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The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Prentiss Lee Faulconer Jr. Endowed Scholarship for Accountancy and Legal Environment. This scholarship was generously endowed by Diane Ramy Faulconer, in honor and memory of her late husband, who passed away in November of 2013.

This gift results in the department being named the Prentiss Lee Faulconer Jr. Department of Accountancy and Legal Environment within the Lewis College of Business and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business housed in the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation.

“Diane’s extraordinary contribution to this scholarship and Marshall’s Department of Accountancy and Legal Environment reflects her deep dedication to education and community progress,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “This generous support will empower future students to thrive and innovate in vital disciplines, leaving an enduring mark on our university and the broader community.”

The scholarship and department create a fundamental opportunity for the future of the College of Business, said Ben Eng, interim dean of the Lewis College of Business and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business.

“Gifts of this magnitude are transformative for our college’s future,” Eng said. “They enable us to expand programs and attract top talent, ensuring that our students receive a world-class education that prepares them to be high-impact leaders in the global marketplace.”

Prentiss Lee Faulconer Jr. graduated from Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business in 1968. Raised in Alexandria, Virginia, he attended the Fork Union Military Academy. Upon graduating high school, he followed in the footsteps of his grandmother and enrolled at Marshall.

After graduating from Marshall with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting with a minor in economics and mathematics, he accepted a position with Ernst and Whinney as a CPA in Miami, Florida. During this time, Faulconer also served as a Staff Sergeant for the U.S. Army National Guard. After two years with Ernst and Whinney, Faulconer was named director of fiscal services for Mount Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami.

During his 12 years with Mount Sinai Medical Center, Faulconer was responsible for the internal development of the hospital information system, which was marketed by the hospital and Burroughs Corporation, an American medical equipment company. He later served as chief financial officer of North Broward Hospital District, which comprises of five hospitals, and served as vice president of finance for Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, Florida.

Faulconer also developed a software company, Omega Health Care Systems, which provided 40 financial programs for health care facilities. He sold the company in 2002.

Along with his professional pursuits, Faulconer also served on numerous national, state and local committees. He was voted “outstanding speaker” by the Florida Institute of CPAs.

“Lee held a deep appreciation for Marshall for the impact it made on his life,” Ramy Faulconer said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to honor his memory with this gift toward the College of Business, a gesture that reflects his enduring gratitude for the invaluable experiences and lessons he gained during his time here.”

Faulconer was married to Diane Ramy Faulconer, a graduate of New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing, Central Connecticut State College. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in health sciences and Master of Science in management, both from Florida International University. She is a Certified Nurse Administrator (CNA) and a Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR).

Ramy Faulconer has served at renowned health care facilities including Mount Sinai Hospital Center of Greater Miami and Boca Raton Community Hospital as well as a Senior Executive Consultant at Ernst and Young.

Ramy Faulconer has traveled extensively throughout third world countries, as well as many other areas of the world, and has been honored at both her alma mater, Florida International University and Marshall University for her dedicated philanthropy to the support of students through scholarships not only in health care but in engineering and business in honor of her husband.

Ramy Faulconer currently serves on the Marshall Foundation’s Board of Directors, and in 2016 received the Marshall University College of Health Professions’ Award of Distinction as part of the Marshall University Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Awards Banquet.

“We are grateful to honor Lee’s and Diane’s rich history of giving toward Marshall University and for Diane’s incredible generosity toward this scholarship and recognition of the Department of Accountancy and Legal Environment,” said Ron Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “We are profoundly indebted to Diane for her remarkable philanthropic efforts toward our university.

The Prentiss Lee Faulconer Jr. Endowed Scholarship for Accountancy and Legal Environment will be made available to junior and senior undergraduate students, as well as graduate students.

In addition to this scholarship, Ramy Faulconer previously funded annual scholarship in her husband’s memory in the Lewis College of Business and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business who are majoring in finance and accounting, the College of Health Professions for students majoring in nursing and the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.

For information regarding the Prentiss Lee Faulconer Jr. Endowed Scholarship for Accountancy and Legal Environment, please contact Dean’s Office in the College of Business at 304-696-4654.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the D. Shawn Wheeler Aviation Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed by the family of D. Shawn Wheeler in his memory.

Wheeler was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1964, to C. David Wheeler and Karen S. Wheeler. He graduated from Charleston High School and West Virginia State University with a degree in accounting. He then attended West Virginia University College of Law.

At an early age, Wheeler fell in love with aviation and started working at Eagle Aviation at West Virginia International Yeager Airport at the age of 14 in 1979. He obtained his private pilot’s license, became instrument rated and earned his twin-engine license. He loved flying his Beechcraft Baron G58 and treasured his airport community, including his pilot friends Jarrell Ryan and Colonel Bill Peters. This scholarship was established to honor him and his love of aviation.

The scholarship recipient will be a full-time student in the Bill Noe Flight School who is a West Virginia resident with a 3.0 GPA or higher and has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The award will be renewable for up to four years, or eight semesters. The director of the Division of Aviation, or their designee, will select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

For information regarding the D. Shawn Wheeler Aviation Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

The Marshall University Foundation encourages faculty and staff to consider “giving today and every pay” by enrolling in payroll deduction throughout the month of April with the Marshall University Family Campaign.

During the month of April, faculty and staff can sign up for payroll deduction, offering them the opportunity to create a lasting impact through consistent, automated contributions. They can opt to allocate their contributions to a particular scholarship, program fund or the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is vital for various university initiatives, particularly addressing its most pressing needs. Every commitment, regardless of amount, plays a pivotal role in shaping Marshall University’s future.

“The decision when and where to make a charitable donation is a very personal decision. A payroll deduction allows you to spread your gift out over the course of a year, so it’s automatic and easier on your budget,” said Griffin Talbott, senior director of the annual fund for the Marshall Foundation.

Enrolling this month will also count gifts as contributions to the university’s third annual Day of Giving. Scheduled for April 24 and 25, the Day of Giving invites the Marshall community to unite in creating a lasting impact on students and shaping the institution’s future. Last year, donations exceeded $62,000, and this year’s objective is to surpass that amount.

During the Marshall Foundation’s Gratitude Week last fall, Dr. Ed Bingham, professor of saxophone and jazz studies, had this to say about his years of giving through payroll deductions:

“I think it’s important to invest in your own career and the school you are working in. I dearly love Marshall and have been very happy working at this institution. I’d like to help any way I can and help support the programs that benefit the students.”

For questions regarding the Family Campaign or Day of Giving, please contact Talbott at griffin.talbott@marshall.edu or 304-696-6214. To enroll online, visit https://www.formarshallu.org/family-campaign-donation-form/.

Marshall University has announced that its 2024 Homecoming contest will be Marshall Football’s Saturday, Oct. 5, contest against Sun Belt Conference rival Appalachian State University at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

The pageantry and excitement of Homecoming returns to Marshall University beginning Monday, Sept. 30, and culminating with the crowning of Marshall Royalty at halftime during the Appalachian State game.

This will be the fourth time in Marshall Football history that Appalachian State has served as the Homecoming opponent, but the first since the 1993 season when the Thundering Herd earned a 35-3 win over the Mountaineers. Marshall is 2-1 in Homecoming games between the teams.

“One of the best things about joining the Sun Belt was rekindling some of our historic rivalries,” said Christian Spears, Marshall University’s director of athletics. “No doubt, there’s mutual respect but also a sincere desire to get the win – not just because of talent, but because of heart and passion that goes with winning Homecoming for your school and community. There is tons of change happening in college athletics, but not with this rivalry. When it comes to App State and Marshall, spot the ball and let’s get after it!”

Homecoming weekend also serves as Parents and Family Weekend and there will be an Alumni and Family tailgate for the game.

A full schedule of events for Homecoming week, including information on the Homecoming Parade, will be shared as it becomes finalized.

“We are gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year for our Marshall family,” said Matt James, executive director of Marshall University’s alumni relations. “This is a special time for us to celebrate with one another, cherish the Marshall moments that shaped us and ignite a flame of support for future generations. We welcome all alumni, students, community members and supporters to join us in October for another memorable Herd Homecoming!”

Marshall is coming off a season in which the team earned a bid to the 2023 Frisco Bowl, which established a new program record for consecutive years making it to a bowl game (7). The 2023 season also included a victory over Virginia Tech – the team’s second Power Five win in as many years (Notre Dame, 2022).

Since the opening of Joan C. Edwards Stadium in 1991, Marshall is 28-5 in Homecoming games and 9-1 over its past 10 games. Marshall’s all-time record in Homecoming games is 68-46-8.

For more information about Marshall’s 2024 Homecoming celebration and surrounding events, contact the Marshall University Alumni Association at (304) 696-3424. Also, follow the Marshall Foundation and Alumni Association on Facebook, X and Instagram by using @ForMarshallU for updates on Marshall events.

For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on X and Instagram.

To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Alpha-Tech Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed for $100,000 by Alpha Technologies and will serve students studying cybersecurity. 

In August of 2023, Marshall received $45 million from the state of West Virginia to establish a state-of-the-art Institute for Cyber Security, which will position the university at the forefront of cyber defense and research. 

“The Alpha-Tech Scholarship is more than a donation; it’s an investment in the next generation of cybersecurity experts. We look forward to seeing the impact these students will make, both at Marshall University and in the broader field of cybersecurity,” said Doug Tate, CEO and owner of Alpha Technologies. 

Alpha Technologies is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business and information technology service company headquartered in Hurricane, West Virginia, with a global datacenter located in South Charleston, West Virginia. Alpha Technologies is a business technology company focused on IT services such as system security and maintenance, internet connectivity, Alpha-Voice services, cloud computing, data storage and backup, and more. 

Alpha Technologies’ investment in the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall aims to create cybersecurity practitioners and buyers, bridging the gap between West Virginia and larger markets in technology, said Rich O’Brien, president of Alpha Technologies. With a 20-year history in the state, Alpha Technologies highlights its commitment to networking services and cybersecurity, while hiring students from Marshall as well as local community colleges. 

“Education is a key driver of progress, and our collaboration with Marshall University underscores our belief in the transformative power of knowledge,” O’Brien said. “The Alpha-Tech Scholarship aims to empower students by providing not just financial support but also valuable opportunities for practical experience.”  

The scholarship recipients shall be full-time undergraduate or graduate students from West Virginia majoring in a cybersecurity-related field, who are in good academic standing with a 2.5 GPA, and have financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Student recipients will be encouraged to apply for internships at Alpha Technologies, translating their academic knowledge into real-world practice. 

The scholarship may be awarded to up to four students a year. The award shall be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing. The dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, or their designee, shall select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.  

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

The Marshall University Foundation hosted its annual Donor Recognition Dinner Oct. 20 at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall on Marshall’s Huntington campus. The event recognizes the generosity of donors with lifetime giving of $100,000 or more to Marshall University.

Over the past fiscal year from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, 37 new members entered the Foundation’s major gift societies and 22 moved into higher giving levels. There are also 495 members in the Foundation’s Old Main Society, which recognizes planned gift intentions.

“We are honored to celebrate our donors during our Donor Recognition Dinner,” said Ron Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “Their charitable giving toward Marshall University is not merely a financial investment; it is a testament to their belief in the power of education and its ability to shape a brighter future.”

Area began the event by welcoming the donors and their guests, followed by an invocation from Rex Johnson, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. President Brad D. Smith gave remarks about the current status of the university as well as recent developments including the investment of $45 million from the State of West Virginia to build a state-of-the-art institute for cyber security. Smith also shared his excitement for the launch of Marshall For All.

Marshall For All is an initiative announced last year by President Smith to help students earn a bachelor’s degree debt-free. Marshall For All launched this fall with 100 students participating in the program, and Marshall plans to grow the program over the next 10 years. A handful of Marshall For All students were present for the dinner and met with several of the donors.

“Through the steadfast commitment of our generous donors, we are not merely building structures or endowing scholarships; we are sculpting the very foundation of possibility for each student at Marshall University, including those in the Marshall For All program,” President Smith said. “Our donors’ contributions are the catalysts for innovation, the keys to unlocking potential, and the bridge to a future where education transforms lives.”

The Foundation’s Board of Directors meets three times a year, and on those occasions, the Board meets annually in the fall on Huntington’s campus. This year, the Board of Directors’ fall meeting coincided with the event, which returned after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The Foundation calculates lifetime giving totals annually.

Marshall University has announced its 2023 Homecoming activities, promising a week filled with nostalgia, camaraderie and spirited festivities for students and alumni alike. The theme this year is “Super Marco: Level Up,” which celebrates the history of video games throughout the years, as well as celebrating Marshall “leveling up” in stature.

“We are thrilled to announce Marshall University’s Homecoming is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome back our alumni family with open arms,” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “Get ready for an unforgettable week filled with time-honored traditions as we come together to celebrate our beloved alma mater.”

Please see a full list of events and activities below:

Monday, Sept. 25

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, Sept. 26

Intercultural and Student Affairs will host Penny Wars from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Memorial Student Center Plaza Monday through Thursday. Chalk the Walk will also take place Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with judging taking place at 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Intercultural and Student Affairs will host a window display contest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Memorial Student Center. Judging will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Black United Students Miss Captivating Pageant will take place at 7 p.m. in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.

Thursday, Sept. 28

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 Party on the Plaza on Friday.

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 Old Dominion’s colors, with a sledgehammer for two minutes. Sledgehammer, gloves and goggles will be provided.

Hoops in Huntington returns at 6 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!

Intercultural and Student Affairs will host Herd Pop Trivia at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center.

Wild N’ Out, an annual event full of fun and laughs centered on improvisational comedy, will take place at 9 p.m. in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center. For more information on this event, contact Corey Cunningham at cunningha189@marshall.edu.

Friday, Sept. 29

Party on the Plaza returns from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event, hosted by University Communications, features free food, music, a pep rally and photo booth. The event is free and open to students, alumni and the campus community.

Parent and Family Weekend also returns Friday and concludes Sunday, Oct. 1. Food trucks will be onsite at Joan C. Edwards playhouse from noon to 8 p.m. for students and their families.

At 4 p.m. Friday, the Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association will celebrate the 25th and 50th classes on the patio of Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. The 1998 and 1973 class members are also invited to participate in Marshall’s Homecoming parade at 6 p.m.

The Homecoming parade will march down the streets of Huntington, featuring Gary G. and Jo Ann White as grand marshals. Gary White served as interim president of Marshall University from December 2014 to January 2016. A Marshall graduate, White is a former member and past chair of the Marshall University Board of Governors, as well as an accomplished businessman and leader in the coal mining industry.

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). Music will be played onsite by Kindred Communications. There will be special appearances by coaches, players, cheerleaders and more.

From 6:30-11 p.m., the Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors will host Homecoming StamFEED. Experience downtown Huntington as alumni, family and friends will tour the city’s best drinks and eats. Tickets are $60 and include a commemorative Homecoming 2023 glass. To purchase tickets, visit https://muaahomecomingstamfeed2023.eventbrite.com.

At 7 p.m., Marshall University Black Alumni will host its inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony in Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. Honorees include Mr. Roy Goines, Mr. Joseph Williams, Mr. and Mrs. William Redd, Dr. Kimberly Austin, Mr. Edward Starling Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, Mrs. Katherine Dooley and Mr. Sean Hornbuckle.

From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Glow Up Sneaker Ball, an event that encourages guests to wear their best fashions and coolest sneakers, will take place in the lobby of the Memorial Student Center. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information on this event, contact Corey Cunningham at cunningha189@marshall.edu.

Saturday, Sept. 30

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://muaatailgate2023.eventbrite.com.

A tailgate accompanying Parent and Family Weekend will take place on the Memorial Student Center Plaza at 12:30 p.m.. Intercultural Affairs will have a family gathering at 12:30 p.m. on the East Lawn.

The Thundering Herd will take on Old Dominion 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 the Don Morris Room 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 annual Black Out Alumni Party from 8-11 p.m. in BE-5 of the Memorial Student Center. There will be a DJ, food and more!

To learn more about the week’s calendar of events, visit https://www.formarshallu.org/events/homecoming-2023/.

Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) are set to host the 84th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 1, beginning at 6 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m. at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall.

The Marshall University Alumni Awards Banquet recognizes outstanding alumni, university supporters and students during an evening of celebration and reverence of the great things being accomplished by the Marshall University alumni community.

Highlighting the list of more than a dozen honorees at the 2023 awards banquet are Bill Noe and Dr. Randi D. Ward as the recipients of the Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna award. Randy Dunfee has been selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award. Mendy Aluise has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Community Achievement award, and Christopher Taylor will receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus award.

Other awards scheduled for the evening will include the MUAA Chapter of the Year, this year being a tie and awarded to the Marshall University Alumni of the Mid-Ohio Valley and the Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter located in Parkersburg and Beckley, West Virginia, respectively.

Individual Awards of Distinction will also be presented during the event to honorees from each of Marshall’s schools and colleges. This year’s Awards of Distinction will go to Sassa Wilkes (College of Arts and Media), C. Zachary Meyers (College of Business), Lucianne Call (College of Education and Professional Development), Adam Weibel (College of Engineering and Computer Sciences), Denise Hogsett (College of Health Professions), Dr. Janine Janosky (College of Liberal Arts), Jody Ogle (College of Science), Dr. Robert J. Cure (Marshall University School of Medicine), and Dr. Sarah Dunaway (Marshall University School of Pharmacy).

“We’re so excited to welcome alumni back to campus for our annual awards banquet” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “This event is an opportunity to recognize the remarkable achievements of our awardees while also highlighting the important work our alumni chapters are doing across the country. I can’t wait to honor some of the very best members of our Marshall Family.”

Born in Ashland, Kentucky, and raised in Huntington, Bill Noe is the chief aviation officer for the division of aviation at Marshall. Noe, an accomplished pilot and business executive, is the former president and chief operations officer for NetJets, a global private jet company based in Columbus, Ohio.

Before Noe reached for the skies, he dove below the waters of the Huntington Olympic Pool at the tender age of 4. He was noticed by Huntington YMCA swim team coach, Bob Shaw, who approached him about competitive swimming. Noe began breaking local and state records at a young age, which led him to attending Marshall and joining its swim team. One of Noe’s biggest accomplishments while at Marshall was the 1983 Southern Conference Swimming Championship, where he set six pool, six school and six conference records while leading Marshall to the championship. He also won the “Most Valuable Swimmer” award. Noe was inducted into the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.

Noe left Marshall his junior year, though he returned and earned his Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005, to work for an industrial contractor. The owner of the company was a pilot who invited Noe on his plane one day, which led to his decision two years later to attend the FlightSafety Academy in Vero Beach, Florida. Noe later worked for American Flyers, a well-known training academy, but had his eye on a bigger prize – working for NetJets – which he ultimately achieved. He climbed the NetJets ladder, eventually becoming president and COO in 2006.

Before becoming chief aviation officer at Marshall, Noe served on the university’s board of governors. Marshall’s flight school is named in his honor.

Dr. Randi D. Ward is an educator, chancellor of World University of Leadership and Management, best-selling author, editor and entrepreneur. She graduated from Marshall in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in language arts, setting forth her 37 years as an educator in West Virginia and Georgia.

In 2011, Ward taught English as a second language in Cairo, Egypt. Her time in Egypt had a profound impact on her, and as such wrote her memoir “Because I Believed in Me (My Egyptian Fantasy Came True).” In 2013, Ward founded Rise Up, an adult English language center, with Ahmed Mohamed and Ehab Mohamed, as well as 6 October English Institute with Samar Farouk, which opened in 2014.

Ward has many varied interests and passions. She is a world traveler and has toured and visited 61 countries on four continents, including four trips to Egypt. She penned a second book, “Dream Bigger,” and is working on a new novel “Random Wanderings.” She is also a writer and the chief editor for Morocco Pens, an online Moroccan magazine featuring educational articles and essays in English.  She is a professional motivational speaker and dreams of having her own interview platform to feature talented people around the world and plans to pursue these goals in the near future.

In addition to receiving the Distinguished Alumna award, Ward is the recipient of many other awards and accolades, most recently being recognized as Strathmore’s Who’s Who 2022 Lifetime Achievement award and Hoinser Group’s 2022 Inspirational Leader of Excellence.

In other categories, Randy Dunfee is the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award, Mendy Aluise is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Achievement award, and Christopher Taylor is the recipient of the Young Alumnus award.

Dunfee is a Huntington native, entrepreneur and businessman. He graduated from Huntington East High School while working in the afternoons and evenings. His ambition led him from being a stock boy at Fabric Town Interiors to purchasing the company when he was just 21 years old. He is still president of the company and fully active in the day-to-day operations. What began as a business specializing in fabrics has grown to include flooring, carpet, window treatments, upholstery and more. Dunfee has worked with notable clients, including Jay Rockefeller when he was governor of West Virginia and Warner Bros. where he provided set décor for “We Are Marshall.” The famous green carpet at the movie’s premiere in 2006? That was all Dunfee.

Dunfee is a lifelong Marshall fan, and his support for the university has only grown the more involved he has been through the years. Dunfee has worked extensively with the Big Green Foundation and the Quarterback Club, as well as supporting Marshall through the Vision Campaign. In addition to his support to Marshall, Dunfee also supports Hospice of Huntington, Facing Hunger Foodbank and the Boys and Girls Club.

Aluise is a partner at the Huntington-based accounting firm Somerville & Company PLLC. Aluise began her career with Somerville after she graduated from Marshall in 2004. During her career, she has been involved with several professional organizations, including the Huntington Chapter of the West Virginia Society of CPAs, which she served as president from 2015-2016, and currently serves as treasurer of the West Virginia Society of CPAs and is slated to become president in 2025.

Aluise has also been involved with several local nonprofit organizations, including Hospice of Huntington, Marshall Artists Series, Generation Huntington, which is a subcommittee of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, and she served on the Marshall University Alumni Association board of directors. For many years, Aluise was a long-time board member and vice president of Girls on the Run of Cabell and Wayne County, which aims to empower elementary school-aged girls.

Taylor is the chief technology and information officer at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He graduated from Marshall in 2008 and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer forensics. After leaving Marshall, he worked with the Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. As part of his work, Taylor, who grew up in Keyser, West Virginia, was able to travel to several major cities across the country. At present, Taylor has visited 43 states. He also owns his own company, Melanin Travels LLC, which encourages all people, but specifically people of color, to travel more. Through his company, he has traveled to Aruba, Dubai, Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Mexico and Jamaica.

After leaving TSA and DHS, Taylor moved to South Korea and taught English as a second language at Noble Academy. When he returned to the U.S., Taylor moved to Washington, D.C. and worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission as a government contractor. In 2014, he received his Cisco Certification and moved to San Francisco. In 2017, he returned to the East Coast and moved to North Carolina. His ultimate goal is to become the chief technology officer or chief information officer of Google or Samsung, which are his two favorite tech companies.

Other honorees at the annual alumni awards banquet include Tia Wooding (Fran Jackson Scholarship), Jaedyn Harris (Janis Winkfield Scholarship), and Destinee Leggett (Nate Ruffin Scholarship).

For more information visit www.herdalum.com.