Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Alumni Association | July 7, 2020
Diversity – Integrity – Loyalty – Pride – Respect
Celebrating All Herd Alums
Greetings!

It is one of the first things that you see upon entering into the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall, home of the Erickson Alumni Center. Spelled out on the ground in gold lettering surrounding a golden Marshall emblem in the rotunda area of the main hall lies four words - diversity, respect, integrity, pride.
These words, plus a fifth - loyalty - make up the value system of the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA). These values serve as the framework in the development and implementation of all activities and services, and in the promotion of the association and its work with Marshall University, its students, alumni and friends.

In light of the events in recent weeks all around the country, the MUAA stands by its values and joins Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert and our university community in denouncing racism and discrimination of any kind. The MUAA has, remains, and always will welcome alumni of all cultures and backgrounds and we stand with our fellow Herd Alums across the nation in the battle against intolerance.

Below you will read more about Marshall University's stand against racism and learn more about why, today more than ever, organizations such as Marshall's Black Alumni Association and other such campus organizations are an important part of the Marshall family.

Enjoy reading this issue of Sons & Daughters. GO HERD!

Office of Alumni Relations
Matt Hayes
Larry Crum
Kasey Stevens
President announces plans to target racism on campus
Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert announced the beginning stages of a long-term plan to address racism, bias and discrimination on campus, including creation of the "Coalition for Anti-Racism," a nascent group which will advise the president and other Marshall organizations.

Return-To-Campus comprehensive guide unveiled
The Marshall University Board of Governors recently approved a comprehensive guide that will steer the university into the fall academic term and beyond.

The Return-to-Campus plan addresses all aspects of returning to on-site instruction during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, from academics and residence halls to students and employees, as well as testing protocols and health concerns.

Changes to HerdAlum.com
Attention Herd alumni! July marks the launch of our new www.herdalum.com website . The site will be up and operational in the early part of the month, so be sure to check it out to see all the new and improved features designed to help you find what you need, connect with other alumni, and stay in touch with what's new on campus.

Take a moment to look around and check out the news section and review the member benefits to make sure you're taking advantage of all of the member benefits offered by your alumni association!
 
On Friday, July 10, you will receive an email from us with your username and password to login to the website, to make sure your contact information is current.
 
Like our new website? Notice something out of place? Let us know by taking our website survey linked here.
Collegiate Cyber Defense Team wins national championship
Marshall University's Collegiate Cyber Defense Team recently won the national championship in the spring season of the National Cyber League (NCL). The team placed fist out of 925 teams competing.

Stay up-to-date with the latest coronavirus updates from Marshall University
Keep informed on the latest news and updates from campus as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Season tickets on sale now!
Season tickets are the number one way to enjoy Marshall football games!

Purchasing season tickets will give you a ticket for all six home games in your desired seat locations plus other perks and benefits! Check out this year's amazing home slate below:

9.12 | Pitt
9.25 | Boise State
10.3 | Rice
10.24 | FAU
11.14 | MTSU
11.21 | Charlotte

Alumni Spotlight:
Marshall University Black Alumni Association
As the discussion about race in America continues to take place, it highlights why organizations like Marshall University's Black Alumni Association (MUBA) is so important today.

Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
Parkersburg's Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter named MUAA Chapter of the Year
For the fifth time since 2013, the Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter has been named the Marshall University Alumni Association's Chapter of the Year.

Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter holding virtual fundraiser
With the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the annual fundraiser dinner for the Marshall University Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter, the leadership team will instead be holding a virtual fundraiser and silent auction during the month of July.

Interested alumni can make a contribution to the scholarship fund by mail throughout the month, or participate in an online silent auction from July 16-31. All proceeds will help fund scholarships. For more information see the graphic above or contact a representative with the alumni chapter.
Chapter Spotlight of the Month: Raleigh-Durham Chapter
The Raleigh-Durham Marshall University Alumni Chapter is one of the most engaged alumni chapters. Marshall Alumna Barbara White has served as the chapter’s president for the past three years.

“While the University does a wonderful job with their publications and websites, nothing beats the face-to-face connections with the people who are instrumental in making things happen on campus. The alumni chapters provide these opportunities right in their own backyards,” Barbara said.

Barbara does an excellent job of promoting Marshall and her enthusiasm is contagious. Being the co-chapter chair on the National Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Barbara recently inspired three Raleigh-area alumni to apply for the board.

“All three are accomplished professionals in their chosen fields with proven track records of achievement, and they will bring great talent back to Huntington during their terms in office,” Barbara said.

Before the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter hosted its second annual Marshall Alumni Night at the Charlotte Hornets game, when they played the Houston Rockets in early March. Before the game, Marshall alumni and friends were invited to the pregame shootaround as well as a meet-and-greet with Houston Rockets Head Coach and Marshall University Alumnus Mike D'Antoni. The well-attended event included an update from campus from Marshall University President Jerome Gilbert and Provost Jaime Taylor. The chapter also hosts a summer outing at the Durham Bulls baseball game, a minor league team in Durham.

The chapter often partners with the Charlotte alumni chapter on tailgates for football games and other events, like the annual Charlotte Hornets game. Barbara suggests these partnerships with other chapters to grow a new chapter, co-host events and share best practices.

“Since I am a Beckley native, I also went to the Southern Coalfields Christmas party as I was in town visiting family for the holidays, and was warmly welcomed into the fold. I have found all the chapters to be very welcoming, so don’t be afraid to visit each other and work together,” Barbara said. 

Barbara does an outstanding job providing updates to local alumni with their Facebook page, which during the COVID-19 pandemic, included regular check-ins with alumni. Like their Facebook page here to connect with the chapter.

“I would challenge every chapter to find what makes your area and alumni unique, and go from there. Think of it as a quilt—we are all different pieces of this quilt called the Marshall University Alumni Association, but when we are joined together with Marshall serving as our ‘backing fabric,’ we make a beautiful work of art. We Are Marshall!” Barbara said.

While connecting with each other looks a bit different now, we can still do our part to make sure every member of the Marshall Family is involved with their alma mater!
#HerdHistory
One of the most famous campus landmarks was the Marshall Beech Tree in front of Old Main. Marshall’s first alumni director, John Sayre, left and Botany Professor Lewis Plymale check the girth of the famous beech tree. It was said to be more than 300 years old. This tree was located on the same land Marshall Academy stood back in 1837. The bark contained more than 300 initials and marks. It was struck by lightning in the late 1980s.
Marshall Foundation
News and Updates
Articles of Gratitude
The Spring Articles of Gratitude e-newsletter from the Marshall University Foundation shares the stories of three hardworking ladies who faced a first or a last during the virtual semester.

Marshall Foundation Maze
Help Marco through the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall! The Marshall University Foundation is pleased to provide fun activities for the entire family during the pandemic. From coloring books to recipes and more, visit the Marshall University Foundation Facebook page for much more fun! And print your own copy of the maze at the link below!

Alumni Spotlight:
Anna Adkins
Anna Adkins has been with the Huntington Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau since 2013, witnessing much of the momentum that the city of Huntington has enjoyed over the past few years.

Primarily in charge of bringing groups and visitors to the area, Adkins says that it is her passion for the community that drivers her in her daily life.

Around
Campus
Board of Governors approves reduced 2020-21 budget

The Marshall University Board of Governors approved the institution's budget for the new fiscal year, which began July 1. The $293 million budget is a decrease from last year because of anticipated revenue shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

School of Medicine cancels seventh annual Standing Out in Our Field fundraiser

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine announced that its largest annual scholarship fundraiser, Standing Out in Our Field, set for Sept. 19, will not be held in 2020.

Rescheduled spring commencement planned at Joan C. Edwards Stadium

Marshall University is planning its rescheduled spring commencement ceremony for May 2020 graduates at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

New undergraduate degree in musical theatre available

Marshall University's College of Arts and Media is offering a new Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree with a major in musical theatre. The program will be jointly directed by the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance.

NOTICE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many events in the Marshall community have been postponed or cancelled. Please CLICK HERE for updates and additional information. We look forward to a return to normal so that we can continue to bring you wonderful events and programs for you to enjoy!
Submit Your
Content Today!
Have something you would like included in an upcoming issue of the Sons & Daughters alumni newsletter or an upcoming Marshall Magazine?

Please send your updates and content to alumni@marshall.edu
519 John Marshall Drive,
Huntington, WV 25703
(304)-696-2901