Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Alumni Association | January 2021 |
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Diversity – Integrity – Loyalty – Pride – Respect |
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We Are...Ready For A New Year
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Greetings Herd Alums!
Happy New Year to all of our Sons and Daughters around the globe!
We know 2020 wasn't the easiest year for many of you, but while the past year has been met with plenty of hardship and uncertainty, we are moving on and looking forward to the limitless possibilities that a new year presents.
As we look back on 2020, we can't help but focus on the positives that arose out of all of the noise. Positives such as renewed relationships, all-encompassing virtual events, and special occasions that were only made possible through unique circumstances and a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
While we learned a lot in our time stuck at home and communicating on our smart devices, we look forward to a time where we can return to in-person meetings, events and gatherings. Because, while a large virtual chat is fun, it certainly can't compare to time face-to-face with your fellow alumni.
So, we raise a glass to the good that 2020 generated and to the possibilities that 2021 holds. Here's to you Herd Alums!
Enjoy reading this edition of Sons & Daughters. GO HERD!
Office of Alumni Relations
Matt Hayes
Larry Crum
Kasey Stevens
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Contract of Marshall Football Head Coach Doc Holliday Will Not be Renewed
Marshall University announced Monday that the contract of head football coach Doc Holliday will not be renewed.
Holliday gave thoughts on his tenure at Marshall via Twitter Monday morning. Those may be viewed here.
In 2020, Holliday was selected as the league's Coach of the Year for the second time in his career (2014) and was tabbed the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Region 4 Coach of the Year. That honor covers all of Conference USA and the Big 12 Conference and made him a finalist for National Coach of the Year. This season, he was also named to the watch list for the Bryant Awards National Coach of the Year honor as Marshall spent eight weeks ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 and climbed as high as 21st (another school record) in the College Football Playoff poll.
He also became the fifth coach in C-USA history to win multiple Coach of the Year awards.
"I want to thank Doc Holliday for the leadership he has provided this program over the past 11 seasons," said Marshall Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick. "In addition to his success on the field, he ran a clean program, graduated his student-athletes and prepared young men for life after football."
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Committee being formed to assist with search for next head football coach |
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Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert said he is immediately forming a search committee to help identify candidates to lead the school’s football program.
According to Gilbert, the committee will be made up of eight to 12 members representing various constituencies of the Marshall University community.
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Board of Governors meets in last session of 2020; Spending for second half of fiscal year approved
The Marshall University Board of Governors, meeting virtually in its last session of the calendar year, approved spending for the second half of the fiscal year, a period marked by budgetary ups and downs imposed by a global pandemic.
University officials say the proposed budget, described as intentionally conservative because of COVID-19, was adjusted upward to include nearly $1 million more in tuition and student fees than had been originally budgeted.
The board has moved forward with quarterly approvals until now. With a nod to cautious optimism, board members approved spending for the final two quarters of the fiscal year. Chairman Patrick Farrell, while acknowledging tough decisions still lie ahead, congratulated Marshall President Jerome A. Gilbert and his executive team for their crisis leadership during the fall term.
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Did you know that you can play a big part in helping recruit students to Marshall? Students and their families can explore Marshall's 150+ majors, learn about the admission, enrollment and financial aid processes, and participate in virtual Green & White Day events where they can take a video tour of campus and our residence halls.
If you know a prospective student who may be interested in Marshall, you may refer the student using our “Refer a Friend” program. We will reach out to you and the student to schedule a time to connect and discuss all the opportunities available at Marshall.
Finally, you can refer interested students to Marshall University. Students who are interested in Marshall can also self-identify by requesting information.
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University receives national recognition for achievements in student success |
Education company EAB has named Marshall University as a winner of its Student Success Collaborative Technology Pioneer Award.
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Get the latest COVID-19 updates from campus |
Marshall recently published a COVID-19 dashboard that displays real-time data in an effort to keep students, employees, alumni and the surrounding community informed daily.
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Alumni Spotlight: Amie Breedlove
A Familiar Voice
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Chances are, at some point in your life, you have heard the voice talents of Amie Breedlove.
Perhaps that voice was conveying the latest safety features on a new car. Or pitching the latest wares at Bloomingdales. Or guiding you through an app. Or selling you a sandwich at McDonald’s.
For the past two decades, Breedlove has leant her voice to some of the most iconic brands and organizations in the world as a voiceover artist. Most notably, Breedlove is the voice behind all Target stores self-checkouts reminding you to “not forget your receipt.”
From Disney to Cadillac, Breedlove has recorded spots for everything from sandwiches to medical equipment, and has appeared on thousands of local, regional and national radio and television commercials, promos, corporate eLearning and training videos, and has even done work on video games and on-hold messages.
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Alumni News, Chapters
and Member Benefits
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Stay Connected in 2021
If 2020 has taught us anything it is this - a Herd has to stick together!
The past year has changed a lot about the way that we stay connected and keep in touch with loved ones. During these rapidly evolving times, your MU Alumni Association looks forward to working hard on your behalf to make 2021 a great year for all Herd Alums! And the best way you can stay connected with everything happening at Marshall University is online. Check out some of the ways you can keep in touch below and be sure to join the conversation as much as possible.
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MUAA Member Benefits Corner |
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Get a Marshall vanity license plate today! |
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Show your Marshall pride at home and on the highway with a Marshall University Alumni vanity license plate!
Plates are currently available for purchase in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, with an Ohio plate coming soon! To purchase a plate, visit HerdAlum.com or download the form for your state in the links below.
Don’t see a plate for your state? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@marshall.edu or by phone at 304-696-2901 and we will research starting a program in your area.
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Marco Wants You!
Learn more about the Alumni Outreach Ambassador program
Always saying that you want to get involved but don't know how? Well here is your chance!
The success of the Marshall University Office of Admissions Alumni Outreach Ambassador program depends on a network of volunteers serving in a variety of roles. This program has been established to assist the Marshall University Office of Admissions in fulfilling its mission to support the recruitment and enrollment goals of Marshall University.
Marshall University Alumni Outreach Ambassadors commit to work together in the best interests of the Office of Admissions and the University, and not for personal, political, third-party or financial gain.
If you would like more information, please contact us. We look forward to your application!
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Did you know that the Marshall University Marching Thunder performed at this year's London New Year's Day Virtual Parade on your local PBS? If not, check out the link below.
They are featured along with some of the best performers, singers, and bands in the world. Watch the whole thing but the Marching Thunder starts around the 1:13:10 mark of the show!
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Alumni Chapter Spotlight:
A great New Year's Resolution
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Happy New Year!
Full of new resolutions, new beginnings - it’s the perfect time to reconnect with your alma mater and join an alumni chapter! To view a complete list of alumni chapters and find one in your area visit www.herdalum.com/chapters today! |
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Did you know that this year will mark the 40th anniversary of the Cam!
Our beloved Cam Henderson Center opened on Nov. 27, 1981 for Marshall's first basketball game of the year. The $18 million multi-purpose facility originally opened with seating of just over 10,000. In this photo you can see work being done to the floor ahead of the first game.
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Marshall Foundation
News and Updates
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Artifacts of Appreciation:
Cameron Donohue
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"I was elated to be receiving a scholarship because I felt undeserving of them. I think scholarships are a great means for students to potentially have some financial freedom while attending Marshall University," said political science major, Cameron Donohue, and the recipient of the Marshall University Alumni Legacy Scholarship
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Artifacts of Appreciation:
Shelby Blackburn
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"The scholarship I was offered changed everything. It was the driving force behind every decision I was able to make and it has given me a thousand opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. It has shaped me into the person I am today. Without it, I would be on a completely different path filled with uncertainty," said Shelby Blackburn, a recipient of the Charles and Shirley Romine Scholarship.
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Julian and Robin Bell Scholarship established for Fayette County students |
Marshall University alumnus Julian Bell and his wife, Robin, have created the Julian and Robin Bell Scholarship to help full-time undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing and who demonstrate financial need, per Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
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Herschel C. Price Educational Foundation establishes scholarship in memory of Marshall alumnus |
The Herschel C. Price Educational Foundation recently established the Charles William Wright Memorial Accounting Scholarship to honor their late advisor, Bill Wright (left).
The Charles William Wright Memorial Accounting Scholarship was created to help a full- or part-time, undergraduate or graduate student who is majoring in the College of Business, home of the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business, and has need per the standards of Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
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Lewis College of Business establishes Center for Stakeholder Engagement
The Marshall University Lewis College of Business has established a physical location for the Center for Stakeholder Engagement, located inside of the Dean’s Suite in Room 107 of Corbly Hall. The initiative will promote Marshall’s business academic programs and boost student engagement and professional development. The center aims to connect faculty, students, alumni and corporate partners through strategic projects, as well as keeping stakeholders informed of the college’s latest initiatives and developing internships that connect Marshall’s corporate partners with students and graduates.
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New Early Assurance programs give undergraduate students a jump on medical, pharmacy or physical therapy school
Applying to medical, pharmacy or physical therapy school can be time consuming and stressful. Students have to prepare and submit multiple documents — while at the same time staying on top of their undergraduate coursework. For Marshall University students committed to a career in one of these health professions, the process can now be substantially smoother thanks to three new “Early Assurance” programs.
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Staff awards announced in honor of former Marshall president
Marshall University announced six staff members have been selected for the inaugural Bob Hayes Staff Awards, an initiative funded by an anonymous donor in honor of former Marshall president Dr. Robert B. “Bob” Hayes.
Hayes served the university from 1974-83 and his tenure is remembered as a time of major expansion at Marshall, including the long-anticipated opening of the university’s medical school.
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Physics group earns Outstanding Chapter award from national Society of Physics Students
The Marshall University chapter of the Society of Physics Students has earned an Outstanding Chapter award from the SPS national office. This is the first time the chapter has been recognized for its excellence as a top-tier student-led physical sciences organization, typically a designation given to fewer than 10 percent of all SPS chapters at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally.
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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 remain focused and committed to offering the #MarshallUFamily the very best in events, updates and membership services to enjoy during this pandemic. We Are...MARSHALL!
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519 John Marshall Drive,
Huntington, WV 25703
(304)-696-3134
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