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

 

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


Dear Herd Alumni and Friends – As spring approaches, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your support and passion for Marshall University. Higher education is at a crossroads, and as we navigate the future, I am proud that we do so with all of you by our side. Marshall is a special institution, and while we have had our share of challenges – we have persevered because of the commitment of people like you, who love and care for this singular place with a passion that is palpable. Thank you.


Last week, the Marshall University Foundation had its winter meeting. It was an incredibly positive three days of work and fellowship, and I am grateful for the willingness of our trustees to volunteer so much of their time and energy to conduct the business of the board. Over the next couple of months, we will be announcing some leadership changes to our board of directors, as well as new members.


I attended my first Marshall Day at the Capitol in Charleston on Tuesday, with several hundred staff, students and supporters of Marshall were in attendance. Thank you to the government relations and alumni relations teams for putting on such a fantastic day of activities.


Fundraising at Marshall continues to flourish, as we have raised more than $25.5 million in new gifts and commitments in FY25. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these efforts.


As of the time of writing this message, our Herd Women's Basketball team has already won two games in the Sun Belt Tournament down in Pensacola, Florida, and are getting ready for their third round game against Louisiana. Congratulations to Coach Juli Fulks and the team! Our men's team opens up SBC tournament play on Friday night, against a to be determined opponent. And on Tuesday evening, our Herd baseball team defeated rival Ohio 11-7 in 12 innings on a walk-off grand slam. It has certainly been an exciting week for our athletics teams. Be sure to follow all our teams on www.herdzone.com.


Finally, be sure to save the date for our annual Marshall Day of Giving April 23 and 24, 2025. If you are interested in learning more about helping support our efforts, please email griffin.talbott@marshall.edu.


Go Herd!


Nico

 

Marshall University News

 

Marshall Day at the Capitol recap


On Tuesday, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, faculty, staff, students and Marco brought their green and white spirit and interactive displays to the West Virginia State Capitol, offering a glimpse into the vibrant community that defines Marshall. This year’s theme was Marshall Impact, showcasing the positive impact Marshall is making across the state. 


View Photos

 

Marshall University expands Marshall For All initiative


Marshall University is excited to expand its Marshall For All initiative with Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV—a transformative program that allows eligible first-time freshmen from West Virginia to attend college without paying tuition. The new program is already underway and will be applied to all accepted incoming freshmen students who qualify.


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Marshall University maintains Carnegie Research 2 ranking


Marshall University has once again been named a “Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production” institution, as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This R2 status highlights Marshall’s position among the nation’s leading research and teaching universities. 


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MORE CAMPUS NEWS
 

Foundation News

 

John Sturgeon gifts $100,000 to establish nursing scholarship


The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $100,000 to establish the John A. Sturgeon Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed by John A. Sturgeon.


Sturgeon, who attended Marshall University in the fall of 1963 and currently resides in Charleston, West Virginia, said he wanted to give to “helping professions,” such as nursing. 


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Sally B. Oxley gifts $100,000 to establish memorial scholarship


The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $100,000 to establish the Mark S. Taylor Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed by Sally B. Oxley in memory of Mark Taylor, who died April 21, 2021.


Mark graduated from Marshall University in 1977 and was a physical therapist and dedicated member of the Huntington Physical Therapy professional staff for 38 years.


Read More

 
MORE FOUNDATION NEWS
 

Alumni News

 

86th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet set for April 12


The Marshall University Alumni Association will host its Alumni Awards Banquet presented by Marshall Health Network on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Marshall Health Network Arena.


The Alumni Awards Banquet honors exceptional alumni, university supporters and students, celebrating the remarkable achievements within the Marshall University alumni community during an evening of gratitude and appreciation.


For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Walker Tatum at (304) 696-2524 or email tatum8@marshall.edu.

Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter to host annual fundraiser


The Marshall University Alumni & Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley's annual Scholarship Dinner will be Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Grande Pointe Conference Center in Vienna, West Virginia.


Tickets are $75, or $40 for recent Marshall graduates between the years of 2020-2024. Sponsorship levels range from $600 to $1,500.


If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or purchasing tickets, now is the time! Please call or text Laurie Martin at (304) 488-3297 or email mualumnimovclub@yahoo.com.

 
ALUMNI & CHAPTERS INFO
 

Class Notes

 

Sharon Kay Rife ('66) died on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in El Paso, Texas.


Zachary Falther ('15) recently graduated Class 54 of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Special Agent Academy. Falther is assigned to the GBI's regional investigative office in Kingsland, Georgia. 

 
VIEW CLASS NOTES
 
 

🦬 Trivia Time! 🦬

 

Happy birthday, Marco! 🎂


Marshall recognizes our beloved bison's birthday as March 6, but do you know what year the university officially voted on the name "Marco," solidifying his status as Marshall's mascot? Click to guess!

 
1925
1955
1960
1965
 

Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association

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Huntington, WV 25703

(304) 696-6264

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