Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Alumni Association | November 2022 |
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Diversity – Integrity – Loyalty – Pride – Respect |
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Fall is a special time at Marshall.
It is a season of calm and reflection following a busy start to the semester and a lively and energetic week of Homecoming festivities. It is also one of the more beautiful times for a walk around campus to enjoy the many changes amid the backdrop of colorful trees and falling leaves.
For our alumni team, this time of year is also a season of remembering all of the things that we are thankful for. We are thankful for the visionary leaders that are guiding our university to a new and exciting future. We are thankful for those who give back to Marshall - either through their time, resources or both - for it is you who truly moves us forward. And we are thankful for our Marshall family around the globe that spread the great news of Marshall University at every available opportunity.
And this year, we are especially thankful having just wrapped up Marshall's largest and most ambitious fundraising campaign in Marshall Rises, raising more than $176 million in support of the university. It is a success that is far more than just a final number on a check, Marshall Rises represents a brighter future for all who are associated with Marshall.
So this holiday season, take some time to reflect on what you are truly thankful for. And remember that, no matter where life takes you, you are always welcome home.
Enjoy reading this edition of the Marshall University alumni newsletter. GO HERD!
MU Office of Alumni Relations
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Marshall makes waves during Homecoming 2022 |
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Marshall University began a new era when it entered the Sun Belt Conference. It was only fitting to celebrate this new season in Marshall athletics with a “Fun in the Sun!” Homecoming 2022 theme.
The theme accompanied activities the week of Oct. 24-29 in one of the largest on-campus celebrations of the year. Among the highlights of Homecoming 2022 were the Unity Walk, annual Homecoming parade and bonfire, Picnic on the Plaza, StamFEED presented by Jenkins Fenstermaker PLLC, Homecoming Stampede 5K and a huge gathering of Herd alums, students and supporters at the annual Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate presented by the Woodlands Retirement Community.
To help celebrate the occasion was Jim Datin, this year’s Homecoming grand marshal. Datin retired as president and chief executive officer of BioAgilytix, a leading global bioanalytical contract research organization. During his time there, the company grew from fewer than 50 employees to more than 1,100 and was continually recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing companies. Datin graduated from Marshall in 1985 with a degree in marketing and was elected to Marshall’s business hall of fame in 2018.
Members of the Marshall University Alumni Association board of directors visited several offices on and off campus during the annual Office Decorating Contest. The College of Science, Dean’s Office won as the overall office in the small office category. Human Resource Services won as the overall office in the large office category.
Other standouts during Homecoming 2022 were the overall winners of the annual Homecoming Stampede 5K. Hector Falcon of Charleston, West Virginia, and Mikala Shremshock of Charles Town, West Virginia. The remaining top five finishers from the event were Jenner Stewart of Smithville, West Virginia; Dava Alt of Proctorville, Ohio; Ethan Young of Hurricane, West Virginia; Beth Ely of Huntington; Tanner Ekstrom of Saint Albans, West Virginia; Claire Little of Huntington; Eric Desmond of Huntington; and Ashley Dawson or Hurricane, West Virginia.
This year’s Mr. and Miss Marshall were Calvin Hunter and Nevaeh Harmon. Hunter is a senior biology major from Milford, Ohio. He was sponsored by The Society of Yeager Scholars and his fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi. Harmon is a junior biochemistry major from Charleston, West Virginia. She was sponsored by the Society of Black Scholars.
Wrapping up the week, the Thundering Herd lost to Coastal Carolina University with a final score of 24-13. The Chanticleers came out strong with a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Marshall scored 10 in the second quarter. The second half finished with only six points from both sides, and ultimately ended in a Herd loss. Quarterback freshman Cam Fancher had a strong game with 320 yards. Corey Gammage, a junior wide receiver had 187 receiving yards in the defeat.
Relive more of the excitement from Homecoming 2022 online at HerdAlum.com.
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Three named to top posts at Marshall |
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Marshall University President Brad D. Smith announced that a trio of new officials have been tapped to lead the university’s finance, information technology and marketing divisions.
“We are moving forward with three new leaders who are poised to transform our capabilities in finance, information technology and marketing,” Smith said. “We are taking the next steps toward becoming one of the nation’s most dynamic, nimble and progressive educational institutions.”
National searches were conducted for all three positions, which include the chief financial officer, chief information officer and chief marketing and communications officer.
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No. 5 Herd men's soccer falls to JMU in Sun Belt Conference tournament quarterfinals |
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The fifth-ranked and second-seeded Marshall University men's soccer team (10-3-3) dropped its 2022 Sun Belt Conference Men's Soccer Tournament contest to the fifth-seeded James Madison Dukes (7-7-3), 1-0, on Oct. 6 at Hoops Family Field.
The Herd awaits it fate during the 2022 Division I NCAA Men's Soccer Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. for the tournament.
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Marshall board approves new phase for baseball stadium, adds new programs |
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Marshall University’s Board of Governors approved a resolution allowing the second phase of construction for the new baseball stadium to proceed.
The $3.4 million project includes the addition of two metal buildings that would house the visiting team locker room, batting cages, additional offices and storage.
Additionally, the board approved the rebirth of the men’s track indoor and outdoor program at the university. Competition is expected to begin this academic year in the Sun Belt Conference.
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Memorial Fountain Ceremony |
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The annual Memorial Fountain ceremony is set for Monday, Nov. 14, at noon to commemorate the anniversary of Southern Airways Flight 932 crashing into a hillside as it approached Tri-State Airport, killing all 75 onboard including Thundering Herd teammates, coaches, staff, supporters and flight crew members.
The team was returning from a game at East Carolina on Nov. 14, 1970.
The Thundering Herd will take on Appalachian State University at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in the annual Memorial Game.
Learn more about the annual Memorial Fountain ceremony and watch live on Nov. 14 in the link below.
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Executive Director of Alumni Relations Matt James (left) served as special host of the Homecoming Parade alongside Coordinator of Student Activities Katie Stanley during Homecoming festivities. |
A Message From Alumni Director
Matt James
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Greetings Herd Nation!
I hope all of you are doing well. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the privilege to connect with so many alumni in my new role. I’m sincerely appreciative for all the kind gestures, phone calls and welcoming emails. I’m looking forward to leading our alumni engagement efforts to a much greater level moving forward. Under the leadership of President Smith, we are poised for a truly transformational era for Marshall University.
As we approach the holidays, I’m especially mindful to be grateful for happiness, health and The Herd! It is also during this time every year that we pause, as a Marshall Family, to remember the sacrifice of our 75. In the spirit of our eternal Thundering Herd, I pledge to give my all every, single day as Executive Director of Alumni Relations. As a proud Son of Marshall, I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve our alma mater in this capacity.
I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous holiday season. The best is yet to come…
Go Herd!
Matt James
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Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
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A #HERDHOMECOMING THANK YOU!
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The Marshall University Alumni Association would like to take this time to thank each and every member of the Marshall family that makes #HerdHomecoming such a success!
To the alumni and friends of Marshall University that return to campus each year, thank you for your dedication and for making this yearly tradition such a fun weekend to be a part of.
To the faculty, staff and students that participated in events such as the Picnic on the Plaza, Homecoming Parade and Office Judging competition, your spirit and creativity help make this a magical weekend.
To the volunteers, including students, staff at the Marshall University Foundation, members of the Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors and community members, we truly could not have Homecoming without your hard work.
And a big thank you to Homecoming grand marshal Jim Datin who took part in activities throughout the week on campus.
Thank you all for a wonderful #HerdHomecoming week and we hope to see you back on campus next year. Below are a couple of links for you to enjoy from another fun and successful week.
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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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Today we are throwing it back to the 2013 Marshall University Homecoming game when the Marco we all know and love today made his epic debut, replacing the short-lived previous version of the mascot.
During that game Dr. Allen Young, who won the mascot national championship as Marco in the early 1990s, reprised the role to the thrill of the fans.
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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Farrells pledge $100,000 for Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation |
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The Marshall University Foundation has announced that Michael J. Farrell and Tamela J. Farrell have pledged a gift of $100,000 in support of the new Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation at Marshall University.
“We, as a couple, feel the need to invest in our community and we do it through many different avenues, but the university has always been the one that we felt most passionate about,” Michael Farrell said.
Michael Farrell was interim president in 2005 following the departure of Dan Angel. He previously served on Marshall’s Board of Governors and is also in the Lewis College of Business and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business Hall of Fame.
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Foundation, Alumni team up to welcome new grads during Countdown to Commencement |
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Marshall University students looking toward graduation had an opportunity to get everything they need in one place during the first two days of November.
The semi-annual Countdown to Commencement hosted each year by Student Affairs in preparation for commencement exercises took place Nov. 1-2 in the Memorial Student Center. This year’s winter commencement will be held Saturday, Dec. 10 at Mountain Health Arena.
Students were able to write thank you cards, decorate their cap and enjoy refreshments while preparing for commencement.
The Marshall University Foundation and Marshall University Alumni Association represented the final two stops at the event as students had an opportunity to sign their class banner, win T-shirts and learn more about how they can get involved as an alum after graduation.
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Herd Holiday returns to campus Tuesday, Nov. 29
Join the Marshall family for Herd Holiday on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. at the Memorial Student Center located on Marshall University’s Huntington Campus.
Activities include photos with Santa Marco, lighting of the Memorial Student Center Plaza Christmas tree, carolers, refreshments, hot chocolate and s'mores by the fire, story time, ornament painting and much more!
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Marshall hosts ribbon-cutting for expanded digital forensics lab
Marshall University hosted a ribbon-cutting on Oct. 24, for the newly expanded West Virginia State Police Digital Forensics Lab, located at the Marshall University Forensic Science Center’s annex. With 800 additional square feet of space, the now 1,400-square-foot lab accommodates more space for Marshall students to complete internships with the state police.
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Herd student-athlete serves as role model for stuttering
Senior Thundering Herd Safety André Sam (pictured) may be known for his work ethic on the football field, but it’s his story off of the gridiron that is inspiring others. His near-lifelong battle with stuttering is helping him serve as a role model for young people who have speech impediments.
Sam recently sat down for an interview to discuss his stuttering journey, in a video titled André Sam: A Profile of Courage.
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Birke Art Gallery to move downtown to Visual Arts Center
Marshall University’s School of Art and Design is relocating its Birke Art Gallery from Smith Hall to the Visual Arts Center in downtown Huntington and is hosting a grand re-opening celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. It takes place at 927 Third Ave. and is free and open to all.
The Birke Art Gallery opened in 1977 and was the main gallery for the School of Art and Design until 2014, when the Visual Art Center was opened in downtown Huntington.
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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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