Official Newsletter of the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | July 2025 | | |
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A letter from the president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation
Dear Herd Family,
I hope July finds you well and enjoying a bit of summer’s pace. Here at Marshall, we’re already looking ahead with excitement as preparations for the fall semester are in full swing — and it’s all fueled by the momentum you’ve helped create.
Thanks to your generosity, we wrapped up the fiscal year on a high note. We’ll be sharing final fundraising totals later this summer, but what’s already clear is this: your support is opening doors, changing lives and moving Marshall forward.
This fall, we’ll welcome the largest cohort yet of Marshall For All students — 200 new faces — as we continue working toward a future where every Marshall student can pursue their degree with less financial burden. If you haven’t visited in a while, marshallforall.org offers a great look at how your support is transforming lives.
We’re also excited to welcome John Rahal to the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors. A proud Huntington native and Marshall graduate, John now serves as a principal at Edward Jones, where he is responsible for the firm’s private wealth division. His story — and his commitment to giving back — is a powerful reminder of what it means to pay it forward. You can read more about him here.
From New Student Orientation to alumni chapter events and community programs, there’s plenty happening this summer. You can explore what’s coming up on our events calendar. We’d love to see you back on campus or out in the community.
Thank you again for all you do. Your belief in Marshall — and in what we can accomplish together — is what makes this place so special.
Go Herd,
Nico
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Marshall iCenter launches inaugural gBETA Accelerator
The Marshall University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter) is proud to announce the launch of its first gBETA accelerator cohort, in partnership with nationally recognized venture capital firm gener8tor. Five dynamic startups were chosen for the inaugural cohort: FarmerzTool Technology, get2there, Monarch Learning Labs, Quest R&D and Stitch AI.
Read More
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Holderby Hall memory bricks available for pickup
Bricks from Holderby Hall are available for pickup at the 17th Street side of the demolition site.
Pickup between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Friday, July 18. Bricks are free, but limited to one to two bricks per person.
Please use caution as this is an active demolition zone.
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Walker Tatum recognized as ‘Generation Next: 40 Under 40’ recipient
Walker Tatum, director of alumni engagement for the Marshall University Foundation, was named one of West Virginia’s top young professionals as part of The State Journal’s “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” class of 2025.
The honor recognizes 40 dynamic individuals under age 40 who are making a lasting impact across the state. Tatum was selected from a competitive field of over 250 applicants for his leadership, community engagement and professional excellence.
Read More About Walker
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Truist West Virginia grants $20,000 for scholarships
The Truist West Virginia Foundation granted the Marshall University Foundation $20,000 in support of the Marshall For All program and student scholarships.
The Marshall For All program allows Marshall students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions to earn their bachelor’s degree without needing student loans, which will allow students to graduate with little to no debt.
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Scholarship established in memory of Helen Nickles Boley
The Marshall University Foundation has announced that George W. Boley has established the Helen Nickles Boley Dietetics and Nutrition Scholarship in memory of his late wife.
Helen Nickles Boley graduated from St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and Marshall University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1970, and a master’s degree in secondary education in 1984.
Read More About Helen
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Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky alumni chapter hosts Coaches Tour
More than 70 Marshall alumni and supporters gathered at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse in Cincinnati on June 11 for a special evening with Coach Gibson, Coach Jackson, Coach Fulks, Coach Walsh, and others from Marshall Athletics, the Marshall University Foundation, and the Marshall University Alumni Association. The event featured a silent auction and opportunities to connect with members of the Marshall community, celebrating the strength and spirit of the Herd.
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Wheeling Area Chamber hosts Lunch with Leaders
More than 250 guests attended the Lunch with Leaders event on June 12 in Wheeling, West Virginia, featuring remarks from President Brad D. Smith and Toney Stroud, chief legal officer and vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate relations. They shared insights on the growing momentum at Marshall and its impact on the future of West Virginia. The Marshall University Alumni Association also hosted a mixer to connect with local alumni — sparking interest in forming a Wheeling-area chapter. Want to get involved? Visit the link below!
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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 Annual 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.
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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.
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Julian "Jule" Sockman ('49) passed away on June 28, 2025, at the Hubbard Hospice House in South Charleston, West Virginia. Sockman served in World War II, was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, and received a Purple Heart. A proud alumnus, he served his alma mater as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Michael Cornfeld, a gifted artist, husband, father, grandfather and influential educator, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the age of 82. He joined the faculty at Marshall University in 1967 where he taught for over four decades.
Michelle D. Callanta ('99) has released her first children’s book, “Let’s Cheer with Marco,” a vibrant and engaging story celebrating the spirit of Marshall University. “Let’s Cheer with Marco” is a delightful invitation for parents and guardians to share the special joy of being a Marshall fan with their little ones. Inspired by Callanta’s own passionate experiences cheering on the Thundering Herd, the book is not just a story but a playbook for creating lifelong Marshall devotees.
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Holderby Hall was completed as a dormitory in 1963 and expanded upon in 1968. It was named in honor of the original donor who gifted a quarter-acre of land in 1837, establishing then-Marshall Academy. However, at one time, it went by another name...
What was the alternate name for Holderby Hall?
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Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association
519 John Marshall Drive,
Huntington, WV 25703
(304) 696-6264
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