Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | May 2025 | | |
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A letter from the president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation
Greetings Herd Alumni and Friends –
We hope you are enjoying the beginnings of summer. While things are fairly quiet on campus right now, we can already feel the anticipation building for another exciting fall semester, as New Student Orientation is taking place on campus this week!
Last week, the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors had its annual spring meeting in Wheeling, West Virginia. Thank you to our dedicated board members for their tireless efforts in advancing Marshall University. It was an incredibly productive and celebratory three days, as we honored outgoing board members Sharon Shaffer and Carol Hartley for their service. Thank you both for all you have and continue to do for Marshall.
As we come up on the end of the fiscal year, we do so with a great sense of gratitude for the support of our alumni and friends. We have raised more than $30 million in FY25, the highest amount since FY21. Additionally, more than 3,300 donors have made gifts this year, the most since FY22. Simply put, your support is what makes Marshall, Marshall. Thank you.
There are several alumni and chapter events taking place over the summer. Please follow along on social media at @ForMarshallU for the latest news.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for all you do. And Go Herd!
Nico
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President Smith agrees to contract extension
At its regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, June 11, the Marshall University Board of Governors unanimously approved an amendment to President Brad D. Smith’s employment agreement extending its maturity three years to Dec. 31, 2029.
Smith took the helm at Marshall in January 2022 and since then the university has achieved significant progress in student success, academic innovation, research expansion and economic development.
Read More About President Smith's Extension
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Board of Governors approves new programs, contracts
Marshall's Board of Governors approved the launch of new degree programs including a Bachelor of Science in Sonography, a program developed in response to the increasing need for qualified sonographers in the health care field.
On the athletics front, the board approved a four-year extension of men’s head basketball coach Cornelius “Corny” Jackson’s contract. Jackson was hired as head coach in 2024.
Additional Board Updates
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Marshall awarded $1 million grant from HGB Foundation to launch BOLD Women’s Leadership Experience
Marshall University announced it has received a $1 million gift from the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation (HGB) to create the BOLD Women’s Leadership Experience at Marshall. This transformative initiative aims to cultivate leadership among undergraduate women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Read More About This Initiative
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Pam Nibert retires from Foundation after 27 years
Pam Nibert, vice president of administration and executive assistant to the president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation, has retired after 27 years of service. She joined the organization in September 1997.
During her time with the Foundation, Nibert helped oversee relations with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, the establishment of Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall, which opened its doors in 2010, and the historic Marshall Rises comprehensive campaign, which raised more than $176 million for Marshall University.
In April, Nibert received the Distinguished Service to Marshall University Award during the 86th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet.
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Rosemarie Bonnington gifts $1 million toward greatest needs
The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $1 million bequeathed by Rosemarie J. Bonnington toward the Alexander “Doug” Bonnington Greatest Needs Fund in honor of her late husband.
“We are sincerely grateful for Rosemarie Bonnington and her commitment to her husband’s legacy as this $1 million gift is an investment in the future of Marshall University,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “It empowers us to address our most pressing needs and seek new opportunities, ensuring that our students, faculty and staff continue to thrive.”
Read More About the Bonningtons
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Record-Breaking Community Cares Week Unites Alumni Around the Globe
This year’s Community Cares Week marked a milestone as 23 alumni chapters around the world came together to host impactful service projects in their local communities. From packing supplies at the Marshall Food Pantry in Huntington, West Virginia, to cleaning up a park in Shanghai, China, alumni demonstrated their commitment to service and community.
A record-breaking 399 alumni volunteers participated — our largest turnout ever for Community Cares Week. Their collective efforts reflect the powerful impact of our global alumni network and their dedication to making a difference.
More Community Cares Week Stats
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Huntington Alumni Chapter to host golf tournament Friday, June 20
Join the Marshall University Huntington Alumni Chapter for the 2025 Golf Tournament on Friday, June 20, at Creekside Golf Course in Lavalette, West Virginia! Tee-off begins at 8 a.m. Play as an individual or register with a team of your closest friends!
You can also support the chapter by becoming a sponsor or volunteering for the event. Your involvement helps connect alumni, fund scholarships, and strengthen the Marshall community. From Title Sponsors to prize donors, every contribution makes a difference. Volunteers are also needed—lunch is included, and we’ll coordinate duties and time slots. Sign up below!
Register Today
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Michael A. Donio (Rooney) ('68), 80, formerly of Wescosville, Pennsylvania, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at Mosser Nursing Home, Trexlertown. Born in York, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Alfred and Patricia (Shindel) Rooney. He was of the Catholic faith and graduated from York Catholic, class of 1963. Before retiring, he worked as the director of projects for the People’s Medical Society, formerly of Allentown, and previously at Rodale Press. He enjoyed being a part of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) Chapter 17.
Dr. George Arnold ('63, '65), professor emeritus of journalism, has a new novel, "An Ounce of Death," published in December, and his 2024 western romance novel, "The Heart Beneath the Badge," has won a third first-place international award. In the past year, the book won International Impact Book Award in the romance category. In April 2025, it was judged a first-place winner in the Chanticleer International Book Awards Chatelaine romance fiction division. His first two novels, "Wyandotte Bound" and "Old Mrs. Kimble's Mansion," and his textbook/resource book, "Media Writer's Handbook, a Guide to Common Writing and Editing Problems, 7th edition," also won international first-place awards. All of his books are available on Amazon.
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The Cam Henderson Center is home to many athletics at Marshall University. Named after legendary coach Cam Henderson, who pioneered the fast break and zone defense, the facility serves the Thundering Herd men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team.
In what year did the Cam Henderson Center open?
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Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association
519 John Marshall Drive,
Huntington, WV 25703
(304) 696-6264
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