Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | September 2026

A letter from the president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation

Dear Marshall Alumni and Friends,

September is one of my favorite times of year at Marshall, and this month is already off to a great start.

Staci and I enjoyed spending this past weekend with Marshall alumni and friends at our Penn State tailgate in State College, where more than 350 people registered to join us. It was a terrific showing of Marshall pride and a reminder that wherever the Herd gathers, the sense of community that defines this university is never far away.

That spirit will be on full display later this month as we celebrate Homecoming Sept. 21-26. This year’s theme, “’80s Echoes: Come Back Curious,” promises a fun week of activities, including the Unity Walk, Party on the Plaza, the Homecoming Parade, alumni gatherings and Saturday’s football game against Gardner-Webb. I hope many of you will make plans to return to Huntington, reconnect with friends, visit campus and experience the tremendous momentum underway at Marshall.

We also recently announced another strong year of philanthropic support for Marshall, with the Foundation exceeding its fiscal year 2026 fundraising goal. I am deeply grateful to the thousands of alumni, donors and friends whose generosity continues to create opportunities for our students and strengthen the university. We are sharing the full fiscal year 2026 results with this newsletter, and I encourage you to take a look.

Last month, we also had the opportunity to spend time with Charleston-area alumni and friends at Paint the Capital City Green, and we recently celebrated Marshall University Foundation board member Verna Gibson as she was inducted into the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame. Seeing Verna receive that well-deserved recognition in Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall was a special moment for all of us.

From Charleston to State College, and back home in Huntington, I continue to be inspired by the strength of the Marshall family. I look forward to seeing many of you during Homecoming.

All my best, and Go Herd!

Nico

Marshall University News

Foundation News

Scholarship established in recognition of Welch family and School of Nursing

 

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a $50,000 gift to establish The Welch Family Nursing Scholarship in recognition of a life-saving act. The scholarship is generously endowed by W. Thomas “Tom” Matthews.

The Welch Family Nursing Scholarship was inspired by the kindness of Crystal and Nathan Welch, a mother and son, who administered CPR on Matthews after he suffered cardiac arrest. Without the Welches’ quick response, or the training they received through the Marshall University School of Nursing, he would not be alive today.

Read more

Board member Verna Gibson inducted into West Virginia Business Hall of Fame

Congratulations to our Marshall University Foundation board member, Verna Gibson (first row, center), on her induction into the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame.

Gibson built an impressive career in retail, rising to president and CEO of The Limited Stores. Her leadership, philanthropy and commitment to Marshall and the Huntington community have made a lasting impact.

We were honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition alongside members of the Foundation staff, her granddaughter, Krista Steele, and her dear friend, Charlie Neighborgall.

Crowdfunding campaigns make an immediate impact. When you give, you join a community of supporters who come together to create real change.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to provide opportunities and meet urgent needs that move projects forward.

Your support not only helps these campaigns reach their goals — it shows belief in the people and ideas shaping a brighter future for Marshall.

Support our crowdfunding campaigns

Alumni News

Marshall fans tailgate before Penn State game

The Marshall University Alumni Association and the Big Green Scholarship Foundation hosted a tailgate ahead of the Penn State game on Sept. 5, bringing together 350 alumni, fans and friends for an afternoon of Marshall pride.

The tailgate was a great way to kick off the football season as fans gathered with food and fellowship before the game.

In addition, the Tampa Bay, Charlotte and Annapolis chapters hosted watch parties in their respective areas.

Thank you to everyone — near and far — who joined us and helped make the tailgate and watch parties fun and memorable!

Remembering Mickey Jackson and his Marshall legacy

We mourn the passing of William “Mickey” Jackson (left), a cherished member of the Marshall family.

A former member of both the Marshall University Foundation board of directors and the Marshall University Alumni Association board of directors, Jackson dedicated years of service to advancing and strengthening his alma mater. He also served on the coaching staff of the Young Thundering Herd following the 1970 plane crash and was inducted into the Marshall University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985 in recognition of his accomplishments as a player and coach.

His leadership, loyalty and love for Marshall will be remembered and deeply missed.

Alumni chapters continue to raise funds for Marshall For All

On July 1, the Marshall University Alumni Association launched a brand-new Alumni Chapter Match crowdfunding campaign in support of the Marshall For All program.

All proceeds collected by participating alumni chapters will directly support the Marshall For All program. Currently in the lead is our Washington, D.C. Chapter with $540 raised. Congrats! 🎉

Each eligible donation given now through June 30, 2027, will be generously matched by President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith.

Support our chapters

At Marshall Alumni | Big Green, we know that fall is the perfect time to reset, recharge, and refocus on your well-being. Whether you're getting back into a fitness routine, exploring new wellness practices or simply making time to care for yourself, every step counts.

Through Marshall Alumni | Big Green Perks Connect, you can access exclusive discounts on gym memberships, fitness classes, wellness services and more—helping you stay active and feel your best this season.

To get started, log in to your account and select Deals → National or Local Deals from the top menu. Don’t have a PerksConnect account yet? Register now to sign up.

Class Notes

Class notes are a great way to stay up-to-date with news from former classmates and alumni, faculty and staff, and other members of the Marshall family.

🦬 Trivia Time 🦬

Marshall has had many Homecoming themes over the years, celebrating pivotal moments in our university's history. In 2022, Marshall entered the Sun Belt Conference and the corresponding Homecoming theme was ________.