshall University Day at the Capitol, university leaders had an opportunity to take part in a special event bringing together Marshall and West Virginia University in a special joint reception in Charleston.
Presidents Brad D. Smith and Gordon Gee gave remarks and enjoyed time together ahead of Marshall's visit to the West Virginia State Capitol the following day.
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Marshall University launches Herd Academy for high school students |
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Marshall University announced the creation of the Herd Start Early Academy (Herd Academy) to assist high school students in getting a jump start on their college degrees.
The Herd Academy combines opportunities for high school students to earn college credit through a variety of options, including dual enrollment, online and in-person courses at a greatly reduced cost. To be eligible to participate, high school students must first apply for early admission – there is no fee to apply. Once accepted, students will work with Herd Academy staff to review course options and enroll.
For early admit students, the fee for tuition is reduced to $25 per credit hour for online and dual credit courses. Some counties offer additional tuition assistance for high school students. Students should check with their high schools for availability.
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Marshall football announces class of 2023 |
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Marshall head coach Charles Huff officially welcomed several new members to his Thundering Herd football family on Feb. 1 as part of National Signing Day festivities.
Huff, who also took part in Marshall Day at the Capitol festivities said the needs filled with this class will help Marshall's football program maintain its momentum after a successful first season in the Sun Belt Conference.
"I'm really excited about this class!" Huff said. "We were able to attract some quality people, students and players to Marshall University. The young men in this class will help us continue toward our championship goals as a program while also serving as intricate pieces of this university and community."
Marshall is coming off a 9-4 season during its first year in the Sun Belt Conference and won five straight games to end the season – the sixth-longest winning streak currently in FBS football.
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Kinsey named top-10 candidate for 2023 Jerry West basketball award |
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Marshall University men's basketball fifth-year senior Taevion Kinsey was named a top-10 candidate for the 2023 Jerry West Award.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Kinsey has been named the Sun Belt Men's basketball player of the week three times this season as he ranks third in the nation in points (534) and is second in field goals made (215). Kinsey has tallied 20 or more points in 15 games this season.
Named after Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player Jerry West, the annual honor in its ninth year recognizes the top shooting guards in Division I men's college basketball.
In March, five finalists will be presented to West and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The Selection Committee for the Jerry West Award is composed of top men's college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.
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West Virginia Governor Jim Justice was all smiles at the 2023 Marshall University Day at the Capitol on Feb. 1 as his alma mater took centerstage at the capitol complex, showcasing the best of Marshall for state lawmakers. |
Campus Spotlight:
Marshall University Alums At The Capitol
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On Feb. 1 during the 2023 Marshall Day at the Capitol, the Office of Alumni Relations caught up with three prominent Marshall alumni who are making an impact in the state of West Virginia.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice ('74, '76), Delegate Patrick Lucas ('91) and Senator Mike Woelfel ('74) shared their stories of how Marshall has impacted their lives and has helped them get to where they are today.
View their stories in the link below.
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Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
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Join your fellow #MarshallUFamily on social media |
In today’s ever-expanding digital world, it is easier than ever to stay informed, interact and join in the conversation of your favorite artists, brands and teams.
What was once an analog process, reaching out and touching the things you are passionate about is now a click away. And that includes your alma mater.
The Marshall University Alumni Association continues to research new and exciting ways to interact with alumni, friends and supporters and expand its digital footprint on social media and online. Currently, the online Marshall Alumni community has over 13,000 followers on Facebook and a growing presence on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and more.
Tuning in to the MUAA on social media will bring you the latest alumni news, as well as fun weekly snapshots of campus – both in the present and the past – through weekly features such as #HerdHistory and #MarshallUMonday. We also have extensive coverage of alumni and campus events, as well as stories of fascinating alums and individuals that truly make a difference at Marshall.
Like, comment and join in the conversation today on your platform of choice @MarshallUAlumni. We can’t wait to see you there!
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In the past two months, a pair of Marshall University alumni made individual trips to Antarctica, proudly displaying their Marshall flags while on their visit. Nancy Campbell and Sarah Kemp sent in these photos from their trips in January and December, respectively, both taking the time to pose in front of a waddle of penguins! It just goes to show that you will find Herd Alums no matter where you go! |
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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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Until 1915, the future Marshall University was a one-building school. Old Main housed classrooms, offices, a library, a dining hall, a women's dormitory, an auditorium and even a basketball court in the basement. The second building built at the school was Northcott Hall.
When it was built in 1915, Northcott Hall primarily housed classrooms for the various sciences. After construction of Marshall's new science building in 1950 Northcott was used for other classes, including business and art.
It was demolished in 1995 to make way for Marshall's John Deaver Drinko Library. The intricate carved stonework at Northcott's main entrance was conserved and incorporated into the Hal Greer Boulevard façade of the new library.
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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Flight School, scholarship support helps local students achieve their dreams |
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Growing up, they all looked to the sky. When others dreamt of careers on the ground, they dreamt of soaring with the birds.
Many didn’t think they would do more than dream until they heard the announcement that changed their lives – Marshall University was opening a flight school.
“I was set to study biology,” said Kristen Sayre, a member of the inaugural class of the Bill Noe Flight School and St. Albans native. “I planned to obtain my undergraduate degree out of state. Throughout my senior year of high school, my sights were set on leaving my home state because I did not yet see the opportunities it had for me.”
Sayre isn’t the only one who changed her plans.
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Giving back to keep medical talent around |
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Dr. Friday Simpson had an unconventional path to becoming a doctor.
Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Simpson flew from Panama City, Florida, to Phoenix, Arizona, as a commercial charter pilot for 14 years. After so long, Simpson decided to pursue what she had always loved – medicine.
With some encouragement from her late husband Ted, a Huntington native, she applied and was accepted at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine with dreams of becoming a physician. The process is a bit different than learning to fly.
“In medical school, it just seems like it never quits. Twenty-nine graduate hours in medical school per semester, that was a lot tougher, much, much tougher than an undergraduate course. So yeah, the discipline was different,” Simpson said.
Simpson now has a scholarship for medical students who commit to practicing in rural West Virginia. She hopes to be a small part of keeping talented physicians in towns where they are needed the most.
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Marshall to host fifth annual TEDxMarshallU event Feb. 25
Marshall University will host its 5th annual TEDxMarshallU event organized by students, faculty and staff from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center. The theme for this year’s event is “Complexities of Identity,” which will explore the reality that every person has many intersecting identities.
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Marshall kicks off Black History Month, celebrates winners of poster contest
The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum at Marshall University kicked off Black History Month with the unveiling of the 2023 Official Black History Poster and honoring the Marshall University and K-12 student winners of the Black History Poster Competition and their teachers.
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Marshall and WV Department of Homeland Security unveil initiative to put students in jobs
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith joined West Virginia Department of Homeland Security (WV DHS) Sec. Jeff Sandy to launch an initiative to put Marshall college students to work within the department’s agencies.
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President Smith, AD Spears to headline PACnet '23
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and Director of Athletics Christian Spears will deliver a keynote address on “Lessons in Leadership” at PACnet ’23 in California Tuesday, Feb. 28. The keynote address will be delivered as part of Paciolan’s four-day event in Huntington Beach, California.
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519 John Marshall Drive,
Huntington, WV 25703
(304)-696-3134
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