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

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

Good afternoon, Herd Nation —

As we move through the spring semester, I want to share a quick snapshot of the momentum we are seeing across the Marshall community, and why it matters.

Over the past several months, the Marshall University Foundation has earned national recognition for how we steward the support entrusted to us. We recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 99% score, placing us among the highest-rated nonprofits in the country for accountability and impact. Notably, Marshall was the only institution among the 62 schools in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to be ranked across all four categories evaluated by Charity Navigator.

We have also earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency for the second consecutive year, the highest level of recognition for nonprofit transparency and one achieved by only a small percentage of organizations nationwide.

These distinctions are not just accolades. They are signals to our alumni, donors and partners that Marshall is a place where support is managed responsibly, transparently and with a clear focus on results.

That sense of momentum is not limited to philanthropy. It is showing up across campus in ways that bring our community together. Watching our women’s basketball team win the WNIT was one of those moments. Staci, our twins and I were at the Cam alongside more than 5,400 of our closest friends, and it was a powerful reminder of what makes Marshall special. The pride, the energy and the shared experience of that night are exactly what define this community.

That momentum continues to build as we look ahead to Alumni Weekend tomorrow and Saturday, and our Day of Giving on April 22-23. These are moments where the strength of the Marshall family is on full display, and where every connection and every contribution helps expand opportunity for our students.

Thank you for the role you continue to play in that work. It matters, and it is helping shape the future of Marshall.

All my best,

Nico

Marshall University News

Foundation News

Early giving announced in support of Marshall For All

In anticipation of the fifth annual Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall, a pre-giving day challenge has been issued. The 50th gift received will unlock $18,370 for Marshall For All!

Day of Giving, set for April 22-23, is a two-day, virtual event that brings the Marshall community together in support of students, programs and priorities across campus. Faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are encouraged to give to make a meaningful difference for Marshall's future.

Give Today

Thinking about estate planning? We’re here to help.

Through planned giving, you can support future generations of students while aligning your gift with your personal, financial and family goals.

Options like including a bequest in your will or naming Marshall as a beneficiary are often simpler than you might expect. If you’re beginning to plan or update your estate, we’d love to connect. The Foundation team can help you explore options that reflect your values, provide for your loved ones and make a meaningful impact for years to come.

Learn More

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 reach the goal — it shows belief in the people and ideas shaping a brighter future for Marshall.

Support Our Crowdfunding Campaigns

Alumni News

Alumni Association to host Alumni Weekend April 10-11

Alumni Weekend kicks off tomorrow with two jam-packed days!

Head to Jack Cook Field at 6 p.m. Friday as Marshall plays Old Dominion. Purchase tickets to the baseball game here.

Attend the Spring Fountain Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the spring football game at 3 p.m. Tickets to the football game can be purchased here.

Last but not least, the weekend concludes Saturday evening with the 87th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet, presented by Marshall Health Network.

Banquet Info and Award Recipients

Alumni Association hosting online spring store

The Alumni Association is hosting its online spring store today through Monday, April 20.

Herd fans can stock up on new, Marshall-branded gear! Apparel includes items for men, women and children — perfect for the whole family! Items come in Kelly green, white, black and gray.

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.

Shop Now

The Alumni Association has 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

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.

David Robert Beauregard ('68) of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife, Kristin W. Beauregard, and his children.

🦬 Trivia Time 🦬

Twenty years ago this month, Hollywood came to campus to film scenes for "We Are Marshall."

While much of the movie is shot in Huntington, where else were scenes for the movie filmed?