Category: Foundation News

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Airbus Helicopters Inc. Rotor-wing Scholarship to benefit students in the Division of Aviation at Marshall University.

The scholarship is generously endowed by Airbus Helicopters in the U.S. to support underprivileged, low-socioeconomic, or need-based students who are planning to be trained as pilots in the helicopter industry.

Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest leading manufacturer of civilian and military helicopters. A division of Airbus, Airbus Helicopters employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. Its fleet in service includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers across 150 countries.

Airbus Helicopters’ U.S. division opened its main facilities in 1969 in Grand Prairie, Texas. It also operates a production line in Columbus, Mississippi. Airbus Helicopters’ products are the U.S. market leaders for air medical transport, law enforcement, airborne tourism, and in the corporate and VIP segment.

The recipient of the scholarship must be a student in the Marshall University Division of Aviation who has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The recipient must be training to be a helicopter pilot and willing to be involved with Airbus in helping improve the rotor-wing training curriculum and enhancing helicopter industry standards.

For information regarding the Airbus Helicopters Inc. Rotor-wing Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced that the Valhalla Foundation, a California-based nonprofit, has gifted a multi-million-dollar grant to support the Marshall For All program.

A portion of the funds will support Marshall For All scholarships, while the remaining funds will be allocated to a dedicated Marshall For All research project focused on data collection and metric analysis.

“I have often said education is the great equalizer, and with the incredible generosity of the Valhalla Foundation we are that much closer to achieving the success of our Marshall For All objectives,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “With the help of this grant, we will be able to dream bigger, deliver faster and define excellence. The Valhalla Foundation’s impact will echo for years to come.”

The Valhalla Foundation focuses on driving measurable, meaningful improvement in outcomes that matter to people and our planet, and is a long-term funder of efforts to improve public education.

“This gift is a tremendous step toward completing our Marshall For All vision,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “This contribution will create lasting change and will be instrumental in not only supporting our students, but also gaining insights into the future impact and outcomes of this program. We are deeply honored by the Valhalla Foundation’s philanthropic spirit toward this initiative.”

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 Smith in 2022, launched in the fall of 2023 with new first-year West Virginians and metro area students with great success. Now in its second year, the university will expand the program over the next decade with the goal of relieving student debt for all Marshall students by 2037.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced Bowles Rice, a regional law firm with offices in West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania, has donated $15,000 toward the Marshall For All program.

“At Bowles Rice, our longstanding mission is to contribute to the success of our clients and vitality of our communities through advocacy, counsel, leadership and service,” said Marc Monteleone, managing partner of Bowles Rice and president of the Bowles Rice Foundation. “We are proud to support the Marshall For All program and its innovative efforts to end student debt with a donation from the Bowles Rice Foundation.”

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 with great success. Now in its second year, the university will expand the program over the next decade with the goal of relieving student debt for all Marshall students by 2037.

“The Marshall For All program aligns perfectly with the goals of our firm’s mission,” said Richie Heath, a partner at Bowles Rice. “The university’s commitment to making higher education more accessible is vital to building a stronger, more affordable future for the next generation of West Virginians.”

Bowles Rice is a professional service organization, contributing to the success of its clients and the vitality of its communities through advocacy, counsel, leadership and service.

The firm was founded in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1920 by three lawyers engaged in the general practice of law. Through success, expansion and merger, it has grown to become a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys serving clients in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia – and throughout the nation – from six strategically located, regional offices.

Major Alston, a highly accomplished fundraising executive with more than 20 years of experience, has been named vice president and chief development officer of the Marshall University Foundation.

Alston serves as the university’s senior officer for philanthropy, working closely with university leaders and volunteers to guide the work of philanthropy. Alston began his tenure Nov. 18.

“It is a great privilege to join the Marshall University family,” Alston said. “I’ve been impressed by the dedication and determination of the Foundation staff, and I’m eager to play a part in Marshall’s future success. This is an exciting time to be part of the Herd.”

Alston formerly served as senior associate vice president of advancement and campaign director at Ohio University, where he led a development team of 30 in their effort to launch the largest comprehensive campaign in university history.

Prior to his tenure at Ohio University, Alston served at the University of Cincinnati as assistant vice president for regional development, where he was responsible for development and alumni engagement for the west coast.

“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Major into the Marshall community,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “Major and I have worked together for the better part of a decade at other institutions and his grit and expertise will make him a tremendous asset to our team.”

A native of Clearwater Florida, Alston began his career in higher education fundraising at University of South Florida, where he served as director of development. He was an integral member of the university’s successful completion of the $600 million USF Unstoppable Campaign. Alston earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida.

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.