Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | October 2025

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

Dear Herd Nation,

We’re halfway through October, and Homecoming Week is upon us. Whether you’re returning to Huntington or celebrating from afar, this moment invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed next.

Thanks to the transformational $50 million gift from President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith, our Marshall For All initiative is accelerating toward a bold future: one where students across West Virginia and Appalachia can graduate debt-free. Their generosity is already inspiring others to step forward, and the ripple effect is real.

In fact, we closed fiscal year 2025 with historic fundraising results:

•$80.4 million in new gifts and commitments

•3,603 total donors, including 900 new supporters

•2,235 alumni donors — a testament to your enduring pride in Marshall

These numbers reflect growing confidence in our direction and deepening trust in our team. Thank you to every donor, ambassador and friend who helped make this possible.

This past Friday evening, we hosted the Ambassador Showcase at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall, a signature event designed to bring the Marshall For All, Marshall Forever campaign to life. With interactive exhibits and displays from across campus, the evening offered a powerful look at the impact of our mission and the momentum behind it. We were proud to welcome members of the Foundation Board, Alumni Association Board, Board of Governors, university leadership, and deans for a shared celebration of progress and purpose.

Staci and I have loved connecting with alumni and friends throughout the fall and we’re especially excited to welcome many of you back for Homecoming. Whether you’re joining us in person or cheering from a distance, I hope you’ll take a moment this month to reflect on your Marshall story and consider how you might help shape the next chapter.

Thanks for all you do. And Go Herd!

Nico 

Marshall University News

Homecoming 2025

Homecoming parade and bonfire set for Friday, Oct. 17

The Homecoming parade, sponsored by Xfinity, will march down the streets of Huntington at 6 p.m.

The parade will begin on Fourth Avenue at 10th Street and travel east to Hal Greer Boulevard, where it will move up to Fifth Avenue and continue east to 17th Street at Harless Dining Hall. The annual bonfire is scheduled to take place immediately following the parade at Harless Field.

Not able to attend the parade? No problem! Follow @marshallu and @formarshallu on Facebook to catch the livestream!

MUAA and MUBA to host annual Alumni Tailgate Saturday, Oct. 18

The Marshall University Alumni Tailgate, sponsored by Xfinity and Woodlands Retirement Community, is set for 12:30 p.m. at a new location: 317 20th St., between the Marshall Recreation Center and the Sorrell Maintenance Building.

The tailgate, hosted jointly by the Alumni Association and Marshall University Black Alumni, features food, drinks, music and special guest appearances. Tickets are $20. Click below to purchase now, or you may purchase tickets at the tailgate.

Purchase Tickets

Foundation News

Foundation hosts Ambassador Showcase

Marshall University Foundation hosted an exclusive Ambassador Showcase on Oct. 10 at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. The event invited members of the Foundation's Board of Directors, Alumni Association's Board of Directors, and Marshall University's Board of Governors for an immersive preview of the Marshall For All, Marshall Forever campaign.

Through dynamic presentations and displays, guests interacted with Marshall For All students, faculty and staff to gain a firsthand look at how Marshall's future is being shaped — and how their continued partnership plays a vital role in that story.

View Photos

Marshall For All students continue to excel

The Marshall For All program, the groundbreaking initiative designed to eliminate student loan debt, is showing successful results as it enters its third year.

Recent data shows students in the Marshall For All program are earning higher GPAs (+8%) and maintaining higher retention rates (+9%) than their peers.

With President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith’s transformational $50 million gift, Marshall can continue building on this success and provide opportunities for even more students to graduate debt-free.

Learn More

Alumni News

MUAA's BSN fall flash sale runs today through Oct. 27

The Alumni Association is having a flash sale today through Monday, Oct. 27. Get alumni-branded gear for the whole family! Available brands for the store include: Nike, Augusta, The North Face, Rabbit Skins, Travis Mathew, Gildan, Bella+Canvas, BSN, New Era and Carhartt & Jordan Brand.

Every item is made custom, which means no returns or refunds. All items will be shipped directly to your home in four to five weeks after the store closes.

View Store

Lexington alumni gather for chapter event

Alumni in Lexington, Kentucky, gathered Sept. 20 at District 7 Social Hall to celebrate the Lexington Alumni Chapter.

The evening was filled with Herd pride as attendees connected with fellow graduates, enjoyed food and drinks, and cheered on Marshall during the Herd’s win against Middle Tennessee State University. The event highlighted the continued growth and enthusiasm of Marshall’s alumni community in the Lexington area.

Learn More

The Alumni Association recently partnered with Bobbi-Dobbiez to create a Dobbie of our favorite mascot! These portable, plush friends can latch to your backpack, lanyard, shoes and more!

For a contribution of $25 or more to the Alumni Association General Fund, donors will receive a Bobbi-Dobbie Marco as a thank-you gift.

The fair market value of the Bobbi-Dobbie is $15, and the remaining amount above that will be considered a tax-deductible donation.

Did you know? The Marshall University Alumni Association offers PerksConnect, an exclusive perks program available to all Marshall alumni.

With PerksConnect, you’ll gain access to a range of discounts — both locally and nationwide. From dining and shopping to travel and entertainment, your free account unlocks big savings wherever you are.

Getting started is easy. Visit marshall.perksconnection.com to register and start saving immediately.



Class Notes

Jeff Sandy ('79) has met all background requirements and successfully passed the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) examination. As a result of Sandy’s accomplishment, Perry Forensic Investigations now has two professionals with CFCI certification available to assist its clients. Presently, only eight individuals hold this credential in West Virginia, and 10 in Ohio.

🦬 Trivia Time! 🦬

Homecoming is more than a celebration — it’s a cherished time that brings together students, alumni, faculty and the community to honor the spirit and legacy of the university. Steeped in history, Marshall has proudly hosted annual Homecoming festivities for generations...but for how long?

Tell us: what year did Marshall first celebrate Homecoming?