Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | May 2024 | |
Integrity - Respect - Diversity - Pride | | |
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April proved to be a busy month for Marshall University, marked by a series of notable events that showcased the institution's commitment to its community and its students.
Day of Giving supporters rallied behind various university initiatives and programs and surpassed last year's goal. Additionally, the Marshall University Foundation's annual Scholarship Honor Brunch showcased Marshall's dedication to academic excellence, celebrating the achievements of deserving scholars and thanking the generosity of Marshall's donors. Culminating the month's festivities, commencement ceremonies filled the air with pride and accomplishment as students embarked on the next chapter of their lives.
As we look to the month of May, anticipation mounts for the return of Community Cares Week, a time when the Marshall family comes together to extend a helping hand to show the university some TLC. In addition, alumni chapters across the world are participating in their own communities.
Read about all this, and more, in our May newsletter!
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Day of Giving raises more than $170,000 | |
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Marshall University has announced the success of its Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall with $176,660.47 raised in support of various university initiatives.
Marshall’s Day of Giving, which occurred April 24-25, serves as an opportunity for the Marshall family to unite and make a difference for the university’s students and the future of the institution. This year, Day of Giving spotlighted "1837 Minutes for Marshall,” which was a nod to the university’s founding year. Over the course of 30 hours, faculty, staff alumni and supporters were encouraged to participate and contribute.
"We are grateful to everyone who participated in this year's Day of Giving," said Dr. Ron Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. "The outpouring of support from our donors, alumni and community demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause."
READ MORE>>>
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Marshall conducts spring commencement | |
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Marshall University conducted its spring commencement with two ceremonies on April 27 at the Marshall Health Network Arena.
Chris Gardner served as the commencement speaker. Gardner is an acclaimed American businessman, motivational speaker and author.
The Marshall University Alumni Association worked with Glenn's Sporting Goods in Huntington to gift all graduates who walked in either ceremony a commemorative 2024 alumni T-shirt.
| | Marshall announces partnership with Cabell County Schools | |
In a press conference Tuesday at Huntington High School, Marshall University and Cabell County Schools announced a distinctive partnership, a groundbreaking initiative to simplify the path to higher education for local high school graduates.
Under this program, Marshall University will automatically accept any graduating student from Huntington High School, Cabell Midland High School and the Cabell County Career and Technology Center with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. The new program eliminates the traditional application process, providing a seamless and stress-free transition for students pursuing a four-year degree.
President Brad D. Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the transformative collaboration, emphasizing its role in breaking down barriers to education.
“This new commitment ensures that deserving students in Cabell County have a direct pathway to a four-year degree without the usual complexities of the application process. Our goal is to make higher education more accessible and to empower local talent,” Smith said. “Ensuring guaranteed college admission is not just an investment in individuals but a commitment to investing in our local community, state, and nation. I commend both teams for their efforts to create this important program.”
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| Community Cares Week returns | |
Marshall University’s annual Community Cares Week: Giving Back to the Herd returns next week May 14-17.
In 2023, the university surpassed the inaugural year’s event by more than 60%, with a total of 724 people who pre-registered or walked up to volunteer, working 1,958 service hours–all pitching in to make a positive impact on the university’s campuses or with alumni groups in their hometowns.
Make plans to join our sweat equity event to join in the fellowship and FUN! The deadline to receive a T-shirt has passed, but those interested in participating my sign up HERE. Tuesday, May 14 is kids day! Bring your children for a family service event!
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Amos Lee live in concert May 13 | |
Amos Lee's Transmissions Tour visits Huntington at 7:30 p.m. May 13 at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Lee's eagerly awaited new album, Transmissions will be available Friday, August 9.
The lead single, “Hold on Tight” was just released last week. Click here to listen.
Lee will be joined by special guest Julia Pratt. Pratt is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia. A songwriter at heart, Pratt’s music blends pop, jazz, R&B and folk, with dashes of electronic productions.
For information, call the Marshall Artists Series at 304-696-6656. Tickets may be purchased through the link below.
| Remote, hybrid work available to recent graduates through First Ascent | |
Are you a recent graduate looking to stay in West Virginia? Consider applying for First Ascent. Built on the foundation of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative’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.
Current students and alumni from Marshall can apply for First Ascent during the last year of their degree program through one year post-graduation. Those applying must be willing to live in a featured community, including Huntington, and accept a remote or hybrid full-time position for organizations based in or outside of West Virginia or have launched a business that operates and/or delivers services remotely prior to applying.
Those who qualify for First Ascent will have access to free co-working space and outdoor recreation equipment, success coaches and professional mentorships, a remote worker certification, professional development, community engagement, outdoor and social activities, and more.
To learn more and apply, visit https://firstascentwv.com.
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Marshall Foundation & Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
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MUAA Flash Sale a success
The Marshall University Alumni Association hosted an online flash sale of Marshall-themed Nike apparel April 25 through May 2. The sales raises funds for the alumni association.
"Thank you to all of our amazing alumni and friends who helped make our alumni Nike flash sale a success," said Jimmy Black, president of the alumni association's board of directors. "We look forward to everyone receiving their new Herd apparel in a few weeks. Please be on the lookout for our next Nike store later this summer as we get ready for Homecoming. Go Herd!"
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Raleigh-Durham chapter's benefit concert a fun evening for all
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Was the audience located at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, or the Andalusian region of Spain? Based on the sights and sounds emanating from AJ Fletcher Opera Theater on April 25, one would imagine we had been magically transported to the south of Spain during the MUAA Raleigh-Durham concert, performed by Eduardo de Rosamaria’s Flamenco Ensemble.
This international ensemble, based in Raleigh and founded by Canadian classical Spanish/flamenco guitarist Ed Stephenson (Eduardo de Rosamaria), consists of guitarists, vocalists, harpsichordist/pianist, percussionist and flamenco dancers. They perform frequently in North Carolina as well as around the Southeast and internationally.
Special guests at this event included MUAA First Vice President Janie McDaniel; Alicia Parker Webb, Big Green Scholarship Foundation’s associate director of development for endowments and major gifts, and former Marshall and current North Carolina State University women’s soccer player Abi Hugh.
Proceeds from the event are earmarked for Marshall men’s soccer, Marshall women’s basketball and the Marshall Artists Series. To make a donation, please contact Raleigh-Durham Chapter President Barbara White at barbara_white628@hotmail.com.
For more information about the flamenco ensemble, including video and audio, please visit www.edstephenson.com.
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Marshall University Alumni Association announces chapter awards given during 85th Alumni Awards Banquet
Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association hosted the 85th Alumni Awards Banquet on April 13 with a total of seven alumni chapter awards announced during the event.
The inaugural Chapter President of the Year award was given to Laurie Martin of the Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Two annual awards were given during the event, the first to the Marshall University Alumni Greater Annapolis Area Chapter for the Emerging Chapter award, and the second to the Marshall University Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter for the Chapter of the Year award.
“The Chapter President of the Year award recognizes outstanding leadership, and Laurie truly embodies what it means to be a leader,” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “We are so proud to celebrate Laurie with the inaugural Chapter President of the Year award, as well as recognize our Annapolis chapter and our Southern Coalfields chapter for a remarkable year.”
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Pheister family establishes scholarship for students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Pheister Family Scholarship for Media Excellence. This scholarship is generously provided by Jason Pheister and his wife, Erin Tunis Pheister. Jason Pheister is a 2001 graduate of Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting. He was one of four individuals inducted into the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame this spring.
“I’m originally from Columbus but spent almost eight years in West Virginia between Marshall and working at local TV stations. The state holds a special place in my heart forever which is why it was so important that we pay it forward,” Pheister said.
As a multi-time Emmy award-winning journalist, he worked for several media companies, including WSAZ, WOWK, WCMH, WBNS, as well as The Columbus Dispatch. He also has led television and digital networks for Time Warner Cable across the country. He is the vice president of content and news at Spectrum Networks for Charter Communications. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he has a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Innovation from Northeastern University.
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Marshall University Foundation celebrates scholarship recipients, donors with annual brunch
Student scholarship recipients were honored Saturday at Marshall University during the 2024 Scholarship Honor Brunch, hosted by the Marshall University Foundation. This annual event recognizes those students who are beneficiaries of privately funded scholarships, as well as the donors and families who made the awards possible.
Dr. Ron Area, CEO and senior vice president of development of the Marshall Foundation, delivered a special welcome to more than 400 students and donors who attended the event in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.
“The Scholarship Honor Brunch unites scholarship recipients and donors, underscoring our dedication to enhancing ongoing support for Marshall University and its students,” Area said. “We are steadfast in our mission to broaden educational access for our students and deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, who invest in Marshall through their contributions and active participation in today’s event.”
Bonnie Bailey, director of Student Support Services Program, served as the featured speaker. The program, which is federally funded, targets students who are first-generation, the first in their family to complete a four-year degree, and income-eligible.
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The Society of Yeager Scholars announces 38th class of students
The Society of Yeager Scholars is proud to introduce its 38th class of exceptional students at Marshall University. This year, eight outstanding scholars will join the prestigious program, bringing the total number of Yeager Scholars on campus to 35—the highest count since 2011.
The incoming class boasts an impressive average SAT score of 1470 and an average ACT score of 32. These scholars have demonstrated their commitment to learning and achievement, positioning themselves for success in their academic pursuits.
Among the eight students, five are valedictorians of their graduating classes. They and all of the Yeager scholars bring passion and drive to the Yeager program, enriching the intellectual environment at Marshall University.
“The scholars in the incoming class are an exceptional group of distinct, thoughtful students who are eager to learn at Marshall University,” said Cara Bailey, director of the Society of Yeager Scholars. “The students were selected from one of the most competitive pools of applicants I’ve seen. I’m excited to see them prove their ability as top scholars for the Marshall community.”
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School of Medicine conducts 44th doctoral graduation, 2nd physician hooding ceremony
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine awarded 61 doctoral degrees and recognized 23 Master of Medical Science graduates at ceremonies this week.
At its 44th annual doctoral graduation and investiture April 26 at the Marshall Health Network Arena in Huntington, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president of health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, conferred 58 Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees, two Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in biomedical research and one combined M.D./Ph.D. degree.
The Marshall University Physician Assistant (PA) Program celebrated its second graduating class Friday morning at the Marshall Health Network Arena. Stephen Wilson, M.D., professor of surgery and medical director of the PA program, recognized and hooded 23 graduates from the program. Grace Edmunds, president of the class of 2024, Dean Gozal, and Marshall University Assistant Provost Carl Mummert, Ph.D., delivered remarks. Members of the Pi Alpha Honor Society inductees were also recognized.
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Though the spring semester may be over, we hope you enjoy this 1960 photo of Marshall students just outside the gates of Old Main along Hal Greer Boulevard.
See more throwback photos and #HerdHistory on the Marshall University Foundation & Alumni social media channels.
@ForMarshallU
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