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

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

Dear Herd Nation,

From cheering on our soccer teams to welcoming more than 2,000 new students, August has once again reminded me why Marshall’s mission is so important. Every day, I am more and more grateful to be part of this extraordinary institution and community.

Week of Welcome is in full swing, and we’re proud to greet the next cohort of 200 Marshall For All students, our future leaders who embody the promise and purpose of our university.

Our fundraising and alumni engagement momentum continues to build. In FY25, 3,063 donors supported Marshall, including 2,235 alumni, a 9% increase, and 900 new donors, up 32% from last year. These numbers reflect your belief in our mission and your trust in our direction. Thank you to every one of you who continued to support our beloved institution.

Fall sports are off to a strong start. Staci, our twins and I enjoyed cheering on our soccer teams last weekend, as the women defeated UPIKE 9–0, and the men topped Villanova 2–0, in exhibition games. The Herd spirit is alive and well, and we are looking forward to getting into the full swing of the season.

Looking Ahead:

• Aug. 25: Join us at 4 p.m. for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Arthur Weisberg Family Applied Engineering Complex, a milestone gathering at the heart of engineering excellence. The public is invited and we would love to see you there. 

• Aug. 29: I’ll join friends and donors for a special dinner in Atlanta featuring guest speaker Toney Stroud, Marshall’s chief legal officer and vice president for strategic initiatives.

• Aug. 30: Marshall Football takes on Georgia in Athens, complete with a spirited tailgate to bring the Herd together. More information is below, including a link to sign up and join us. 

• Sept. 6: Home opener vs. Missouri State at 6 p.m. at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Wear green and help us kick off the season in true Herd fashion.

• Oct. 13–18: Homecoming Week! More details to follow soon.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. And Go Herd!

Nico Karagosian

Marshall University News

Foundation News

Foundation meets incoming students during orientation

While most Marshall students were away for the summer, incoming first-year students visited campus in June, July and August for New Student Orientation.

Members of the Marshall University Foundation's donor engagement and communications team participated in the Student Resource Fair during each session of orientation, greeting more than 2,000 students and their guests.

Students were encouraged to sign their Class of 2029 banner, which will be displayed at their spring and winter commencement ceremonies in four years. They also learned about the Foundation and its role in helping students secure privately-funded scholarships.

Ketelsen gifts $100,000 to establish scholarship in memory of late mother

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $100,000 to establish the Mary “Mickey” Welch Scholarship. The scholarship is generously endowed by Welch’s daughter, Mary Anne Ketelsen.

Welch was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist who broke barriers in male-dominated industries. As the owner of multiple businesses, including Welch Oil & Gas, Welch Music, and Classic Rope, she became the first woman in West Virginia to drill an oil well. Her success and leadership served as an inspiration to women entering the trades and business world.

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Alumni News

Alums gather in D.C., relaunch alumni chapter

Our nation’s capital proved to be a powerful backdrop for Marshall’s continued alumni expansion.

In Washington, D.C., alumni from the DMV gathered for an evening of connection, celebration and shared vision on July 19 at Ted's Bulletin. The event not only rekindled friendships and fostered new ones but also set the stage for a thriving D.C. Alumni Chapter.

With the enthusiasm and commitment shown that evening, be on the lookout for upcoming events and join their Facebook group!

Charlotte chapter hosts alumni gathering

The Marshall University Charlotte Alumni Chapter hosted a successful gathering at The Kilted Buffalo Langtree in Mooresville, North Carolina, on Aug. 2. Alumni and friends connected over lunch and heard campus updates from Matt James, vice president of alumni relations. Kilted Buffalo owner and alum, Shawn Shrader, provided the venue for the event.

Guests lucked out on raffle prizes, including signed basketball and football memorabilia. Special thanks go out to the chapter’s leadership, as well as their families and all who attended.

Join MUAA and the Big Green for a pregame tailgate

The Marshall University Alumni Association and Big Green Scholarship Foundation invite you to a spirited tailgate before the Thundering Herd faces the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Meet us at The Classic Center (300 N. Thomas St.) on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Secure your spot by Tuesday, Aug. 19. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online below. Come enjoy good food, cold drinks, and plenty of green-and-white pride with fellow alumni and friends before game time!

Purchase Tickets

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

George F. Hubbard ('56) passed away peacefully at his home in Worthington, Ohio, with his daughters by his side on Aug. 6, 2025. He received his bachelor’s degree from Marshall University in West Virginia and his master’s degree from The Ohio State University.

🦬 Trivia Time! 🦬

Marshall University’s 2025 Week of Welcome (WOW) began Tuesday, Aug. 12, and wraps up Sunday, Aug. 17, before classes start Monday, Aug. 18.

A lively kickoff to the academic year and designed to help new students transition smoothly into college life, WOW blends practical resources with fun, community-building events.

What year did Marshall's WOW begin?