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

Herd football is back, Homecoming is around the corner, and Marshall University continues to advance with the announcement of First Ascent - a statewide initiative to retain young talent in West Virginia. Read all about it and more in our September 2023 newsletter!

Marshall football earns 600th program victory in 2023 opener

Marshall Football earned the 600th win in program history on Saturday as the Thundering Herd opened the 2023 season with a 21-17 win over Albany in front of 25,101 fans at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Marshall junior running back Rasheen Ali finished with 137 yards and two touchdowns – both in the second half – while senior defensive end Owen Porter finished with a career-high 12 tackles and the game-clinching sack of Albany quarterback Reese Poffenbarger as the Thundering Herd held off a tough challenge from the Great Danes.

"Honestly, it was the best thing that could've happened tonight," Head Coach Charles Huff said. "We've got a lot to get cleaned up and hats off to Albany. It's a good football team and that quarterback is a good quarterback."

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WVU, Marshall launch program to keep young professionals in the Mountain State

First Ascent, a new program designed to cultivate and retain local talent within West Virginia, is now accepting applications from recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates, helping West Virginia’s best and brightest young professionals stay close to home.

Built on the foundation of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative and the state Department of Tourism’s successful Ascend WV program, First Ascent is designed to set participants on paths for successful remote and hybrid careers in the state, addressing the population loss and brain drain that stems from new graduates pursuing employment opportunities elsewhere.

Six communities — including five existing Ascend locations— will be home to First Ascent members: Morgantown Area, Huntington Area, Eastern Panhandle, New River Gorge, Greater Elkins and Greenbrier Valley.



“When we started with Ascend, the goal was to bring people to West Virginia — either for the first time or as returners,” Marshall University President Brad D. Smith said. “With First Ascent, we’re working to keep our graduates in state by positioning West Virginia as a hub for remote workers who can find success in the increasingly digital world while supporting overall state economic growth.”

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Schedule of events for Homecoming 2023

We can't celebrate Homecoming without you!

Unity Walk - Monday, Sept. 25

Homecoming week kicks off with the Unity Walk and Homecoming Court announcement. The Unity Walk focuses on diversity and inclusion across Marshall's campus. "The Unity Walk embodies what it means to be a member of the Marshall Family," said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations.

Office Decorating - Thursday, Sept. 28

All week Marshall University offices will be decorating using the “Super Marco: Level Up” theme! On Thursday, Sept. 28, you can help us decide the best offices by voting for your favorites on our social media channels located @ForMarshallU.

25th and 50th Class Reunions - Friday, Sept. 29

Are you a graduate of the 1973 or 1998 classes? If so, please join us at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall, Home of the Erickson Alumni Center, on our beautiful patio for light refreshments at 4 p.m. The classes are then invited to participate in the Homecoming Parade aboard a special Marshall trolley provided courtesy of the Alumni Association at 6 p.m. Seating on the trolley is limited, so reserve your spot today! Additionally, class members are welcome to walk the parade route alongside the trolley, or join us in watching the parade in front of Foundation Hall.

CLICK HERE to register!

Parade and Bonfire - Friday, Sept. 29

Floats, marching bands and everything you love about parades fills the air on a Friday night! After the parade, join us for the bonfire on Harless Field. And if you can’t make it, join us on social media at @ForMarshallU and @MarshallU for a broadcast of the parade.

Are you a member of the community who would like to participate with a float or vehicle in the parade? Reach out to Nico Raffinengo at raffinengo@marshall.edu or call (561) 704-7022.

Inaugural Black Alumni Hall of Fame - Friday, Sept. 29

Marshall University Black Alumni is pleased to announce its inaugural Black Alumni Hall of Fame at 7 p.m. in the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. This event will honor the achievements of 10 of the university's most esteemed graduates.

CLICK HERE for more information on MUBA's Homecoming events.

Marshall University Alumni & Family Tailgate - Saturday, Sept. 30

Presented by Woodlands Retirement Community

The highlight of Homecoming week! ALL are invited to this wonderful tailgating experience, hosted by the Marshall University Alumni Association and Marshall University Black Alumni! Located in the Joan C. Edwards Stadium East Lot (beside the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Facility), come enjoy great food, hang with friends, play tailgating games, enjoy live music, and appearances by special guests including coaches and players.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets!

Homecoming Game - Saturday, Sept. 30

The Thundering Herd battles two-time Homecoming rival Old Dominion University in the annual Homecoming game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets!

MUBA Black Out Alumni Party - Saturday, Sept. 30

After the game is over, cap off the week at Marshall University Black Alumni's annual Black Out Alumni Party from 8-11 p.m. in BE-5 of the Memorial Student Center. There will be a DJ, food and more!

CLICK HERE for more information on MUBA's Homecoming events.

Mark your calendars and spread the word, because Homecoming 2023 is going to be one for the books. Check out even more events by clicking the link below. We can't wait to see all of you there! 

Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Member Trade Show

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its 2023 Member Trade Show, presented by Huntington Bank from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Mountain Health Arena Convention Center. As a grander version of the Chamber's usual Business After Hours, this is a premier opportunity to discover what local businesses and organizations in our community have to offer, and to network and connect with fellow professionals. 

The evening will feature networking, food and open bar, raffle prizes and more!

Cost

General Admission Tickets - $15

Exhibitor Tables - $100 (Standard), $125 (Premium)

Sponsorships – Sponsorship details are included on the Exhibitors’ registration page.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Marshall Artists Series returns for 87th season

Tickets for the fall 2023 events of the 87th season of the Marshall Artists Series will go on sale Sept. 7 at noon. From Broadway’s Hit Musical Come From Away to Piff The Magic Dragon, to the brand new Masters at Marshall Distinguished Speaker Series, the shows this fall will stimulate your mind and ears. It will be a different kind of year as this season will take the Marshall Artists Series on tour. The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center will close temporarily (at times) for much needed renovations and Marshall Artists Series events will need to take place at different venues.

This season marks the debut of a new speaker series - Masters at Marshall - Distinguished Speaker Series. The speaker series, which will bring some of the brightest minds and influential voices to Marshall University, harkens back to the very first events of the Marshall Artists Series. The Masters at Marshall Distinguished Speaker Series is also available as a package which includes both events – An Evening with Jon Meacham (pictured) and An Evening with Beth Macy – for $147.84. To order this package, please call the Marshall Artists Series Administrative Office at 304-696-3326.

CLICK HERE for more information.

ALUMNI CHAPTERS

Louisville Alumni Chapter

Chapters Stayed Busy in August!

Our new chapter in Louisville, Kentucky, (above) hosted a Marshall-themed trivia night...fun and fellowship had by all!

Meanwhile, the Greater Huntington Alumni Chapter (right) hosted a pre-game tailgate with area high school volleyball players and a post-game meet and greet with Herd Volleyball Coach Ari Aganus.

Alumni chapters across the nation are regrouping, expanding or being formed. To learn more about how you can be a part of an alumni chapter, or to start one in your area, click on the link below.

Marshall Health, Marshall University and Mountain Health Network boards approve new name for integrated academic health system

The Marshall Health, Marshall University and Mountain Health Network governing boards earlier this month voted unanimously to approve a single name for the newly integrated academic health system — Marshall Health Network, Inc.

The adoption of the Marshall brand allows for the next step in realizing the vision of an integrated academic health system. Marshall Health Network best reflects the shared purpose of the three entities, while also unifying their identities and reaffirming their strength as a collective, harnessing the full potential of their focus on education, clinical care and research.

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$3 million grant awarded to combat opioid crisis in rural West Virginia communities

The Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery, in collaboration with Westbrook Health Services, has received a $3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. This grant aims to address the pressing issue of opioid use in rural West Virginia by expanding access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and support services.

Amy Saunders is the managing director for the Center of Excellence for Recovery.

“We are excited about this collaboration with Westbrook Health Services,” Saunders said. “This project will allow us to help reach people with substance use disorders where they are. This project will establish new access points for essential care in underserved rural communities, where access and services are limited.”

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