Author: Rebecca Stephens

Marshall University has announced a gift of $100,000 bequeathed by Martha Sedinger Reese to support the Matthew A. Reese Jr. and Martha Sedinger Reese Scholarship. Named for her and her late husband, both were 1950 graduates of then-Marshall College. Martha Sedinger Reese died in September 2024. 

The scholarship, originally named the Matthew A. Reese Jr. Scholarship, was established in 1997. In that time, 28 students have been awarded the scholarship amounting to nearly $60,000.  

“My mother is smiling down knowing that her last gift will help deserving students further their education,” said Tim Reese, son and Huntington native. “She was a third generation Marshall alum and so proud of the new direction and spirit on campus. I am, too.” 

Tim Reese presented the check to President Brad D. Smith with Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation, and Matt Rowsey, director of philanthropy for the Marshall University Foundation in attendance. 

“We’re incredibly thankful to Martha Reese and the entire Reese family for their generous $100,000 gift to support their scholarship at Marshall University,” Smith said. “This gift will make a tremendous difference in the lives of many of our students, and we’re so thankful for the Reese family and their continued support and dedication to our university.” 

Matthew Anderson “Matt” Reese Jr. was born on Aug. 9, 1927, in Huntington. He graduated from Marshall in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. In 1960, Matt Reese coordinated a significant volunteer campaign that helped President John F. Kennedy win the West Virginia primary and managed Kennedy’s general election campaign in North Carolina. He later served as deputy chairman for the Democratic National Committee and directed President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 voter registration efforts, which are still considered highly successful. 

In 1966, he founded Matt Reese & Associates, one of the first political consulting firms in the nation. He worked with more than 200 Democratic candidates, including Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, Sen. John Glenn and Sen. Jay Rockefeller. His innovative campaign strategies, known as the “Instant Organization,” revolutionized political campaigning in the U.S. Matt Reese was a mentor to many Democratic operatives and a founder and Hall of Fame inductee of the American Association of Political Consultants. He also lectured extensively and was a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Matt Reese passed away on Dec. 1, 1998. 

Martha Sedinger Reese was born on Feb.21, 1928, in Jewell Ridge, Virginia. Her family moved to Huntington in 1936. She graduated from Marshall in January 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She married Matt Reese on April 14, 1950. Throughout their 48-year marriage, she raised three children, moved six times, and hosted numerous events. She served as the chief archivist for her husband’s campaign papers, which are now stored in the Marshall University Special Collections. Martha Reese was a passionate Democrat and supporter of women’s rights. 

“We are thrilled the work Matt and Martha Reese invested in the state of West Virginia, and beyond, will continue with the expansion of this scholarship and its recipients,” Karagosian said. “Marshall’s liberal arts program is vital to the university’s furthered success.” 

The recipient of the scholarship must be a West Virginia native who has graduated from a West Virginia public high school. First preference is given to a full-time student in the College of Liberal Arts who has demonstrated sustained involvement in the political life of their community on behalf of progressive causes, organizations or candidates that are concerned with issues of peace, justice or social welfare. 

The award is renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 3.0 GPA or higher. The dean of the College of Liberal Arts, or their designee, selects the recipient and renews the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.  

“My parents had a passion for progressive politics and wanted to seed a scholarship that rewarded West Virginians in the work on issues associated with peace, justice and social welfare,” Tim Reese said. “Mom and dad loved Marshall, and this scholarship is their legacy to our state’s future.” 

For information regarding the Matthew A. Reese Jr. and Martha Sedinger Reese Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

Marshall University Foundation hosted its annual Gratitude Week Nov. 18-22. The week celebrates the contributions of donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students and community partners who help advance the university’s mission.

A few celebratory moments occurred before the week began as on Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 a handful of faculty and staff members were surprised with balloons, certificates and special guests to thank them for their years of giving to the Foundation’s annual fund. Those recognized were Dr. Robert Bookwalter, dean of the College of Liberal Arts; Dr. Paulette Wehner, vice dean for education for the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine; Mike McCarthy, vice president of information services for Marshall Health Network and chief information officer for the School of Medicine; Ginny Painter, Marshall’s chief of staff; and Leah Payne, Marshall’s director of communications.

Bookwalter, who has donated for 29 years, said when he became a dean and oversaw budgets, he realized the importance every gift can make on departments and colleges. Bookwalter, who was previously interim dean of the College of Education and Professional Development, gives through payroll deduction to the College of Education and Professional Development and College of Liberal Arts annual funds.

“A little bit helps and I’m so grateful for that,” Bookwalter said. “Every gift is valuable. It supports the good ideas of the faculty and our students.”

Wehner said the importance of giving stemmed from her years of attending Marshall Artists Series events with her husband and daughters.

“The donation is always under the names of my daughters, Emily and Olivia, and since they were teeny tiny, we always took them to the Marshall Artists Series,” Wehner said. “My husband and I attended the Marshall Artists Series early on and we saw really outstanding artists. It’s a wonderful thing the university does, and I hope it continues.”

Wehner, who has given for 27 years, also gives to the Drs. Mitchell Charles and Paulette S. Wehner Scholarship along with her husband, as well as the School of Medicine Annual Fund.

“For anyone looking to give, my advice is to support the things you’re passionate about,” Wehner said. “My passion is medical education, and then my family’s passion – we’re a very eclectic, musical family.”

McCarthy, who is a Society of Yeager Scholars graduate of the inaugural Ashland Class of 1991, has donated for 28 years to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Scholarship Campaign Endowment, the College of Liberal Arts Annual Fund, and the Society of Yeager Scholars Program. For him, the decision to give stems from the importance of giving back.

“I would say it’s a feeling of connection,” McCarthy said. “You’re making a the positive contribution to what you know is a worthwhile institution and one from which you have benefited as well, so you can ensure future generations can benefit.”

Among the other activities for the week, the Foundation hosted tables in the Memorial Student Center Tuesday and Wednesday with hot chocolate and cookies as an opportunity for students and campus employees to stop by for a “thank you” for all they do. The Foundation also asked them to share their stories about what they’re grateful for, ranging from their friends and family to The Herd.

To round out the week, on Thursday the Foundation’s own staff was recognized for their dedication to the organization with a small reception and pastries from Nomada Bakery.

For questions about payroll deductions or how to make contributions to the Foundation’s annual fund, contact Griffin Talbott, senior director of the annual fund, at 304-696-6214 or griffin.talbott@marshall.edu.

Marshall University has announced a gift of $5 million from the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Charitable Foundation to support the Marshall For All program. The foundation was founded by Sheryl Sandberg, former chief operating officer of Meta and founder of Lean In.

“I am profoundly grateful to my friends Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal for their extraordinary generosity towards the Marshall For All program,” said Brad D. Smith, Marshall’s president. “This remarkable gift not only underscores their commitment to fostering opportunity and inclusion but also propels our mission forward with renewed vigor. It is with immense appreciation that we embrace this support, which will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on countless lives and advance our shared vision of a more equitable future.”

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. To qualify, students will need to complete a FAFSA annually and commit to actions such as graduating on time, pursuing work opportunities and participating in financial literacy programs.

“When I visited Marshall University last year, Brad Smith explained his vision for Marshall For All and I was deeply inspired by his work to lift up all students,” Sandberg said. “Like Brad, I believe all young people should have access to a high-quality education to realize their full potential. I know the bright scholars of the Marshall For All program will be the next generation of leaders we need.”

“There is nothing more powerful than giving young people the opportunity to flourish,” Bernthal said. “Under Brad Smith’s leadership, the Marshall For All program opens doors for talented young students and puts them on a path to lifelong success. I can’t imagine a more important mission and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The program, announced by President Smith in 2022, launched last fall with new first-year West Virginians and metro area students with great success. The university will expand the program over the next decade with the goal of relieving student debt for all Marshall students by 2037.

“On behalf of the Marshall University Foundation, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sheryl, Tom and their foundation for their remarkable donation to the Marshall For All program,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO. “This generous support will drive meaningful change and expand opportunities for our students. This gift will play a crucial role in advancing our mission and make a difference in the lives of many. We are truly privileged to collaborate with them on this vital initiative.”

Sandberg is the founder and chair of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to build a more equal and resilient world through three key initiatives: Lean In, Option B, and the Dave Goldberg Scholarship Program. Launched in 2013, Lean In supports a global community of over 100,000 Lean In Circles in 183 countries.

Sandberg previously served as chief operating officer at Meta for 14 years. She is the best-selling author of three books: “Lean In,” “Lean In for Graduates,” and “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy,” which she co-authored with The Wharton School professor Adam Grant.

Bernthal is a founder and partner at Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners. He is an Emmy-winning producer for NBC News and CEO of Kelton Global, a marketing consulting firm.

To learn more about the Marshall For All program, visit www.marshall.edu/marshallforall.

The Marshall University Foundation announces the retirement of Dr. Ronald G. “Ron” Area. The Foundation hosted a retirement celebration for Area Oct. 18 at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall with donors, board members, staff and campus partners in attendance. The Foundation also recognized Area’s wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Area for their shared support of the university the past 17 years.

Nicolas “Nico” Karagosian replaces Area and began serving as president and CEO of the Foundation on Aug. 19. Area served as CEO since July 2007.

“We are incredibly grateful for Ron and Beth’s 17 years of remarkable service and leadership,” Karagosian said. “Their dedication to Marshall University and its community has left an enduring influence that will be felt for generations. As we celebrate Ron’s retirement, we honor their legacy of to the Marshall family. Ron’s work has set a high standard, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.”

Speakers for the event included Karagosian, Nancy E. Campbell, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, Amy Area Maxwell, daughter of the Areas, and the Areas as guests of honor. The conference center at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall will now be named the Dr. Ronald G. Area Conference Center, and a plaque will hang in the conference center honoring Ron and Beth Area’s devotion to the Foundation and their lasting impact on the university.

“Ron Area has been more than a colleague – he’s been a dear friend,” said President Smith. “I am incredibly thankful for the time we’ve spent together and for his wisdom, guidance, and support over the years. His dedication to Marshall University has been transformative, and his work will continue to impact lives for generations to come.

“I’m excited about this new chapter in Ron and Beth’s lives, and I know they will continue to make a difference. We are all better for having had Ron and Beth by our side for so long.”

The Foundation has also established the Dr. Ronald G. and Mrs. Elizabeth L. Area Graduate Scholarship Fund in the College of Education, which was generously endowed by Dr. R. Mark and Mrs. Monica Hatfield. The scholarship acknowledges the Areas for their leadership and teamwork, and to celebrate the attributes they value and embody. The scholarship has received more than $450,000 in financial support with 100 percent participation from the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“Beth and I are deeply grateful for the kindness and friendship we’ve received over the past 17 years,” Ron Area said. “Marshall University and the Huntington community have become a second family to us, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve made here. This university will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we are thankful to have been a part of something so meaningful. Though we are moving into a new chapter of our lives, Marshall will always be with us.”

During his time with the Foundation, Area oversaw the success of the Marshall Rises campaign, a comprehensive campaign that spanned from 2016 to 2021 and focused on enhancing the student experience, forming a foundation of research and creative discovery, strengthening community partnerships and engagement, creating an environment of innovative learning, and expanding academics and growing Marshall’s reputation. With an initial goal of $150 million, the campaign surpassed to reach a final total of $176 million.

Area also spearheaded the founding of Foundation Hall, home of the Erickson Alumni Center, which opened in 2010. It would later be renamed the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall in 2015. The Foundation was previously housed in Old Main, but with a rapidly growing staff, a new home was needed. The Marshall University Alumni Association, which at the time was looking for its own space, incorporated as a supporting organization under the Foundation, and became part of the Foundation Hall. The three-story, 33,000-square-foot building contains office space, meeting rooms, the conference center, and numerous pieces of memorabilia on display in the first floor rotunda. In honor of Area’s retirement, the Foundation has been gifted nearly $50,000 in support of the building maintenance fund.

From 1992 to 2004, Area was president and CEO of the Oklahoma State University Foundation. He was responsible for providing leadership, coordination and management for all private fundraising programs for the Oklahoma State University System. He and his administrative team designed, implemented and completed the university’s first comprehensive campaign raising in excess of $260 million.

Area served in higher education after receiving his doctorate of education from Oklahoma State University in 1978. Upon graduation from OSU, Area accepted the position of assistant dean of continuing education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was later named dean. In 1981, he was named vice chancellor of development. During his last three years at UT Chattanooga, Area was named executive vice chancellor and vice chancellor of development.

For information regarding the Dr. Ronald G. and Mrs. Elizabeth L. Area Graduate Scholarship Fund in the College of Education, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162. For information regarding the building maintenance fund, please contact Marshall University Foundation at 304-696-6264.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the ZMM Architects and Engineers Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed for $120,000 by ZMM Architects and Engineers, which aims to support engineering students from West Virginia.

The scholarship was unveiled Thursday in Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall at Marshall University in Huntington. During the event, representatives from ZMM Architects and Engineers, Marshall University and the Marshall University Foundation shared how this scholarship will benefit local students and contribute to workforce development in the state.

The scholarship is part of the Marshall For All initiative and aims to alleviate financial burdens for aspiring engineers from West Virginia, encouraging more students to pursue careers in engineering. With the increasing demand for engineers, this initiative seeks to nurture local talent and enhance the state’s workforce.

“We are proud to invest in future engineers through this scholarship fund and support President Smith’s vision of ‘Marshall for All,’” said Adam Krason, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ALEP, principal and architect at ZMM Architects and Engineers. “This scholarship helps us alleviate financial burdens for West Virginia students and fosters a new generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the industry and the region’s growth. Creating this scholarship at Marshall University is a testament to our commitment to education and workforce development. What we do at ZMM is more than architecture; it’s about building a legacy.”

Founded in 1959, ZMM is recognized as the premier architecture and engineering firm in the region, employing over 65 professionals across operations in West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. The firm has been honored with 24 American Institute of Architects (AIA) West Virginia Chapter Design Awards since 2005, underscoring its commitment to excellence in design and community engagement.

Krason shared appreciation for those who made the gift possible. “We are able to make this contribution because of the opportunities afforded to us by our clients and the dedication of the ZMM team.”

Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are immensely grateful to ZMM Architects and Engineers for their generous support toward our engineering program. This scholarship will make a significant difference in the lives of our students and is a vital contribution to our Marshall For All initiative. This partnership with ZMM will help ensure that more students can succeed – regardless of any financial constraints. Their support affirms a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with them in this effort.”

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. To qualify, students will need to complete a FAFSA annually and commit to actions such as graduating on time, pursuing work opportunities and participating in financial literacy programs.

The program, announced by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith in 2022, launched last fall with new first-year West Virginians and metro area students. The university will expand the program over the next decade with the goal of reliving student debt for all Marshall students by 2037.

The scholarship recipient will be a full-time student in the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences who is a resident of West Virginia. First preference will be given to a student who has completed or plans to complete an internship with ZMM.

The award will be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 2.5 GPA or higher. The dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, or their designee, will select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

For information regarding the ZMM Architects and Engineers Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Julius Gregory Jessie Scholarship. This scholarship is generously bequested by Julius “Greg” Jessie, a 1973 accounting graduate of Marshall University.

Jessie founded Jessie and Jessie in 1980 with his brother, Chris, after previously working for their father. Jessie and Jessie is an accounting firm in Williamson, West Virginia, offering accounting and tax preparation services to customers and small business owners.

Jessie said his decision to endow this scholarship through the bequest of his estate came from a decrease in resumes over the years to his business from accounting majors and he hopes to energize undergraduate students in the accounting department at Marshall.

“I would like to encourage more graduates and more college students to get involved in the accounting profession,” Jessie said. “I want to help these students to encourage them to take business courses and get into accounting with the long-term goal of becoming a CPA. We need to get more CPAs into our field.

“I want to help the business school as best I can the way it helped me.”

The scholarship recipient will be a full-time student majoring in accounting in the Lewis College of Business and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business and is a West Virginia resident.

The award will be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 3.0 GPA or higher. The dean of the College of Business, or at their discretion, the Department of Accounting, will select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

For information regarding the Julius Gregory Jessie Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

Marshall University has announced its 2024 Homecoming activities, promising a week filled with nostalgia, camaraderie and spirited festivities for students and alumni alike. The theme this year is “The Marco Games,” which takes a Marshall spin on multi-sport events from a wide range of disciplines providing unity and athletic excellence.

The Homecoming game is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, against Appalachian State University at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

“We are pleased to announce the return of events that our Marshall and Huntington communities look forward to attending,” said Tiffany Hartman, assistant dead of student life. “This year, we’re also introducing new activities for families to enjoy together. Additionally, the Homecoming Court will be bringing awareness and raising funds for nonprofit organizations during Homecoming Week. We invite everyone to join us on Monday, Sept. 30, for the Unity Walk, where we will announce this year’s Homecoming Court and begin a week of celebration and community engagement.”

The Marshall University Alumni Association is eager to welcome back members of the Marshall family, recognizing the vital role alumni play in the university’s continued growth and success.

“Homecoming is a powerful reminder of the roots that ground an institution like Marshall, reinforcing the ties that bind so many generations together with one theme,” said Walker Tatum, director of alumni engagement. “This Homecoming, we’re excited to launch The Marco Games – a celebration that channels Marshall’s competitive spirit. It’s not just about competition though; it’s about rekindling friendships and celebrating our shared journeys past and present. So, gather yourself, your fellow alumni, dust off that Kelly green, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend filled with laughter, nostalgia and pride. Let the thundering commence!”

Please see a full list of events and activities below:

Monday, Sept. 30

Activities for the week begin at 5 p.m. with the Unity Walk, an annual event celebrating unity, inclusion and oneness on campus with music, fellowship and fun. Community members are invited and encouraged to participate. The walk begins at the Marshall Rec Center and ends at the Memorial Student Center Plaza. Marshall’s Homecoming Court will also be announced at the event.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Student Affairs will host the Green and White Giving Competition from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, through Thursday, Oct. 3, in the Memorial Student Center Lobby. Homecoming court candidates will raise funds for a nonprofit of their choosing. The organizations that received the most funding will be announced at the bonfire Friday, Oct. 4.

Student Affairs will also host Salsa Under the Stars from 7-9 p.m. in BE5 in the basement of the Memorial Student Center. There will be dancing and the Charleston Salsa Club will provide lessons. For more information on this event, contact Corey Cunningham at cunningha189@marshall.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Black United Students Organization presents the Miss Captivating of Marshall University Scholarship Pageant, will take place at 7 p.m. in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center. The pageant was created for young college women to showcase themselves beyond beauty and further develop leadership skills, confidence and creativity.

Thursday, Oct. 3

The Marshall University Alumni Association will host its annual Office Decorating Contest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any department or office is welcome to participate. There will be prizes offered in three categories in each of two divisions, and two grand prizes. Winners will be announced during the Bonfire on Friday.

Homecoming StamFEED returns at 5:30 p.m., starting at LaFontaine’s Rooftop Lounge. All are welcome to kick off Homecoming weekend in Downtown Huntington at several favorite restaurants! Tickets are $75 and proceeds will benefit a Marshall University Alumni Association scholarship. Tickets may be purchased at https://homecomingstamfeed2024.eventbrite.com.

Hoops in Huntington returns at 7 p.m. along Third Avenue across from Pullman Square. Hoops in Huntington event highlights Herd athletics, including introductions from student-athletes and coaches, fun activities for families and more!

Wild N’ Out, an annual event full of fun and laughs centered on improvisational comedy, will take place at 10 p.m. in BE5 in the basement of the Memorial Student Center. For more information on this event, contact Corey Cunningham at cunningha189@marshall.edu.

Friday, Oct. 4

WMUL will host its annual Car Bash from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Buskirk Field. Join us as participants pay $1 to bash the car, painted in Appalachian State University’s colors, with a sledgehammer for two minutes. Sledgehammer, gloves and goggles will be provided.

Stop by the Memorial Student Center to register for Parent and Family Weekend from 2-6 p.m.

At 5 p.m. Friday, the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association will celebrate the 25th and 50th classes at Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation. The 1974 and 1999 class members are also invited to observe Marshall’s Homecoming parade at 6 p.m. Register for this event by visiting https://marshallreunion2024.eventbrite.com.

The Homecoming parade will march down the streets of Huntington, featuring Dorothy “Dot” Hicks as grand marshal. Hicks is a former administrator, coach and professor at Marshall, and was dubbed the “pioneer of the women’s sports program at Marshall,” during her induction to Marshall Athletics’ Hall of Fame in 1990. Hicks has also left a legacy of philanthropic giving toward the university with multiple scholarships bearing her name. In March 2008, Marshall opened Dot Hicks Field, the university’s softball stadium.

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. For those who are unable to attend the Homecoming parade in person, a livestream of the event may be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/marshallu.

The annual bonfire is scheduled to take place immediately following the parade on Harless Field (located between Harless Dining Hall and City National Bank). Announcements will be made for the winners of the Green and White Giving Competition, the Office Decorating Contest, and the parade floats. There will also be special appearances by coaches, players, cheerleaders and more.

At 7:30 p.m., Marshall University Black Alumni will host its Hall of Fame ceremony in Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. Honorees include Mrs. Edna Congleton, Mr. Larry Jarrett, Mr. William “Mickey” Jackson, Mr. Bernie Coston and Ms. LaKeisha Barron-Brown.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, there will be a Herd Family Feud night taking place in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse along Fifth Avenue. This event is free and open to everyone.

At 10 p.m., Family Fun Night will be hosted in BE5 in the basement of the Memorial Student Center for board games, video games and more. This event is free and open to everyone.

From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. a silent disco will take place in Marco’s in the basement of the Memorial Student Center. For more information, contact Corey Cunningham at cunningha189@marshall.edu. This event is free and open to everyone.

Saturday, Oct. 5

At 12:30 p.m., the annual Marshall Alumni and Family Tailgate will take place in the Joan C. Edwards Stadium East Lot, beside the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Complex. The tailgate is hosted jointly by the Marshall University Alumni Association and Marshall University Black Alumni, and presented by Woodlands Retirement Community. The tailgate features food, drinks, music and special guest appearances. Tickets to attend are $20. For tickets, visit https://muaatailgate2024.eventbrite.com.

A tailgate brunch accompanying Parent and Family Weekend will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the John Marshall Room of the Memorial Student Center. Intercultural Affairs will have a family gathering from 1-3 p.m. on the East Lawn.

The Thundering Herd will take on Appalachian State University at 3:30 p.m. at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. During halftime, the Homecoming Court will be crowned on the field.

Greek life at Marshall will compete in the Greek Stroll-Off Competition at 8 p.m. in Marco’s in the basement of the Memorial Student Center. A stroll-off competition showcases a team’s agility, creativity and understanding of rhythm and dance as they show precision, synchronization, originality and showmanship. For more information on this event, contact Corey Cunningham at cunningha189@marshall.edu.

Marshall University Black Alumni will host its Masquerade Alumni Party from 8 p.m. to midnight at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Huntington. There will be a DJ, food and more!

To learn more about the week’s calendar of events, visit https://www.marshall.edu/homecoming/events.

Marshall University, the Marshall University Foundation and the Marshall University Alumni Association are excited to announce Dorothy “Dot” Hicks will serve as grand marshal for the university’s 2024 Homecoming activities the week of Sept. 30 through Oct. 5.

“We are proud to recognize Dot Hicks — a trailblazer, leader, and legend — as this year’s grand marshal,” said Matt James, vice president of alumni relations. “Her commitment and contributions to our university have made a significant impact, and we are honored to celebrate her service throughout Homecoming week. This has been a year of breakout women sports, so there’s no better time to highlight our own Herd sports icon.”

Highlighting her role as grand marshal, Hicks will lead the annual Homecoming parade at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. The popular parade is set to make its way down Fourth Avenue in Huntington before ending on campus. The parade will be a part of a full week of activities for this year’s Homecoming, “The Marco Games,” which takes a Marshall spin on multi-sport events from a wide range of disciplines providing unity and athletic excellence.

Hicks is a former administrator, coach and professor at Marshall, and was dubbed the “pioneer of the women’s sports program at Marshall,” during her induction to Marshall Athletics’ Hall of Fame in 1990. Hicks has also left a legacy of philanthropic giving toward the university with multiple scholarships bearing her name. In March 2008, Marshall opened Dot Hicks Field, the university’s softball stadium.

“Being selected as grand marshal is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” Hicks said. “It’s been wonderful thinking about it, and I’ve thought about it a lot.”

Hicks, who is originally from Old Hickory, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville, graduated from Peabody College with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and special education. She received a doctorate from the University of Tennessee in higher education and administration, and arrived in Huntington in 1969 after 14 years teaching at East Tennessee State University.

Hicks founded the women’s intercollegiate athletic programs at Marshall. She served as an associate athletic director in the 1970s and was also a professor in the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, which included being chair of the Physical Education Department. She coached several sports at Marshall, including tennis, golf and volleyball. She went on to serve as the director of athletics for women’s sports and the liaison to the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.

“It’s nice to be recognized,” Hicks said. “I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, I wanted to make sure the athletes had what they needed. Teaching was my first love, and I thought women should have the same rights as the men.”

In 1974, Hicks awarded the first two athletic scholarships in women’s sports to golfer Nancy Bunton and basketball player Kathy Haas.

Hicks said there was a time in her life when she thought it would not have been possible for her to attend college. Her Kiwanis Club in Nashville thought differently, and through their help Hicks was able to receive scholarships to attend college.

“I promised them that when I was financially able, I would create scholarships, which I have done,” Hicks said, creating numerous scholarships with the Marshall University Foundation and the Big Green Scholarship Foundation.

Hicks retired from Marshall in 1999 and in 2000 moved to Woodlands Retirement Community in Huntington. Though she still has family in Nashville, Hicks said Huntington has become her home.

“It’s wonderful to see the students and what they’ve done with their lives,” Hicks said. “Marshall is the best school in the country in my opinion because of the faculty, students and administration. With our current administration, we’ll be known all over the country and maybe even the world.”

In addition to the Homecoming parade, Hicks will also participate in other major events on and around campus leading up to the Homecoming football game against Appalachian State University on Saturday, Oct. 5. Other highlights of Homecoming week for alumni include the Unity Walk on Monday, Sept. 30; the Alumni Association’s 25th and 50th Class Reunion, and Marshall University Black Alumni’s Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 4; and the Marshall University Alumni Tailgate presented by Woodlands Retirement Community on Oct. 5.

More information about this year’s Homecoming can be found at www.formarshallu.org/homecoming.

Nicolas Karagosian, MBA, CFRE, former president and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation and vice president of university advancement, has been named president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation, Inc., and senior vice president for development for Marshall University, Nancy E. Campbell, chair of the Foundation’s board of directors, has announced.

Karagosian replaces Dr. Ronald G. Area, who has served as CEO since July 2007.

“I am so pleased that Nico has agreed to join the Marshall family,” Area said. “His skill set, experiences and abilities will lead the Foundation to new heights.” Karagosian and his wife of 25 years, Staci, a former elementary school teacher, have five children.

Campbell said she is thrilled to announce the appointment of Karagosian. Karagosian will officially assume his role on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.

“Following an extensive national search, the Foundation’s board of directors is confident that Karagosian is the ideal candidate to lead the organization,” Campbell said. “With his impressive background and commitment to philanthropy, we believe he will drive the Foundation’s mission forward. I am excited to work alongside Nico. His expertise and vision will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to support Marshall University and its students.”

Karagosian’s transition will be facilitated by Area, who has been instrumental in the Foundation’s success. Together, they will ensure a seamless and positive experience for all stakeholders.

Marshall President Brad D. Smith said, “I am thrilled to welcome Nico Karagosian and his family to Marshall University and the Huntington community. His proven track record of success and his unwavering dedication to advancing the strategic outcomes for educational institutions will be invaluable as Marshall continues our transformational journey in service to our strategic roadmap – Marshall For All, Marshall Forever!

Karagosian is joining our campus community at an exciting time and will be building on the strong foundation that Dr. Ron Area has architected during his 17 years of leadership. I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Ron for his many years of exceptional service and significant impact. He has led by example, winning hearts and cultivating support in ways that have positioned Marshall for an even stronger future. We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence with Nico at the helm.

Please join me in thanking Ron and Beth Area for their friendship, stewardship and impact as we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Nico and his family to the Marshall team!”

“Staci and I are looking forward to working with some of the most dedicated, loyal and passionate alumni, donors, fans and friends in the nation,” Karagosian said. “We have followed and admired Marshall for many years and are honored to now be part of the Thundering Herd family and Huntington community. Thank you to Chair Nancy Campbell, the Marshall University Foundation board of directors, and Marshall University President Brad Smith for this incredible opportunity, and to Ron Area for his amazing work over the last 17 years in support of Marshall.”

Karagosian earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, and his MBA and Master of Science from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York.  Additionally, Karagosian earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification from CFRE International in 2009. He has more than 25 years of fundraising experience, including the last 12 at three R1 Carnegie Classified public universities.

He was the senior director of development at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, from 2012-2014, serving as chief development officer for the largest college on the university’s campus. He then moved on to the University of Cincinnati Foundation from 2014-2018, where he held progressively responsible senior leadership roles culminating as the vice president of advancement and executive director of the University of Cincinnati Bicentennial.

From 2018 through 2024, he served as president and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation and vice president of university advancement. While at Ohio, Karagosian led a team of 80 in their efforts to launch the largest comprehensive campaign in the university’s history. He also increased annual fundraising by more than $15 million per year, grew alumni engagement by more than 400%, and oversaw an endowment with more than $1 billion in total assets under management. Under his leadership, the Foundation earned GuideStar’s Platinum designation for transparency for four years in a row, was rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator in 2022 and 2023 and earned multiple awards and recognitions from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).