Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | December 2023

Greetings, Herd Family!

As we draw closer to the end of 2023, I’m filled with pride by all we’ve achieved collectively over the past year. Together, we’ve doubled the number of alumni chapters across the country and we’re seeing heightened levels of engagement across all platforms. Thank you from the bottom of my Kelly green heart for all you do for our university! I can’t wait to see what we continue to build together in 2024.

Wishing you and your families a blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas & Go Herd!

—Matt

Matt James

Executive Director of Alumni Relations

In this season of thankfulness, a handful of Marshall University employees were recognized for decades of monetary contributions to the Marshall University Foundation.

For the second year in a row, the Marshall University Foundation surprised Marshall University employees with balloons, certificates and an entourage of special guests to thank them for their years of giving to the Foundation.

The surprises were part of the Foundation’s Gratitude Week, a newly revamped spin on what was previously Thank A Donor Days. Though the name may have changed, the premise is the same – to express gratitude to those who make the Foundation’s mission possible by helping students, faculty and staff, and advancing the goals of the university.

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New alumni chapter launches for family and friends of those lost Nov. 14, 1970.

On Nov. 10, the Marshall University 75 Family Alumni Chapter hosted its launch party at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center (above).

The purpose of this chapter is to honor and preserve the memory of the 75 individuals who were tragically lost on Nov, 14, 1970.

In addition to attending the Memorial Fountain Ceremony, the chapter hosted an inaugural dinner the night before the ceremony for the families (right). An oral history project is in the works for those connected to the crash to be able to tell their stories. Marshall University Special Collections is partnering with the chapter on this project.

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53rd Annual Memorial Fountain Ceremony

On a rainy night on Nov. 14, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed into a hillside as it approached Tri-State Airport, carrying 75 Thundering Herd coaches, teammates, staff, supporters and flight crew members.

This year, Craig T. Greenlee served as the keynote speaker for the annual Memorial Fountain Ceremony on Nov. 14. Other speakers include Student Body Vice President Callia Yang, President Brad D. Smith, Coach Charles Huff, Athletic Director Christian Spears, Executive Director of Alumni Relations Matt James, and Student Body President Walker Tatum.

Huff assisted the Ceredo Fire Department by laying the wreath before the fountain was turned off and attendees paused for a moment of silence. Family, friends, students and community members participated in the ceremony by laying the roses for each of the victims.

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We're going bowling! Marshall to face UTSA in 2023 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl

Marshall football will take on the University of Texas at San Antonio in the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The matchup, which will be shown on ESPN, reunites the Thundering Herd with a former Conference USA opponent. The Roadrunners are now in the American Athletic Conference. Marshall will be the designated home team for the game.

"At Marshall, we will strive to always be mindful of the big picture," Marshall Athletic Director Christian Spears said. "This league did something extraordinary – 12 teams in bowl games – which shows that our league is legit. We played 10 teams that are participating in a bowl this season. We recognize that the Sun Belt is special, and we are honored to be back in a bowl and thrilled to take on UTSA in Frisco, Texas."

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ALUMNI CHAPTERS

Alumni chapters get involved & give back

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The Greater Huntington Alumni Chapter and Office of Alumni Relations participated in Herd Holiday, an annual event hosted by the university to kick off the holiday season, by organizing a cookie decorating station for the event's attendees (left).

Shopping for the holiday season? The Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter is selling Marshall-related merchandise, including apparel, ornaments and more, to raise funds for its scholarship endowment with the Foundation. To view apparel, click HERE. To view jewelry, ornaments, etc., click HERE. Both sites close Sunday, Dec. 10, so act fast!

Nominate an awardee today!

You can be a part of Marshall's biggest night of the year for alumni during the 85th Alumni Awards Banquet on April 13, 2024!

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 link below!

Four to be inducted into the School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame

Marshall University’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SOJMC) is welcoming four new members to its Hall of Fame.

Katherine L. “Kitty” Dooley, Caryn Schafer Gresham, Jason Pheister and Mark Truby will be inducted into the hall during a ceremony this spring.

“This year’s class of inductees is another stellar example of how Marshall has one of the best journalism and mass communications programs in the country,” said Chris Dickerson, president of the SOJMC Alumni Advisory Board, which handles the nomination process. “We’re fortunate to have such a rich pool of candidates who have done great things locally, regionally, nationally and even globally in media and other industries.

“We are extremely proud of all of our graduates, and it is an honor to welcome four more very deserving members to our Hall of Fame.”

The first class was enshrined in 1985, and the latest honorees bring the number of inductees to 85.

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Reger family establishes scholarship to support future physicians

The Reger family name has been well known throughout Huntington since Henry Reger first established Reger Funeral Home in 1903. George E. Reger became the third generation to enter the family business when he returned from service in the U.S. Army in 1924.

George longed to be a physician but ultimately attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and committed to serving his hometown in a different way.

“George was a passionate and caring funeral director, having served the community with a sense of compassion and empathy,” said his son, Patrick. “And though his dream of becoming a doctor was not fulfilled, his passion for helping others was evident in his funeral service ministry.”

Patrick is now honoring his father’s legacy by establishing a scholarship at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in his memory. The George E. Reger Family Scholarship supports a first-year medical student with first preference to residents of Cabell or Wayne counties in West Virginia. The award is renewable for three additional years, pending normal academic progress.

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