Marshall Magazine, Summer 2023

Marshall First Lady Alys Smith is a lawyer and social justice advocate

magazine

MARKETING

MARSHALL See page 40 for ALUMNI NEWS and more

Summer 2023 | www.marshall.edu

Marshall The official magazine of Marshall University

Summer 2023

magazine

Marshall President Brad D. Smith Executive Editor Susan Tams Director of Communications Leah Payne Publisher Jack Houvouras Managing Editor Dana Keaton

Contents 4 PRESIDENT : Catching up with President Brad D. Smith.

6 COVER STORY : President Brad D. Smith and the university’s communications team are taking a dynamic new approach to marketing Marshall.

12 ACADEMICS : Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee has made the move from dean of the College of Business to provost of the university.

16 CAMPUS LIFE : Marshall implements new measures as part of an ongoing commitment to the safety of its students, faculty and staff.

22 ANNIVERSARY : The Parthenon, one of the nation’s oldest college newspapers, is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

28 LEGENDS : W. Page Pitt founded Marshall’s renowned journalism program in 1927. The legend of this iconic professor lives on today.

32 ALUMNI : Meet Angela P. Dodson, a 1973 Marshall alumna and the first Black female senior editor of The New York Times.

36 LEADERSHIP : First Lady Alys Smith is a wife, mother, attorney and philanthropist who has advocated for social justice most of her life.

everGreen

YOUR ALUMNI CONNECTION

Art Director Katie Sigler Senior Graphic Designer Suzanna Stephens Photographic Services Manager Austin O’Connor Contributing Photographers Atsede Elegba, Rick Lee, Morgan Napier Contributing Writers Bill Belanger, James E. Casto, Jack Houvouras, Kaylin Jorge, Amanda Larch, Katherine Pyles ­Editorial Advisory Board Michelle Biggs, William “Tootie” Carter, Larry Crum, Karen McComas, Sheanna Spence, Susan Tams, Grant Traylor Marshall Magazine is distributed three times a year by: Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 ADVERTISERS’ CONTACT: HQ Publishing Co. P.O. Box 384 Huntington, WV 25708 304-529-6158 mail@marshallmagazine.com For subscription information contact: MU Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@marshall.edu

40 Letter from Mikala Shremshock, MUAA President

Comments or suggestions should be addressed to: magazine@marshall.edu

41 Class Notes

Designed & Published by:

42 Alumni Awards & Honors 46 Marshall Foundation Happenings 49 Homecoming Announcement 49 1998 & 1973 Class Reunion 50 Letter from MUAA

HQ Publishing Co. P.O. Box 384 Huntington, WV 304-529-6158 www.hqpublishing.com © 2023 by Marshall University

p r e s i d e n t

Catching up with President Smith For President Brad D. Smith, spring 2023 was a time to honor Marshall’s past, celebrate its present and pave the way for its future.

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1. President Smith receives the proclamation of Marshall University Day at the Legislature Feb. 1 from Marshall alumnus Del. Sean Hornbuckle.

2. President Smith joins a student from Tolsia High School in Wayne County, West Virginia, in an academic signing ceremony March 21. The ceremony signifies the student’s plans to attend Marshall in the fall.

3. President Smith greets a member of the audience at the annual Scholarship Brunch April 1.

4. President Smith helps recognize the $1,000,000 gift from the Maier Foundation to establish the Sandra D. Thomas Scholarship at Marshall.

Thomas was a member of both the Maier Foundation board and the Marshall Board of Governors.

5. President Smith listens intently to the address by Roger Hillis, a member of the Young Thundering Herd, at the spring fountain ceremony April 22.

6. President Smith presents the honorary Doctor of Letters diploma April 29 to commencement speaker John Donahoe, who is the CEO of Nike.

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cover story

MARKETING

MARSHALL The university communications team is taking a dynamic new approach to selling the Marshall brand.

By Katherine Pyles Photos by Rick Lee 6

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(From left to right) Back row Clark Davis, Mike Powers, Chris McComas, Brock Burwell, Austin O’Connor, John Winters, Steven Schmidt. Middle row Jean Hardiman, Leah Payne, Mallory Jarrell. Front row Dave Traube, Renee Denney, Melanie Chapman.

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W

hen Marshall President Brad D. Smith conducted a 100-day listening tour to kick off his presidency, he wanted to learn what matters most to the university community. He met with over 1,000 people — students, alumni, faculty, staff, community leaders and others — in 38 separate listening sessions. Out of the sessions emerged a handful of topics that were identified as key opportunities for improvement, which Smith labeled “The Big Five.”

One of those five, it turned out, was marketing.

“A resounding theme that emerged was the desire to tell our story in an increasingly digital world,” Smith said. “The pride in our university and the global awareness of our brand were highlights, but our level of investment in digital marketing was cited as an area of increased emphasis. With that input, we began the journey to ‘punch above our weight.’”

Enter Dave Traube, a 2010 Marshall alum and the university’s new chief marketing and communications officer. Traube joined Marshall in October 2022 to lead what he calls a “reimagining” of the university’s approach to marketing. Previously, Traube explained, Marshall produced excellent communications work but outsourced most of its marketing efforts.

“The university’s communications department was a high-functioning team, and it served the university really well, but in a very communications-focused way,” Traube said.

“Outside groups were helping to market the university and tell the Marshall story.”

That all changed when Traube joined Marshall last fall from the University of Charleston, where he was vice president of communications and marketing. Traube

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is “a proud son of Marshall and a top-tier marketing professional,” Smith said, “and his mastery of storytelling is inspiring.”

For Traube, marketing his alma mater comes naturally.

“When you’re an alum, you can be passionate about the university in a way that no one else can,” said Traube, who majored in broadcast journalism at Marshall.

“When you’re telling the Marshall story, you’re also telling your own story. You’re weaving in your own experience. And that can be powerful.”

Current marketing efforts place an emphasis on “moments,” he said, and inviting prospective students to “live t heir Marshall moment.”

“We’re personalizing the power of the moment — those rare moments that you can find and create during college,” he said. “Marshall offers such a unique canvas for those moments, for figuring out who you are and what your future could look like. We want people to get excited about that and understand the opportunities that await them at Marshall.”

Traube said the trend of declining enrollment in higher education, “all over the country, at institutions big and small,” creates a sense of urgency.

To reverse that trend at Marshall, he and his team are collaborating with the admissions and recruitment office to expand the university’s pool of prospective students, taking a dynamic, personalized approach to recruitment and outreach.

That includes working to reach going forward. He also welcomed helping our marketing team achieve students outside West Virginia. alumnus Kipp Bodnar (’04), chief the next level of success.”

“Beginning this fall, students marketing officer of HubSpot, to Bodnar joined HubSpot, a marfrom 59 counties in the Tri-State the university’s Board of Governors. keting and sales software company, region will be eligible for our in 2010. He was named chief metro rate, which, in many marketing officer in 2015. cases, is lower than the inBodnar works closely with state tuition rates in Ohio and Traube and regularly lends his With Kipp Bodnar we have Kentucky,” Traube noted. expertise in marketing trends T he eligibilit y covers and strategies to the Board of access to one of the best a 100-mile radius from the Governors. He said he’s pleased marketing minds in our Huntington campus. to see Marshall’s leadership “Part of our central messaggeneration — and he happens embrace the role of marketing ing is the affordability aspect in strengthening the university. to be a son of Marshall. for people right outside West “The Board of Governors Virginia’s borders,” Traube is an amazing group of people, — Brad D. Smith said. “We want to invite stuwith an incredible depth and dents in the metro areas to breadth of knowledge, and it’s “With Kipp Bodnar we have take advantage of what Marshall exciting to see the buy-in to the imaccess to one of the best marketing can offer them.” portance of marketing,” said Bodnar, minds in our generation — and he Prior to Traube’s hiring, Smith who majored in journalism and was happens to be a son of Marshall,” brought in a consulting firm to executive editor of the Parthenon while at Marshall. “We’re asking Smith said. “Kipp is a world-class digievaluate Marshall’s marketing efthings like, ‘How will this decision tal marketer and is fully engaged in forts and identify effective strategies

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Dave Traube, a 2010 Marshall alum, was named the chief marketing and communications officer in October 2022. Traube has been charged with overseeing a complete “reimagining” of the university’s approach to marketing with more emphasis on digital and social media.

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President Brad D. Smith said a resounding theme that emerged from his 100-day listening tour was the need to tell the Marshall story in an increasingly digital world. Current marketing efforts invite prospective students to “Live Your Marshall Moment.”

build the Marshall brand?’ and ‘How why Marshall is a fit for them and He said alumni have a key role are we going to leverage this decision easy for them to take the next step to play in “building the Marshall to increase admissions and meet our in their journey.” brand,” which, if you’re wonderother core goals?’”

Traube described it as “building ing, has nothing to do with logos He said Traube is helping out the underbelly.” or shades of green. In marketing, Marshall differentiate itself from “What I’ve spent a lot of time on branding is how people feel about a other institutions by looking at marso far is the logistics of launching a product or a company — or, in this keting’s bigger picture. digital experience that is successcase, a university — when they see it.

“Most universities have a pretty ful, well thought through and built It’s “how you feel when you look at similar strategy when it comes to around our goals as an institution,” a photo of campus, or read about an marketing,” Bodnar explained. “They he said. “We’re laying the groundacademic program you’re interested spend a lot of money on paid adverwork for a new digital marketing era in,” Traube said. In other words, the tising and social media and search for the university.”

Marshall brand is everything that engine optimization — and then makes the university unique. it all falls apart when students “One thing that I think is so get to the website. The website special about Marshall is the way doesn’t work; it’s too hard to people feel about it after they use; the experience is too painWe’re laying the groundwork leave,” Traube said. “So many ful. But Dave and his team are alumni still love the university for a new digital marketing and engage with the university transforming the entire online experience. They’re building a in different ways. It’s not just era for the university. web experience that makes it supporting athletics, although — Dave Traube easy for students to understand athletics are part of it. It’s having

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gear; it’s being proud to tell understand who you are and people where they went to what you offer, if you’re not school. I don’t think every telling your story, then people Beginning this fall, students from school has that. Every school are going to find the story wants to have that — but at 59 counties in the Tri-State region somewhere else,” Traube said.

Marshall, we have it.” quite often, what they will be eligible for our metro rate, “And As higher education faces find is not going to be correct. a paradigm shift, he said, the It’s going to be whatever verwhich, in many cases, is lower personal side of the Marshall sion of you someone else tells than the in-state tuition rates story is what will continue to them. That’s where marketing set the university apart. comes in. People can give you in Ohio and Kentucky.

“There’s so much competia million different definitions — Dave Traube tion in higher education today. of what marketing is, but at There are so many degree the end of the day marketing options, so many vocational is telling your story — and enrolled. I loved my experience.’” programs and alternatives to colinviting people into that story.”

The Marshall story belongs not lege,” he said. “But engaging with just to the university but to every something that stays with you for member of the Marshall family, Katherine Pyles is a freelance the rest of your life — that’s special. he said, and the marketing and writer and editor living in Huntington.

It’s one thing to say, ‘You should try communications team is working She is a 2009 graduate of Marshall it. You should enroll. This could be diligently to make sure that story University, where she was a member a great experience for you.’ But it’s is heard. of the Society of Yeager Scholars. another thing to say, ‘I tried this. I “If you’re not helping people

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a c a d e m i c s

PROVOST

AVI

Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee made a name for himself reimagining the College of Business. Now he is focused on stewarding all the university’s education programs.

By Jack Houvouras

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ean Avi is now Provost Avi. Dr. Avinandan himself when he took charge of the Lewis College of Mukherjee, known affectionately as “Dean Avi” Business in 2017. Just two years later, it was recognized as by students and faculty across the university, one of the nation’s best business schools by The Princeton recently transitioned from dean of the Lewis College of Review in its annual rankings. In addition, Marshall was Business to provost and senior vice president for academic ranked in the top 3% of business schools in the world to affairs. On April 6, President Brad D. Smith selected be dually accredited by AACSB International (Association Mukherjee from a pool of five to Advance Collegiate Schools qualified candidates to steward of Business) in both business Marshall’s future in higher and accounting. Also during education. He had held the time as dean, Mukherjee I really feel like a global citizen. his interim provost role starting secured a $25 million gift from in July 2021.

Brad and Alys Smith to fund One of the most important As provost, Mukherjee new 77,000-square-foot busithings I’ve learned is that despite aness oversees the development of school complex to be built all the educational programs our cultural differences, we all in the 1400 block of Fourth at Marshall, including nine Avenue. It is currently under share fundamental values. colleges and two schools, uniconstruction and will open in versity libraries, enrollment, January 2024.

— Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee student affairs, student success In addition to those major and research. He oversees a accomplishments, Mukherjee budget of nearly $150 million for academic expenditures brings a world of experience to his role as provost. He and research. has circled the globe and taught in nine countries, includThe university’s new provost first made a name for ing the United Kingdom, India, Denmark, Bangladesh,

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PHOTO BY RICK LEE

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Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee's tenure as dean of the College of Business was so impressive that the university named him provost in 2022.

Singapore and Malaysia. He is a distinguished researcher, having published and presented more than 100 scholarly articles in leading journals garnering 6,500 citations.

Considering his resume, it’s easy to see why Mukherjee was tapped for such a prestigious post.

•••••• Mukherjee was born in Calcutta, India, a city of more than 15 million people, and attended one of the largest secondary schools in the world. When he was young his father gave him a book about the U.S. Constitution, which piqued his interest in the United States.

After earning a degree in electrical and computer engineering at Jadavpur University, he earned his doctorate in marketing and international business from the Indian Institute of Management, one of the top 100 business schools in the world. He then taught at schools in nine different countries before moving to the United States, where he graduated from the prestigious Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) program at Harvard University.

“I really feel like a global citizen,” Mukherjee said.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned is that despite our cultural differences, we all share fundamental values and desires. We all seek love, happiness, security and meaning in our lives. By embracing our similarities and respecting our differences, I believe we can build bridges of understanding and create a more peaceful, harmonious and inclusive world.”

Mukherjee was dean of the College of Business at Clayton State University in Georgia and chair of the

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marketing department in the School of Business at Montclair State University in New Jersey before being named dean of Marshall’s Lewis College of Business in 2017.

After starting the job, Mukherjee said he had a handful of salient observations.

“The college needed a cultural shift from silos to teamworking,” he explained. “In addition, the business school was not as innovative or as connected to local economic development as many other business schools.

Finally, there were no online programs, and there was not enough focus on research.”

As dean, Mukherjee led a comprehensive reimagination of the business program. Working with faculty, students and administrators, he formed six strategic task forces to explore a new building; the first online programs; a new doctoral program; an entrepreneurship and innovation center; global connections; and faculty excellence.

“One of the first things I did as dean was to reach out to Brad Smith,” said Mukherjee. “I found him to be so down to earth, inspiring and kind. He bought into our vision of a complete reimagination of the business school, and he supported our dream of building a state-of-the-art business school and innovation hub that would transform the regional economy.”

After securing the $25 million donation from the Smiths — the largest gift in the college’s history — Mukherjee set out to oversee the design of a new $40 million facility that would be named the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation.

“This building will help shape the future of business education,” said Mukherjee. “With its cutting-edge design and innovative technology, the Smith Center is a space where students, educators and professionals can come together to create, learn and grow. It’s also a symbol of our commitment to excellence in business, where students can choose from over 20 majors and accredited programs.”

The location of the new three-story building on Fourth Avenue is in keeping with the university’s continuing expansion toward Huntington’s downtown. Along with classroom space, the facility will feature a forum and auditorium; computer and finance labs; office space; meeting rooms; and study spaces for students. Its design will allow for more interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty, concurrently advancing research, 21st-century learning and community engagement.

•••••• On April 6, 2022, following the departure of Provost Jaime Taylor, who had accepted the presidency of Lamar University in Texas, Smith announced that Mukherjee had emerged from a nationwide search as the university’s new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

“I am delighted Dr. Mukherjee accepted the position,” following the Thundering Herd as well as the FIFA World said Smith. “He is the right leader to steward Marshall’s Cup and other international soccer matches. current and future position in the higher education arena.”

“There’s something truly special about seeing all the Smith cited Mukherjee’s interdisciplinary orientation different countries come together to compete in the world’s and innovative approach, as well as his track record of most prestigious soccer tournament,” he said. “I think progressive leadership, international education and expewhat draws me to soccer is the sense of unity and camararience, research and scholarly derie that it fosters. No matter contributions, and fundraising where you come from, soccer experience as the main reasons can bring people together and for his selection. create a sense of community. It’s True leadership is not about “I am excited and honored truly a beautiful sport.” at this opportunity to continue And while he may be power or authority, but rather to work closely with President Marshall’s second-most powabout serving others. I believe erful administrator today, Smith and our dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni embraces a nontrathat through servant leadership, Mukherjee to foster academic excellence,” ditional leadership philosophy. we can all make a positive impact said Mukherjee.

“True leadership is not But his goals as provost about power or authority, but on the world and leave it a better rather about extend far beyond academic serving others. It is place than we found it. excellence. His ambitious list about using my skills and abiliincludes: ties to make a positive impact — Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee • Promoting strategic enon those around me,” he said. rollment management “I believe that through servant • Student success leadership, we can all make a positive impact on the world • Leadership development and leave it a better place than we found it.”

• Research • Fundraising Jack Houvouras is the publisher of Marshall Magazine. He • In-demand knowledge and on-demand access earned his B.A. in journalism from Marshall University in 1988.

• Accreditation • Diversity and inclusion • Global partnerships Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee played an integral part in securing the funding for the new Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation.

In his first year as provost, Mukherjee moved quickly to build an accomplished academic leadership team; he utilizing national searches to hire four new college deans, two new school directors and two new vice presidents.

University stakeholders are confident that their handpicked choice for provost will be as successful in his new role as he was in the College of Business. Meanwhile, Mukherjee continues to log long hours while taking time to appreciate his rapid ascent at Marshall.

“For me, Marshall is not just a workplace; it’s a community that feels like a family. One of the things I love most about working at Marshall is the strong ties with the Huntington community,” he explained. “Huntington is a charming city with a rolling, breathtakingly beautiful landscape. I wake up every morning feeling grateful for the comfortable lifestyle, the low cost of living and the stateof-the-art health care available here. There’s a warmth and welcoming spirit here that’s hard to find anywhere else.”

When he’s not working or serving on numerous boards, the worldly scholar said he is a huge soccer fan who enjoys

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PHOTO BY RICK LEE

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campus life

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Chief Jim Terry, director of Marshall’s Office of Public Safety, stands in front of one of the new speed limit signs on Fifth Avenue.

A

SAFER

CAMPUS

Marshall implements several new measures as part of an ongoing commitment to the safety of its students, faculty and staff.

By James E. Casto Photos by Rick Lee

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arshall University has put in place an array of In June 2022, West Virginia Department of measures aimed at keeping the campus safe for Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston issued a temstudents, faculty and staff, as well as members porary order reducing the speed limit to 25 mph from of the public.

35 mph on Third and Fifth avenues between Sixth and The safety measures undertaken include reduced 20th streets. The reduction will remain in place pendspeed limits on busy Third and Fifth ing completion of a DOH traffic safety avenues, a university-wide awareness audit of the campus area. The audit is campaign about pedestrian safety and still in progress. a new crosswalk on 20th Street.

When a Marshall Pedestrian Safety The safety of our The speed limit reduction, pedestrian Task Force studied the safety of pedesawareness campaign and crosswalk were students, faculty and trians on and around the Huntington implemented as the result of ongoing campus, it recommended two items to staff is Marshall’s discussions among Huntington Mayor President Brad D. Smith: reduce the Steve Williams, Marshall University speed limit around the campus, and highest priority. administrators and officials with the deploy a public awareness campaign on — President Brad D. Smith West Virginia Division of Highways pedestrian safety.

(DOH). The discussions were initiated Responding to the task force, following a tragic accident in November 2021, when a Marshall launched a new pedestrian safety campaign, Marshall student was struck and killed by an oncoming called “Heads Up Herd,” reminding pedestrians to keep vehicle in the 1800 block of Third Avenue. their heads up and their eyes off their mobile phones.

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Dr. Marcie E. Simms, Marshall’s vice president of Intercultural and Student Affairs, speaks with students next to one of the university's HELP Phones. There are 30 of these emergency phones located throughout the Huntington campus with direct contact to campus police 24 hours a day.

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The campaign reminded pedestrians to up recommendations for how to go cross streets at designated crosswalks; about complying with it. to always look left, right and left again “It’s going to be a challenging job, before crossing; and to make sure they but the committee members are alare seen by oncoming drivers. ready hard at it,” said Dr. Marcie “The No. 1 complaint I receive from E. Simms, MU’s vice president of people is how members of our comIntercultural and Student Affairs. munity cross streets surrounding the “Working with the Higher Education university,” said James E. Terry, direcPolicy Commission and other universitor of MU’s Office of Public Safety. “I ties and colleges across the state, the want students and employees to think committee is determined to deliver its about what they’re doing before they final recommendations well before the cross a roadway in an unsafe manner. law’s implementation date.”

The risk of getting hurt is simply is not Simms cited a number of other worth the time you might save.” useful safety measures in place on the Meanwhile, the City of Huntington Marshall campus, including: In an emergency, text messages, e-mails and phone calls alert community members has installed a new crosswalk on 20th HELP Phones — “We have more of a threat and provide safety instructions.

Street between Third and Fifth avenues, than 30 emergency phones located designed to make it safer for pedestrians throughout the Huntington campus,” to access the Marshall Rec Center and she said. The phones provide direct the Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Pedestrian pushbuttons contact with the campus police dispatcher 24 hours a day. on each side of the crosswalk trigger beacon lights that The Green Machine — “If a student is anxious about flash to alert motorists in both lanes of traffic that people walking between the campus and their destination, they are preparing to enter the crosswalk. The crosswalk also can ride the Green Machine, a free bus operated by the includes signage alerting moTri-State Transit Authority,” torists to yield to pedestrians. she said. “Whether you need to “The safety of our students, get downtown for an art class, faculty and staff is Marshall’s visit Student Health Services at highest priority,” said President the Marshall Medical Center at The No. 1 complaint I receive Smith. “As we wait for the trafCabell Huntington Hospital or from people is how members of maybe just go shopping, all it fic safety audit to be completed, the temporary speed reduction, takes is your MU-ID to ride.” our community cross streets the pedestrian awareness camMUPD Escort Program — surrounding the university. paign and the new crosswalk “If a student feels unsafe geton 20th Street have added I want students and employees ting to their car or residence tools to keep everyone as safe hall, they can contact the MU to think about what they’re doing Police Department, which will as possible.”

When completed, the audispatch an officer to their lobefore they cross a roadway in dit is expected to include an cation and walk them to their an unsafe manner. analysis of historical crash data; vehicle or residence hall.” a review of traffic signage and MU Alert — In an emer— Chief Jim Terry markings on roadways; on-site gency, the university uses text observations; and a comprehenmessages, e-mails and telephone sive review of how vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle safety calls to quickly alert community members of a threat and could be improved in the affected areas. provide safety instructions. Students, faculty and staff can Meanwhile, school officials are addressing the issue of choose the contact methods they prefer. guns on campus after the 2023 West Virginia Legislature enacted a bill allowing people with concealed carry perJames E. Casto is the retired associate editor of The mits to take firearms onto public college and university Herald-Dispatch and the author of a number of books on campuses. The new law will take effect July 1, 2024. At local and regional history.

Marshall, an ad hoc committee has been formed to draw

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The first students of the Aviation Maintenance Technology A.A.S. program at Marshall University are joined by James Smith, program director, and Nancy Ritter, director of the Bill Noe Flight School.

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anniversary

NEWS The Parthenon turns 125!

EXTRA!

EXTRA!

One of the nation’s oldest college newspapers is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

By Amanda Larch

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aving been published for decades by the time Marshall College attained university status in 1961, the Parthenon is, in a way, older than Marshall University itself.

Established in 1898 as Marshall’s student newspaper, the Parthenon is one of the oldest college newspapers in America. Over those years it has garnered a multitude of national awards, scooped local newspapers on several big stories and produced some of the nation’s most respected journalists and media executives, including two Pulitzer Prize winners.

To mark the Parthenon’s

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125th anniversary this year, the journalism school

23 game against Virginia Tech and will incorporate

has planned a special alumni weekend this fall, complete with tailgating and open tours of the newsroom. The weekend is tentatively planned to coincide with the Sept.

the annual W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SOJMC) Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“We are going to make it a whole journalism fall

weekend,” said Sandy York, interim director of the SOJMC. “A save-thedate will go out first. We set it around a big football game in hopes that a lot of people will want to come.”

W h e n Yo r k w a s named interim director in 2021, she had worked as the faculty advisor of the Parthenon for 10 years.

Even in her current role, she remains heavily involved with the paper.

“I started at Marshall in 1998, and that was the year of the 100th anniversary — so this also marks my 25th year with the Parthenon,” she said. “The students were working on the 100th anniversary edition when I started here.

I look back and see just how cool that was.”

The newspaper staff are planning on marking the paper’s milestone anniversary with special editions and other commemorative stories this fall, according to Executive Editor Evan Green.

“We’re definitely going to put something together, but we haven’t finalized our plans yet,” Green said.

The Parthenon is not only one of the oldest newspapers in the country, but it was also one of the first newspapers in West Virginia to create a website and establish an online presence. It continues to expand its digital reach through e-newsletters. Even as the paper has moved from printing multiple times a week

to publishing one print edition weekly, it’s still a valuable news source for students. The Parthenon consistently keeps up with everything at the university; oftentimes, it stays ahead, making for a fun and exciting job for students and faculty alike.

“There are times we’ve moved with the industry, or hopefully a little bit ahead of the industry,” York said. “We’re always looking to what social media are doing.”

Green said one of his goals as executive editor is to expand the paper’s social media presence.

“We are working on developing an app through our website so students can easily access the Parthenon and get updates when we post new content,” he said. “We’re

In 1961 journalism students stormed into classrooms across campus with special editions of the Parthenon that proclaimed Marshall College was now Marshall University.

trying to make this digital push to make sure students have easy and complete access to the news source on campus.”

Through the years,

PHOTO BY RICK LEE

Students work on a recent edition of the Parthenon. Over the last 125 years the student newspaper has garnered a bevy of national awards and produced some of the nation’s most respected journalists and media executives, including two Pulitzer Prize winners.

the Parthenon has produced a variety of special editions centered on homecoming, the state Legislature, sports and more, sometimes breaking major news.

Dr. George Arnold, who worked as an advisor and SOJMC professor for more than 30 years, was a faculty member in 1970 when Parthenon reporter Jeff Nathan was one of the 75 killed in the Marshall plane crash. The crash “was unquestionably the saddest part of the history of Marshall University,” Arnold said.

Following the crash, Parthenon students approached SOJMC faculty about putting together a special edition of the paper, Arnold recalled.

W. Page Pitt, department chairman at that time, told students to do whatever

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PHOTO BY RICK LEE

Sandy York, interim director of the SOJMC, said school officials are planning to celebrate the milestone anniversary during a weekend in the fall.

York has worked as the faculty advisor of the Parthenon since 2011, before stepping into her current role as interim director.

they wanted for the special edition, and he would fund it.

In two and a half days, the 24-page edition went to press. Arnold said it’s the only time he can remember content from both faculty members and students, as the paper has always been entirely student-produced.

“We had a hard deadline, and there were some things faculty members were a little bit better able to write because we had been around and we knew people,” he explained.

“Page Pitt and others wrote the stories.”

Pitt mailed a copy of the special edition to journalism schools across

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the country. The edition received not only complimentary feedback but also several national awards.

edition than of any special edition we ever did.”

Though not involved with the paper in 1961,

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The Parthenon has told the history of Marshall University since 1898, and we expect it will do the same for the next 125 years.

— Sandy York

“We didn’t do it for the awards; we did it to honor and remember those who were killed in the plane crash,” Arnold said. “I think I am prouder of that special

Arnold was a student when Marshall College became a university.

“I was in a history class when journalism students started handdelivering the special

edition all over campus,” he said. “They burst into classrooms, yelling, ‘We are a university!’ Most students just closed their notebooks and ran out to celebrate. It was one of the happiest moments I ever witnessed in my 41 years at Marshall.”

Along with Arnold, Dr. Ralph J. Turner was a prominent leader at the Parthenon. Turner set the ethical and professional standards for the paper, Arnold said.

“He was the most highly ethical person I ever knew — not only in journalism, but in his own personal life,” Arnold said.

Turner stressed professionalism to all J-School

The Parthenon’s

Distinguished Alumni

S

ince the Parthenon’s inception in 1898, hundreds of talented students have logged hours working for Marshall’s student newspaper.

Many have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. The following is a list of some of the most accomplished individuals who have worked in the media industry in the last 125 years.

NELSON BOND, class of 1934, is considered one of the founders of modern fantasy and science fiction. His work includes seven books, three plays, six motion pictures and more than 50 network television plays.

as the assistant science editor at the New York Times for nearly 10 years. He was also a founding member of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.

for his wise and witty writings about Appalachian heritage. He spent 20 years publishing materials for the West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia and the West Virginia Hillbilly, a critically acclaimed newspaper with worldwide followers.

ANGELA DODSON, class of 1973, began her career at the Huntington Advertiser and would go on to become the first African American woman to serve as a senior editor at the New York Times. She also authored the book Remember the Ladies: Celebrating Those Who Fought for Freedom at the Ballot Box, highlighting women’s impact on U.S. politics.

JACK MAURICE, class of 1935, was the Pulitzer Prizewinning editor of the Charleston Daily Mail from 1950 to 1978.

He received the Pulitzer in 1975 for his editorials about the Kanawha County textbook controversy. He also won the Society of Professional Journalists Sigma Delta Chi national award for distinguished service in journalism.

SEAN CALLEBS, class of 1983, was a correspondent for CNN for 20 years before moving to CGTN. He has won numerous awards for his news reporting, including a national Emmy for his coverage in the aftermath of the 1993 Mississippi River flood. He is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker and a United States diplomat to Afghanistan.

GORDON KINNEY, class of 1941, began his career in radio before joining the Ad Council, an institution that produces public service announcements for nonprofit organizations and distributes them to some 33,000 media outlets each year. Kinney rose to vice president of the Ad Council and worked on campaigns to combat polio, fight drug abuse and “Keep America Beautiful.”

PETE RUEST, class of 1997, went on to work at some of the nation’s leading ad agencies including the Martin Agency, Young and Rubicam, Wieden+Kennedy and Energy BBDO where he was a vice president. Throughout his award-wining career he has worked on campaigns for Nike, Timberland, NASCAR, AnheuserBusch, Wrigley, Sears and Bayer.

GAY PAULEY SEHON, class of 1942, had a stellar career in New York working for United Press International (UPI).

In 1977, she became the first female senior editor at UPI. She also won the Matrix Award from the New York Chapter of Women in Communications for her reporting on the People’s Republic of China.

BRENT CUNNINGHAM, class of 1988, spent 15 years as a media critic while serving as managing editor of the Columbia Journalism Review. He has written for the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Vox, CNN.com and more. His critical writing about the media was included in the anthology Our Unfree Press: 100 Years of Radical Media Criticism.

JIM COMSTOCK, class of 1934, was nationally recognized

MARVIN STONE, class of 1947, was the editor-in-chief of U.S. News & World Report from 1976 to 1989. Due to his extraordinary generosity to Marshall, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications library was named in his honor.

BURL OSBORNE, class of 1960, had a 20-year career with the Associated Press before serving as editor and publisher of the Dallas Morning News. In 1992, he was the recipient of the National Press Foundation’s George David Beveridge Jr. Award for Editor of the Year.

JOHN HACKWORTH, class of 1971, worked as the editor of the Sun newspapers and won a Pulitzer Prize in 2016 for a series of editorials about the beating death of an inmate at the Charlotte (North Carolina) Correctional Institution.

JOHN WILSON, class of 1972, was an editor at the Miami Herald, the Washington Times and the Detroit News before serving

MARK TRUBY, class of 1994, was an award-winning reporter and editor at the Detroit News before being named chief communications officer of the Ford Motor Company.

LOU SAHADI, class of 1953, went on to a highly successful sports writing career in New York City. He was a contributor to the New York Times and New York Post, and authored 26 books including the official biographies of Willie Mays, Don Shula, Hank Stram and Johnny Unitas. He was also an independent magazine publisher of such titles as Pro Football Monthly Pro Boxing Scene, Pro Hockey Scene, Pro Baseball Scene, Pro Basketball Scene and more.

WAYNE FAULKNER, class of 1972, was the executive editor of the Parthenon at the time of the Marshall plane crash. He helped put out a special 24-page edition to mark that tragic event. He went on to work for newspapers in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami before a stellar 25-year career at the Chicago Tribune.

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students, to the point use the Parthenon. We that it transformed never considered it other faculty, Arnold just a student newssaid. This was not acpaper. The publicacomplished through tion had professional preaching, he said, standards, and we exbut by setting an pected students to example. meet those standards.

“He always held More importantly, high standards, and they wanted to meet the rest of us folthose standards.” lowed,” Arnold exGreen said he plained. “I saw Ralph st ar ted with the Turner put his job in Parthenon the secjeopardy by upholdond semester of his ing those standards — freshman year as the Dr. George T. Arnold (left) and Dr. Ralph J. Turner (middle) confer with students in the Parthenon newsroom. The two professors were trusted advisors to the student that’s how dedicated features editor, then newspaper for three decades. he was.” worked as managing Best friends editor before becomoutside of work, both A student newspaper “The J-School is not ing executive editor.

A rn o ld a n d Tu rn e r provides hands-on educathe kind of place where “It’s been a really great taught advanced reporttion that involves workyou can just take classes experience; I feel like I’ve ing and advanced editing ing with, and sometimes and that’s all you do; the become a much better and layout classes every for, classmates. York said J-School is what you make journalist,” he said. “I’ve semester and acted as students build lifelong of it,” he said. gotten a lot of connecadvisors to the Parthenon friendships through their Reflecting on being tions in the J-School. And for more than three detime at the paper. part of the 125-year legacy overall, I’m happy with the cades, leaving an indel“We’ve had lifelong of the Parthenon, Green product we’ve created and ible mark on the paper relationships come out said he is simply carrying the improvements we’ve for future students. of the Parthenon and all on the tradition of excelbeen able to make.”

“Ralph Turner did lence established by the of our student media, Every edition of the something revolutionstudent editors who came which is amazing,” she Parthenon has been arary: Within two years, before him. said. “You’re learning a chived in the university’s he had increased the “It’s definitely a big reskill, and what you do library system, available Parthenon from two days sponsibility on my shoulhere goes out with your to all on Marshall Digital a week, which it had been ders, but it’s nice to know name on it. It’s something Scholar, a project that’s for decades, to four days you have the torch, and to be proud of. There’s been ongoing since York a week,” Arnold said. that you will pass it on no other place where started as the newspaper’s “That’s astounding.” to the next generation,” you’re getting that kind advisor.

Green said getting inhe said. of experience.” “ T h e Pa r t h e n o n volved with student meThe paper has always The real-world experihas told the history of dia like the Parthenon, MU ence that the Parthenon been free to students on Marshall University since Report and WMUL-FM is provides was born out campus. It’s written for 1898, and we expect it will how Marshall journalism of necessity, Arnold said. students by students, York do the same for the next students prepare for the “It was imperative that said.

125 years,” York said. real world; they create we prepared students well “Students know their connections, network for the marketplace, betarget audience,” she said. and can easily build up cause they needed a job “And it’s always exciting Amanda Larch is a freetheir resumes, equipped as soon as they graduwhen our student journallance writer and editor with everything they need ated,” he explained. “The ists get the scoop before living in Hurricane, West to enter the workforce. best way to do that was to anybody else.”

Virginia.

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l e g e n d s

More than 95 years have

passed since he founded

the university’s renowned

journalism program, but

the legend of this iconic

professor lives on today.

W. PAGE PITT

By Bill Belanger

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“H

eads up, everybody!” The words came in a was summoned to Marshall in 1926 to teach journalism low roar. and serve as advisor for the Parthenon, the college’s student “March is not the only thing that comes newspaper. The following year he organized the journalin like a lion,” I muttered to the student next to me. ism department with a focus on newspaper work. As the Professor W. Page Pitt, head of Marshall’s journalism deworld of mass communication expanded, courses were partment, strode to the big copy desk in the center of the added in advertising, broadcast journalism and corporate classroom. The man had what we called “a commanding relations. When the need for more courses became evipresence.” Actually, we were in awe of him. dent, he added faculty who were specialists in their fields.

This was 1931. It did not bother Pitt that Marshall’s Meanwhile physical changes were being made. The journalism department, which he had founded four years department itself moved out of the little green and white earlier, was housed in a humble green and white frame house to the basement of the expanding Morrow Library house facing Fifth Avenue near 17th Street. The crowded and a few years later to Smith Hall, where it is now lolittle front room serving as Pitt’s office had two desks cated. A computer system was installed, and in 1979 the and one telephone. His secretary, department was upgraded to the staVirginia Lee, needed no intercom. tus of an official journalism school.

She and her boss shared the phone When it was dedicated the following with a long cord when the departyear as the W. Page Pitt School of The word ‘legend’ is one Journalism, Pitt, who had retired in ment was organized in 1927.

The other room, a classroom that’s often overused, but 1971, said it was the happiest day of unconventional by any standards, his life. Later the name was expanded it’s the one that comes accommodated a big semi-circular to include other courses, and today table with a cutaway known to newsquickly to mind when the the school is known as the W. Page papermen as “the slot.” Some stuPitt School of Journalism and Mass conversation turns dents took their places around it to Communications. get closer to the enigmatic teacher.

He enjoyed “shocking” people. to Page Pitt.

Others sat beyond, hoping to escape While many gave raving compli— James E. Casto his notice. A few of the desks held ments to the colonial-style Student old Underwood typewriters. A newsUnion (predecessor to the current paper rack leaned limply against the wall. It was the best Student Center), Pitt remarked in class that it “looks like semblance of a newsroom atmosphere Pitt could manage Washington’s outhouse.” That was daring humor then, but with minimum state funds during the Depression. it was characteristic of “the Grand Old Man of Journalism” Although he was legally blind, rarely could students get who “liked to keep ’em awake.” by with absence or tardiness in class. He was a complex “The word ‘legend’ is one that’s often overused,” said character. Even his blindness was an enigma — a story oftJames E. Casto, the former associate editor of the Heraldtold is that friends would brush past him unrecognized, Dispatch, “but it’s the one that comes quickly to mind yet he was known to hail a student across the street and when the conversation turns to Page Pitt.” comment on the color of a necktie or a new hairdo.

Casto, who studied under Pitt in the early 1960s, The blindness was the result of surgery for mastoidhas published numerous books and (like Pitt) dozens of itis when he was a child. Many dates about Pitt’s life are freelance magazine articles under his byline. He’s quick subject to change. Facts that were established include his to credit Pitt for helping get his journalistic career off to birth in New York City in 1900 and that his father moved the right start. to West Virginia and owned part of a coal mine, where “I took Pitt’s class in feature writing,” said Casto, the younger Pitt worked summers. After teaching high “although there were lots of days when we talked about school English in the West Virginia school system, Pitt ’most everything but feature writing. One of the things that

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This portrait greets visitors to the offices of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

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required help — reading. Many a Saturday morning, students, including myself, would read to him for a few hours from books or magazines of his choice. The reward was a luncheon that could not be found elsewhere. He was a gourmet cook.

For Pitt, the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. In earlier years, he seemed to have little respect for the textbook, though he occasionally referred to it, whether to keep students prepared or uncertain no one knew. For most classes he thought it more relevant that students subscribe to a newspaper than buy a book.

He was a frequent contributor to magazines — detective, western, adventure fiction (to the pulps). His pen name was Roy Page.

Today’s United High School Media Program at Marshall tells more about his vision than any of his projects. Originally called the United High School Press, it is a summer convention that draws high school journalism Professor W. Page Pitt shares a laugh with his most famous and students interested in media careers to Huntington for mischievous student — television superstar Soupy Sales. workshops, awards and contacts.

A list of distinguished careers that resulted from made Pitt such a remarkable teacher was his wonderfully Pitt’s labors would be too long, but a few worth noting unpredictable nature. Most of the time our textbook was include Jack Maurice, Pulitzer Prize winner and newsthat morning’s newspaper, and the subject of discussion paper editor; Soupy Sales, nationally known entertainer was that day’s big story — or, then again, maybe something and TV personality; Burl Osborne, editor and publisher Pitt had been arguing about of the Dallas Morning News; with the other fellows down Marvin Stone, editor of U.S. at the Elks Club.

News & World Report; Jim “I suspect I learned more Comstock, founder of the about the actual mechanics The man had what we called famed West Virginia Hillbilly; of writing from others, first Gordon Kinney, senior vice “a commanding presence.” at Marshall and later at the president of the Ad Council; Actually, we were in awe of him.

Herald-Dispatch. But from Page and Gay Pauley Sehon, senior Pitt I learned that good stories editor at UPI. are where you find them, and Old and ailing, Pitt died the world is full of them if you know how to smell them in a hospital in Florida in 1980. Ask anyone who knew out. Pitt may have been blind, but he could smell a story him, and they would attest that his fiery spirit and his for miles. I consider myself privileged to have studied refusal to let a handicap limit his life live on. His former under him.” student and colleague, Dr. Ralph Turner, expressed it What about the man as a person? Depends on whom best, gesturing toward a classroom. “He is still here, still you ask. Strong-willed, unyielding on any point of controwith us, not only in this school but wherever. The legend versy — these were frequent descriptors. Who could be still inspires us all.” neutral or impartial about Pitt? Whenever he heard (and he heard it often) that people either loved him or hated him, his reaction was the same: “I don’t care what they This article by Bill Belanger (1941-2000) was first published say, just as long as they say ‘Pitt.’” in the Huntington Quarterly in 1997. Belanger, a reporter At times flamboyant in his lifestyle, he was quick to and editor for Huntington newspapers for more than anger and slow to forget yet could always show warmth.

50 years, earned her B.A. in journalism in 1935 and her Above all else, Pitt was diverse, excelling at chess, bridge, master’s degree in journalism in 1972, both from Marshall bowling and fishing. And remember, this man was blind.

University. She was inducted into the W. Page Pitt School But for all his independence, one of his greatest interests of Journalism Hall of Fame in 1986.

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a l u m n i

Trailblazer Meet Angela P. Dodson, a 1973 Marshall alumna and the first Black female senior editor of the New York Times.

By Katherine Pyles

J

ournalist, editor and author Angela P. Dodson has led a storied career. She joined the New York Times as a copy editor in 1983, then worked as the style editor before becoming senior editor for administration in 1992 — the first Black female senior editor in NYT history.

She’s the author of Remember the Ladies: Celebrating Those Who Fought for Freedom at the Ballot Box, with a bevy of other writing and editing projects to her name. Dodson has covered some of the nation’s most historic moments, while simultaneously making history herself.

“I’ve loved writing since I first learned to read,” said Dodson, a native of Beckley, West Virginia. “I told my parents when I was 11 that I wanted to be a journalist.

I don’t even know where I learned the word, but that’s what I wanted to be.”

Her family lived in Pennsylvania for several years before returning to the Mountain State when Dodson was a teenager. Heavily recruited by schools like Brown and Michigan State, she chose to attend Marshall.

“My older brother went to Marshall the year before I did, and I had cousins who went there beginning in the 1960s,” said Dodson, who lived in Chesapeake, West Virginia, just outside of Charleston, through high school and college. “I loved Huntington as soon as I saw it.”

At least a dozen members of Dodson’s family have graduated from Marshall, some of whom she met for the first time in school. A chance encounter introduced her

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to a side of the family she hadn’t known: the Dotson family, spelled with a T. “I might never have known some of my Dotson cousins had we not all met at Marshall and realized we were related,” Dodson said. “It’s a funny story — my brother was on the dance floor with a woman and had spent the greater part of the evening talking to her. When they introduced themselves, they realized they shared the same last name.

He was dancing with our cousin, Paulette Dotson (Scott), from Williamson.”

The two families connected on campus and learned that their great-grandfathers were brothers who moved to West Virginia from southwestern Virginia, “but somewhere along the way the name spelling got changed for one of them,” Dodson said.

Dodson said her family’s ties to Marshall began with her cousin Marguerite Hairston Coleman, one of the first Black women to attend the university. Other members of the family soon followed in her footsteps.

“Once Marguerite started there, we all kind of just followed one another,” she said. “We all had a good experience at Marshall. We all got our degrees, and as a family we’ve been fairly successful in our careers and in our lives.”

They started attending reunions together and remain friends. In 2018, Dodson and her family established the Dodson, Dotson and Hairston Family Scholarship in Coleman’s memory. The scholarship benefits Marshall

PHOTO BY ATSEDE ELEGBA

Journalist, editor and author Angela P. Dodson has led a storied career. In addition to being named the first Black female senior editor at the New York Times, she is the author of Remember the Ladies: Celebrating Those Who Fought for Freedom at the Ballot Box.

students from southern West Virginia.

“Creating the scholarship was a way to give back to students like us,” she said. “We specifically picked the coal mining counties that our parents and grandparents came to from Virginia around 1920 or before. Each county named in the scholarship is one where someone in our family lived, either to farm or to work the mines.”

While at Marshall, Dodson was one of the first four members initiated into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1972. She helped found the university’s chapter of the sorority, an international organization founded by Black women at Howard University in 1908. Founding members of the Marshall chapter celebrated their 50th anniversary during last year’s homecoming.

Her junior year, Dodson’s professor and mentor Dr. Ralph J. Turner selected her for a summer internship at the Charleston Gazette. When classes resumed that fall, Dodson planned to focus only on her studies; but another local paper, the Huntington Advertiser, had its sights set on the J-School’s rising star.

“I heard they were looking to hire ‘a Black journalist,’” she recalled. “I was reluctant to go in for an interview if they were just looking for any Black journalist they could find. But what I didn’t know was that Editor Don Hatfield had been reading me for some time in the Parthenon. Ralph convinced me to go, and Don interviewed me the same day I called him. He gave me a writing test and hired me on the spot.”

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1981, she accepted a job in Louisville at the Courier-Journal.

There, Dodson married her Courier-Journal colleague, Michael I. Days, whom she had met in Rochester when they worked for competing papers. She was approached by the New York Times soon after. Dodson had been teaching editing in a program for minority journalists, and one of her colleagues in the program and a visiting speaker — both of whom worked at the Times — recommended her for a copyediting position. Times editors invited her for a tryout, telling her not to be discouraged if she didn’t hear back for months.

Less than two weeks after her tryout, she was offered the job.

But Dodson and Days had just bought a house in Louisville, and Dodson was “on the verge of turning it down,” she admitted. “My husband finally said, ‘Angela, no one turns down the New York Times.’”

Days had to find a job to be with her. He was hired at the Wall Street Journal’s Philadelphia bureau, and the couple relocated to New Jersey in 1983. They commuted in opposite directions for almost two decades. Days later joined the Philadelphia Daily News as a reporter and would go on to become editor, a position he held for 10 years.

At a time when diversity in journalism was immensely lacking and at a publication where competition was intense, Dodson experienced an element of culture shock when she started at the Times.

“I always say New York City is the place valedictorians go to kill each other off,” she said. “It’s a competitive atmoDodson, seen here at Marshall in 1972, was a reporter for the Parthenon before becoming Huntington’s first Black journalist. sphere, and everyone’s vying for something. I wasn’t that kind of person. I just went in every day and did my job.”

As for being the paper’s first Black reporter, Dodson Nevertheless, Dodson’s editorial talent and work ethic said prejudice was a non-issue in the Advertiser’s newsroom. led to promotion after promotion. She was among few mi“The staff at the Advertiser was nority journalists at the Times, and very small,” she said. “We were the opportunity to be a “historic very close, and still are.” first” among Black journalists lay Dodson continued to work just on the horizon for her — a I am concerned that the at the Advertiser after graduating realization that didn’t sink in from Marshall in 1973. In 1974, until she was promoted to style industry has segmented her colleagues helped her land a editor in 1991. into camps of left-wing or job at Gannett News Service in “When I got the promotion Washington, D.C. right-wing opinion journalism, and walked back to my departDodson worked for Gannett the staff gave me a standespecially in broadcasting. ment, Inc. (which owned the Huntington ing ovation,” Dodson recalled. papers) for several years, taking “My office basically filled up with —Angela Dodson a weekend editor position while flowers, from journalists all over completing her master’s degree, the country.” which she earned in 1979 from American University.

Two years later, Dodson was promoted again, making While completing her M.A., she went to work for the Times her the publication’s first Black female senior editor. As Union, a Gannett newspaper in Rochester, New York, besenior editor for administration, she helped recruit and fore returning to D.C. to work for the Washington Star. In hire staff. She said while many of her colleagues were

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She continues to be a source of supportive, there remained an “undercursupport for minority journalists makrent” of prejudice and classism. ing their way in a difficult profession.

“I remember editing a story earlier “The things I hear from minority in my career there, and the reporter arjournalists today are like déjà vu in gued with me, saying, ‘If you had ever a lot of ways,” she said. “I have a lot covered the Senate, you’d know this.’ of people that I’ve brought under my I told him I had covered the Senate, of wing — people looking for advice or course,” she said. “Another time I had comfort or both.” hired a woman as a copy editor who In her spare time, Dodson enjoys was Black, and a reporter disagreed collecting art and antiques, cooking, with her editing. He said to her, ‘Well, reading and collaborating with her husI went to Yale.’ And she said, ‘I did, band on writing projects. They have four too.’ There was an assumption among sons, brothers they adopted in 1991, and some that you couldn’t possibly be they’ve been promoted to grandparents. better or smarter or more qualified One of their sons, Adrian, passed away than your white colleagues — or that in 2022. you couldn’t be right, and they be Grateful for the mentorship she rewrong — as if the Times would hire ceived at Marshall, Dodson often returns incompetent people as editors.” to the place she got her start. She served on the board Dodson left the Times in 1995, going on to hold presfor the Society of Yeager Scholars for several years, has tigious editorial positions for publications like Essence addressed journalism classes at the university and has Magazine and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. She worked spoken at various events and conferences. While on a as a writer and editor for Black Issues Book Review before book tour in 2019 for Remember the Ladies, she spoke to being named the publication’s executive editor in 2003. the Huntington League of Women Voters and for an Dodson took on side projects as well, including hosting assembly at Huntington High the syndicated radio program School. In 2021, she did a virBlack Catholics, Yes! for nearly tual talk for the Dr. Carter G. 20 years.

Lyceum.

Dodson got into book writWhen I got the promotion and Woodson “I have a lot of really good ing “accidentally,” she said, after her former manager at walked back to my department, memories at Marshall,” she said. “I’m always happy to come Black Issues Book Review asked the staff gave me a standing back.” if she’d be interested in doing Reflecting on the future of some editing and ghostwriting ovation. My office basically filled journalism, she said it’s young for her at a major publishing up with flowers, from journalists and aspiring journalists who house. Today, Dodson takes give her hope. on a wide range of projects, all over the country.

“I am concerned that the from ghostwriting memoirs —Angela Dodson industry has segmented into for athletes to writing religious camps of left-wing or right-wing meditations. She’s the founder opinion journalism, especially in broadcasting,” she said. and CEO of Editorsoncall, a company that connects cli“On the other hand, I am optimistic, because our young ents with freelance writers, editors, graphic designers and journalists seem well-prepared and multitalented. They are photographers. Dodson has worked with organizations not only making existing media exciting and informative, like the National Black Writers Conference, the National but they are also creating new media outlets, nationally Association of Black Journalists, the American Press Institute and locally, that meet the needs of diverse audiences.” and the American Society of Newspaper Editors, often serving as a mentor to young Black journalists.

“When I was entering the profession, there weren’t Katherine Pyles is a freelance writer and editor living in many people I could go to for advice,” she said. “Mentoring Huntington. She is a 2009 graduate of Marshall University, is very important to me — just seeing young people come where she was a member of the Society of Yeager Scholars. into the field and helping them the best I can.”

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l e a d e r s h i p

Alys Smith Marshall’s First Lady is a wife, mother, attorney, philanthropist and social justice advocate. She’s also been a “warrior for change” since she was 9 years old.

By Kaylin Jorge

I

n a rare moment, Marshall University First Lady Alys first lady of Marshall University. She is first and foremost a Smith is not in motion as she sits in the president’s mother to two daughters: Devon, a recruiter at a tech comhouse, a stately home overpany in northern California, looking Ritter Park into which and Payton, who followed her she and husband Brad have parents to Huntington and breathed new life. Although is working as a prosecutor in taking a break between meetWe’ve tried for years to even the Cabell County. ings, Alys is still working — sit“Everywhere I go, somebody playing field in Appalachia for ting down for an interview the stops me to tell me that they all people, the underserved, morning before Marshall’s anhave just worked with Payton nual Green and White Game in court, and they are so imthe overlooked. The Wing 2 while also preparing for an pressed. And I am just so proud Wing Foundation is all about event at her new residence of what she is doing,” Alys said. after moving to Huntington is still in northern education, because that is the “Devon from Menlo Park, California.

California. She is killing it out great equalizer.

Guests will arrive to a vibrant there. She and her husband are front porch that gives a glimpse super happy, and they have such — First Lady Alys Smith of how much life is changing a great relationship.” there — as well as for many in Alys and Brad’s daughters’ Huntington — as the Smiths usher in a new era. success makes all the more sense seeing as how both parents Although being at the helm of countless events comes live life purposefully, fight for change passionately and never with the job title, Alys is much more than just the active shy away from a challenge. One look at Alys’ impressive

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PHOTO BY RICK LEE

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resume shows how hard she is working to make a positive difference. She’s the co-founder of a nonprofit giving back to Appalachia, serves on several boards and represents foster kids in abuse and neglect cases as a licensed attorney in West Virginia. Alys earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1983 and a J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law in 1986, a degree she hoped would help her “lead a life of purpose,” she said. She is a staunch supporter of women in all walks of life, a social justice advocate, a prolific giver, a promoter of education and an outdoor enthusiast.

From a young age, the Akron, Ohio, native has been a champion of empowerment, especially in the gender rights arena — a passion fueled first by her childhood. Growing up as the daughter of second-generation immigrants (her paternal grandfather from what is now Ukraine and her paternal grandmother from Poland), Alys had a very traditional upbringing.

“My mom didn’t work after she had us,” Alys said,

referring to her identical twin sister and younger brother.

“She had planned to be a doctor but was denied entry into Ohio State’s medical school because of her gender, and that was always a big issue for us.”

Things have certainly changed since then. Alys’ sister is a physician in Ohio, the career that their mother could only dream of but never accomplish. Growing up with a mother who dreamt of a freer future for women, Alys said she and her sister were naturally “warriors for change.”

“At age 9, we wanted to play T-ball, but we weren’t allowed because we were girls,” Alys recalled. “When we would mention it to our dad, a trial attorney, he would say, ‘Well, you know, that’s just the way it is.’ My mom was willing to fight with us every time. Even though we fought, the end result was the same: we weren’t allowed to play, even though we were better athletes. It just didn’t sit well with us.”

Throughout her career, including working for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and being a licensed attorney in multiple states, Alys said she has pushed for women’s rights in the face of gender inequality and instances of sexual harassment.

“I ended up becoming a trial lawyer, no big surprise, always fighting for gender equality and hoping to make a difference,” Alys said. “Brad always jokes, ‘You’re a warrior looking for a war,’ because wherever he sees something that seems just fine, I’ll say, ‘Wait a minute, what about the women?’”

In addition to her successful professional career, Alys has let her heart lead the way, launching philanthropic efforts with her husband such as the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, a program that encourages entrepreneurship in rural West Virginia.

“We’ve tried for years to even the playing field in Appalachia for all people, the underserved, the overlooked,” she said. “The Wing 2 Wing Foundation is all about education, because that is the great equalizer. We want to support those entrepreneurs who are trying to do good things for the Appalachian region.”

The couple also founded Ascend West Virginia, a program that incentivizes remote workers to come to the Mountain State so they can work where they play.

“The Ascenders are some of the greatest ambassadors for West Virginia that you’ll ever meet,” she said. “We have a 98% success rate of them staying here. It’s going well, and we’re going to continue moving forward with it.”

Supporting West Virginia — and especially Marshall — has been a longtime passion for Brad Alys Smith is an active leader in the community. She helped in the search for a Title IX director at Marshall and established a women’s symposium. and Alys. They donated more than $35 million to

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Marshall and $25 million to West Virginia University focused, with the desire to improve Marshall University, before they even settled in the Mountain State. Despite Huntington and the state.” their passion for the Appalachian region, however, it took At Marshall, Alys helped in the search for a Title IX decades of a prolific career elsewhere to finally lead them director and established a women’s symposium alongside back to the land that held their hearts.

Dr. Hilary Brewster, associate professor of English and “Brad and I have moved seven times in 12 years for director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies jobs across the country,” Alys said. “I had to keep taking program at the university. bar exams. I have been admitted to the bars in four states “Alys believes very much that women have so much now, including West Virginia.” to offer in terms of community building, professional After all of those moves, the couple landed in California success and mentorship,” Brewster said. “She is really big when Brad accepted a position at Intuit in 2003. When on mentorship, which is one of the areas we focus on at he was named CEO of the company in 2008, Alys took a the symposium.” step back from her professional career to focus on family.

The two have worked closely on many events, includ“It was just a time for me to stay home and take ing the Women Warriors Summit slated for Oct. 6 at care of my two daughters, who had moved enough and Mountain Health Arena that will focus on “courageous needed a stabilizing force in their lives,” Alys said. “I did conversations” and giving women the tools they need to a lot of volunteering in succeed at work and in schools; I was a mentor their daily lives. Alys has for young, at-risk women; enlisted the star power of I was a court-appointed actress Nicole Kidman special advocate. I kept to serve as the keynote really busy. I was very inspeaker and Soledad volved with my girls, and I O’Brien to serve as the have absolutely no regrets host and emcee. about that. My girls have “This summit will be truly turned out to be a powerful day for women vibrant, brilliant, strong to learn new skills and to women who can stand hear they aren’t alone. A on their own.” lot of the problems that For 18 years, the famthey have, others have,” ily built a nice, comfortAlys explained. “I find able life in California, that women, no matter Alys said. But when a their station in life, have door opened at Marshall so much in common.”

Alys Smith was a featured speaker at the 2023 West Virginia Chamber of with the opportunity for With every event, Commerce Women's Leadership Summit held at The Greenbrier.

Brad to be president of every speech and every his alma mater, it gave woman and child she the couple a chance to take the next step in helping West helps, Alys’ message is getting stronger. It’s a message Virginia. By putting boots on the ground, Alys explained, guided by her belief that a couple, working together, can they could help lead the transformation taking place at help change the way the community sees leadership at the university, in Huntington and across the state.

Marshall.

“As first lady, I have a platform to make a difference “Brad and I are so happy to be here, and we’re working in the lives of others,” she said. “In particular, I have together to help move the needle further at Marshall,” more access and more opportunities to find ways to help Alys said. “I think today we’re living the most meaningful, women here in Appalachia.” purposeful life we’ve ever lived.”

Now that she’s here, in addition to her work as an attorney, Alys is very involved in the community and Kaylin Jorge is a freelance writer living in Huntington. at Marshall, particularly in areas that empower women.

She earned her B.A. in broadcast journalism from Marshall “I think the women here are one of West Virginia’s University in 2014 and is the communications manager for greatest assets,” she said. “I have met women from all the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. walks of life, and they’re all doers. They are so community

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everGreen

everGreen YOUR ALUMNI CONNECTION

A MESSAGE FROM MIK

ALA SHREMSHOCK

MUAA National President

Greetings fellow alumni,

as national presint that I share that my term me ite exc d an ss ne sad th been quite is with a mix of bo The past three years have d. en an to With summer upon us, it ing com is ion stacles rsity Alumni Associat ic. However, despite the ob dem pan D VI dent of the Marshall Unive CO the by it all, I know that the h the challenges brought on the journey, especially wit er as a board. And, through eth tog d she pli om acc e that we hav ion to new heights. we faced, I am proud of all to take the Alumni Associat ed par pre ll we be l wil m incoming executive tea and overour expansion of chapters is t en sid pre AA MU as e st proud of during my tim t cities and strengthen One of the things I am mo ish new chapters in differen abl est to e abl n bee e hav of alumni and mni. We h a more diverse population wit e all involvement with our alu gag en to us d we allo s g ones. This ha our relationships with existin e accomplishments. ssiv share in some of their impre have developed. These at working relationships we gre the d an ers mb me ff d engage with our the new sta ped us continue to grow an hel Additionally, I am proud of e hav t tha as ide d an sh perspectives individuals have brought fre alumni community. d campus programs. Our supporting scholarships an in st ere int ed ew ren a n of the Thundering have see rting the next generation po As a result of our efforts, we sup d an k bac ing giv to g commitment beloved university. alumni have shown a stron d the love we have for our an re sha all we nd bo the to Herd. This is a testament olved with the Marshall you to become actively inv of all e rag cou en I t, en making a contribue as presid chapter, attending events or As I step aside from my rol a g nin joi gh ou thr be it r association will ion. Whether for ward to seeing how ou k loo University Alumni Associat I s. ces suc ued tin essential to our con tion, your participation is r in the years to come. continue to grow and prospe t of the Marshall l always be proud to be a par wil I t. en sid pre i mn alu r of ser ving as you Thank you for the privilege University family.

Sincerely, Mikala Shremshock Alumni Association President, Marshall University

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class notes CLASS NOTES 1980s Debra Hall (’83) has been named principal at Bland County High School in Bland County, Virginia. Hall, who is from Princeton, West Virginia, served as principal at Mount View High School in McDowell County, West Virginia, for 10 years.

Fairland High School in Proctorville, Ohio. Cunningham played football at Marshall and played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins.

2000s Jerod Smalley (’01) is the new First at 4 anchor for NBC4 (WCHM-TV) in Columbus, Ohio. Smalley will continue his responsibilities as sports director until a new director is hired. He has served as sports director since 2006.

1990s Melvin Cunningham (’97) has been

named the head football coach at Murray High School in Murray, Kentucky. Cunningham was previously the head football coach at

director of player development at Northwestern University. She began at Northwestern in 2013 as the director of video operations; and before Northwestern, she spent six years at the University of Memphis as the football program’s video coordinator.

Darby Dunnagan (’07) has been named the first female director of video operations for the Chicago Bears. Dunnagan was previously the

2010s Elea Paybins (’19) illustrated the new children’s book “Kurt Discovers the Orchestra” by West Virginia author Tom Beal. This is the second book Paybins and Beal have worked on together, the first being “Bara Seal & Emily Too,” which was published in 2018.

In Memoriam Pat Bruce Harris (’68) passed away March 22 in Vero Beach, Florida. Born in Logan, West Virginia, on Sept. 4, 1946, to the late Robert Bruce and Margaret (Goodwin) Harris, Harris graduated from Logan High School and Marshall University.

Harris spent his business career as a sales and marketing executive, starting out at Sears Roebuck in Charleston, West Virginia; Cumberland, Maryland; and Buffalo, New York. He then spent many years in the newspaper industry as advertising director for the Gannett Rochester Newspapers, vice president of Gannett Media Sales in New York and VP of Eastern Sales for the national newspaper USA Today. He later became executive vice president of sales and marketing for the in-store marketing firm ActMedia in Connecticut, and closed his career as CEO of internet promotions pioneer IGain.

Harris was happiest spending time with his family, especially on the water. Harris sailed catamarans on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and trimarans on Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. He

was an early adopter of windsurfing and continued to windsurf well into his 70s. A past commodore of the Norwalk Yacht Club and a member of the New York Yacht Club, Harris was dedicated to exposing others to the joy, confidence and resilience developed through sailing. For the past eight years, Harris had served as the chairman of the board for the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County (YSF), whose mission is to provide Indian River County, Florida, with educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a safe environment. Also at YSF, Harris taught adult sailing, managed regattas on the Indian River Lagoon and worked with other volunteers in the maintenance shop.

Harris is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Julia, with whom he raised three devoted daughters: Mimi (Erich) Steadman, Emily and Erica (Mat) Nardone. Harris is also survived by dear sisters Shawn Chillag and Robin Harris, and six cherished grandchildren who lovingly called him Pop.

For more Class Notes, go to www.herdalum.com.

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awards & honors

Awards& Honors Marshall University Alumni Association honors Bill Noe, Randi Ward and others at 84th Alumni Awards Banquet

M

arshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) proudly hosted the 84th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 1, at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall.

The 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 were Bill Noe and Dr. Randi D. Ward as the recipients of the Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna awards. Randy Dunfee was selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award; Mendy Aluise was selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Community Achievement award; and Christopher Taylor received the Distinguished Young Alumnus award.

BILL NOE 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.

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Bill Noe

Randi D. Ward

Randy Dunfee

Before Noe reached for the skies, he dived 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 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

everGreen board of governors. Marshall’s flight school is named in his honor.

award and as Hoinser Group’s 2022 Inspirational Leader of Excellence.

RANDI D. WARD RANDY DUNFEE Dr. Randi D. Ward is an educator, Randy Dunfee is the recipient of chancellor of the World University of the Distinguished Service to Marshall Leadership and Management, bestsellUniversity award. ing author, editor and entrepreneur. She Dunfee is a Huntington native, entregraduated from Marshall in 1971 with a preneur and businessman. He graduated bachelor’s degree in language arts, setting from Huntington East High School while Mendy Aluise forth her 37 years as an educator in West working in the afternoons and evenings. His Virginia and Georgia. ambition led him from being a stock boy In 2011, Ward taught English as a secat Fabric Town Interiors to purchasing the ond language in Cairo, Egypt. Her time in company when he was just 21 years old. He Egypt had a profound impact on her, and is still president of the company and fully prompted her to write her memoir, “Because active in the day-to-day operations. What I Believed in Me (My Egyptian Fantasy began as a business specializing in fabrics has Came True).” In 2013, Ward founded Rise grown to include flooring, carpet, window Up, an adult English language center, with treatments, upholstery and more. Dunfee Ahmed Mohamed and Ehab Mohamed, has worked with notable clients, including Christopher Taylor as well as the 6 October English Institute Jay Rockefeller when he was governor of with Samar Farouk, which opened in 2014.

West Virginia and Warner Bros., for which Ward has many varied interests and passions. She Dunfee provided set décor for “We Are Marshall.” The is a world traveler and has famous green carpet at the toured and visited 61 counmovie’s premiere in 2006? tries on four continents, inThat was all Dunfee. cluding four trips to Egypt.

Dunfee is a lifelong She penned a second book, Marshall fan, and his sup“Dream Bigger,” and is port for the university has working on a new novel, only grown the more in“Random Wanderings.” She volved he has been through is also a writer and the chief the years. He has worked editor for Morocco Pens, an extensively with the Big online Moroccan magazine Green Foundation and featuring educational arthe Quarterback Club, ticles and essays in English. as well as suppor ting Southern Coalfields Alumni & Big Green Chapter She is a professional motivaMarshall through the Vision tional speaker and dreams Campaign. In addition to his of having her own interview support to Marshall, Dunfee platform to feature talented also supports Hospice of people around the world; Huntington, Facing Hunger and plans to pursue these Foodbank and the Boys and goals in the near future.

Girls Club.

In addition to receiving the Distinguished Alumna MENDY ALUISE award, Ward is the recipient Mendy Aluise is the reof many other awards and cipient of the Outstanding accolades, most recently Community Achievement being recognized with award.

Strathmore’s Who’s Who Aluise is a partner at Marshall Alumni of the Mid-Ohio Valley 2022 Lifetime Achievement the Huntington-based

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awards & honors 1.

2.

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7.

8.

9.

This year’s Awards of Distinction went to 1. Sassa Wilkes (College of Arts and Media), 2. Zach Meyers (College of Business), 3. Lucianne Call (College of Education and Professional Development), 4. Adam Weibel (College of Engineering and Computer Sciences), 5. Denise Hogsett (College of Health Professions), 6. Dr. Janine Janosky (College of Liberal Arts), 7. Jody Ogle (College of Science), 8. Dr. Robert J. Cure (Marshall University School of Medicine) and 9. Dr. Sarah Dunaway (Marshall University School of Pharmacy).

accounting firm Somerville & Company PLLC. She began her career with Somerville after graduating 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, of which she served as president from 2015-2016, and the West Virginia Society of CPAs, of which currently she serves as treasurer and is slated to become president in 2025.

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

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CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR Christopher Taylor is the recipient of the Young Alumnus award.

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.

everGreen 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.

schools and colleges. This year’s Awards of Distinction went to Sassa Wilkes (College of Arts and Media), Zach 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).

SPECIAL AWARDS In addition to the standard awards, two CHAPTER OF THE YEAR – special awards were presented during the SOUTHERN COALFIELDS ALUMNI evening. & BIG GREEN CHAPTER Special recognition was given to Mikala Since its formation in 2017, the Southern Shremshock as the outgoing president of Coalfields Alumni & Big Green Chapter has the Marshall University Alumni Association Mikala Shremshock experienced tremendous growth and was Board of Directors. named the MUAA Chapter of the Year for Shremshock is a 2006 graduate of the first time in 2021. Through outstanding Marshall with a Bachelor of Science in annual events, a tremendous online preschemistry. She has served as president since ence and dedicated members, this chapter 2020 and ends her term in June. She was has truly brought Marshall University to president during the COVID period and southern West Virginia. helped lead the board through a difficult time, In 2022 alone, the chapter awarded four using online resources to conduct complex $1,500 scholarships to incoming freshmen board meetings to assure that the board did in the four southern West Virginia counnot miss a beat. She works for the National ties. It has made significant contributions Institute of Standards and Technology, and Richard Plymale to Marshall, both in academics and athletics she is an ultramarathon runner. through a partnership between the Marshall Meanwhile, the Unsung Hero Award University Alumni Association and Big Green Scholarship was presented to Richard Plymale for his work supporting Foundation. students at Marshall University.

The Fort Gay alumni association has played an integral CHAPTER OF THE YEAR – MARSHALL role in championing high school graduates in Fort Gay, West ALUMNI OF THE MID-OHIO VALLEY Virginia, who seek higher education. Plymale has been with As one of the most successful Marshall University Alumni the group for more than 25 years and served for 20 years Association chapters ever, there is nothing this group of as the president. He is a 1960 graduate of Marshall with a dedicated individuals can’t do. Through highly successful bachelor’s in business. Following graduation, Plymale had events and online outreach, this chapter supports alumni a 33-year career in sales and marketing with the Johnson & in Parkersburg and the surrounding communities.

Johnson Family Companies. Plymale is a WWII veteran, In 2022, the chapter awarded eight scholarships for having served in the Navy before coming to Marshall. students in the area, bringing the chapter’s lifetime total Through Plymale’s involvement, the group established to 112 scholarships awarded. The chapter also raised more the Fort Gay High School Memorial Scholarship, which is than $20,000 for Marshall University through innovative awarded to students graduating from Tolsia High School events like a hybrid fundraiser, which included an in-person in Fort Gay who attend Marshall. Since 1999, 36 students rally and online auction. have benefited from the Fort Gay alumni association’s generosity. What began as a $500 annual award has now been AWARDS OF DISTINCTION endowed through the Marshall Foundation and grown to Individual Awards of Distinction were also presented a value of more than $575,000, with more than $200,000 during the event to honorees from each of Marshall’s awarded to the students.

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marshall foundation

MARSHALL FOUNDATION

HAPPENINGS

The Scholarship Honor Brunch is a celebration of scholarship recipients and donors. This year's featured speaker was President Brad D. Smith.

Annual Scholarship Honor Brunch celebrates donors and scholarship recipients

Student scholarship recipients were honored Saturday, April 1, at Marshall University during the 2023 Scholarship Honor Brunch, hosted by the Marshall University Foundation. This annual event recognizes those students who are beneficiaries of privately funded scholarships, as well as the donors and families who made the awards possible.

Dr. Ron Area, CEO and senior vice president of development of the Foundation, delivered a special welcome to more than 400 students and donors who attended the event in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center. This year’s brunch marked the 28th occurrence of the event, originally started in 1993, missing the annual occasion in 2009, 2020 and 2021.

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“The Scholarship Honor Brunch brings together scholarship beneficiaries and award benefactors and highlights our mission to maximize continuous financial support for Marshall University and its students,” Area said. “We are absolutely committed to increasing the accessibility of education

for our students and are thankful for the benevolence of our donors who truly support their Marshall family through their donations as well as their presence here today.”

Sophomore Nicolas “Nico” Raffinengo, from Boynton Beach, Florida, served as the student speaker. A double major in political

Krystle Davis, senior director of donor relations at the Marshall University Foundation, served as host of the 2023 Scholarship Honor Brunch.

everGreen

Laurie Martin (center), president of the Mid-Ohio Valley Alumni and Big Green Chapter, poses with students and other attendees at the 2023 Scholarship Honor Brunch.

THE SCHOLARSHIP HONOR BRUNCH BRINGS TOGETHER SCHOLARSHIP BENEFICIARIES AND AWARD BENEFACTORS AND HIGHLIGHTS OUR MISSION TO MAXIMIZE CONTINUOUS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MARSHALL UNIVERSITY AND ITS STUDENTS. — DR. RON AREA

science and international business, Raffinengo is a member of the 35th class of Yeager Scholars, the Charlie and Alma Slack Class of 2025. Raffinengo said he owes his current and future success to the scholarships he has received at Marshall.

“I think scholarships are something that can even out the playing field,” he said. “A lot of students can’t go to college because of the cost; and when people are able to donate to universities it lowers the cost for students overall, which allows more students to attend university and seek higher education.”

Raffinengo is an ACTA Scholar,

Marshall Foundation board member Max Lederer, Marshall Foundation CFO Scott Anderson and former Marshall Alumni Association board member Mark Hayes enjoy a laugh at the 2023 Scholarship Honor Brunch.

Sophia Shank, recipient of the Marshall University Alumni of the Mid-Ohio Valley Thundering Bison Club SOM Scholarship, was one of many students to enjoy time at the 2023 Scholarship Honor Brunch.

Presidential Ambassador, Pre-Law Club president and member of the Marshall Student Government. He also volunteers as a local debate coach. He attributes all of this to the role scholarships play in his student journey.

“I think that it is so helpful,”he said. “It allows me to take on all these things like volunteering in the community and allows me to take part of organizations on Marshall’s [Huntington] campus, because now I have all this extra free time where I can do volunteer work and help instead of focusing on how to pay the bills. And I think overall that uplifts the community in a way that you can't really see anywhere

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this and that else — because a lot of people have scholarships, and they want to give back, too.”

Marshall President Brad D. Smith, 38th president of the university, once again served as the featured speaker. Smith and his wife, Alys, established the Brad D. and Alys Smith Family Scholarship in 2014 prior to beginning to serve as the president and first lady of Marshall University.

“Education is the great equalizer, but we know that the cost of an education is becoming more burdensome on our students,” Smith said. “Together, we have already built a strong foundation at Marshall, and I cannot wait to see what we can do to ensure Marshall for all, Marshall forever.”

In an interdisciplinary effort, the College of Arts and Media’s School of Theatre and Dance, along with the School of Music, capped off the program with a sneak peek of an upcoming production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” To learn how to establish a scholarship to help students at Marshall, contact Krystle Davis at the Marshall University Foundation by phone at 304-696-6781 or by e-mail at krystle. davis@marshall.edu.

Marshall University Foundation hosts second Day of Giving

Marshall University held its second-ever Day of Giving April 26-27.

Hosted by the Marshall University Foundation, this annual event is an opportunity for the Marshall family to join together and make a lasting impact on the students of Marshall and to help shape the future of the institution.

In total, Marshall’s Day of Giving raised $72,360 for the university.

“Philanthropy is near and dear to my heart,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “It is an

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on the heels of the highly successopportunity to give back and support the things we love … as we ful Marshall Rises campaign, the recognize those who support our largest comprehensive campaign in students, our campus and our misthe history of the university, which sion through giving.” concluded last year. Marshall Rises While Marshall has participated raised more than $176 million in in national giving days in the past, support of the university, with more this was the second time the unithan 50,000 gifts recorded during versity has set aside its own day the campaign. dedicated to garnering financial One area most directly affected support and highin recent lighting those years is student support, who give back to PHILANTHROPY IS NEAR with more the university.

AND DEAR TO MY HEART. than 500 “Setting aside additional a day dedicated to IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO students rerecognizing those GIVE BACK AND SUPPORT ceiving scholwho make a proTHE THINGS WE LOVE ... found impact on arship aid anAS WE RECOGNIZE THOSE nually than our institution b e fo re t h e through finanWHO SUPPORT OUR cial support is just start of the STUDENTS, OUR CAMPUS one of the ways campaign.

AND OUR MISSION we can say thank In total, THROUGH GIVING. you,” said Dr. scholarship Ron Area, CEO aid increased — BRAD D. SMITH of the Marshall by 44% during Marshall University Rises, with $5 Foundation. million in scholarship aid awarded “Marshall’s Day of Giving is a great annually over the past three years way for members of the Marshall from more than 2,200 privately family to make a difference and funded scholarships. show their support for the university. Because all gifts, no matter For more information about the amount, add up to making a making an impact through giving, real difference for the students of contact the Marshall University Marshall.”

Foundation at 304-696-6264 or Marshall’s Day of Giving came visit marshall.edu/foundation.

everGreen

HOMECOMING 2023 IS SEPT. 30 Homecoming Parade, Reunions, Homecoming Tailgate and more!

MARSHALL VS. OLD DOMINION For more information contact alumni@marshall.edu

25TH AND 50TH YEAR REUNIONS Calling all graduates from 1998 and 1973! The Marshall University Alumni Association will host the 25th and 50th class reunions on Friday, Sept. 29, in the Memorial Student Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates and celebrate your milestones as proud alums of our great alma mater.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 | 6 P.M. MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER ONE JOHN MARSHALL DRIVE | HUNTINGTON, WV 25755

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A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS FOR MARSHALL U Greetings, Fellow Alumni and Friends of Marshall University: Arena during spring commencement As the final graduate made their way across the stage at Mountain Health ake, another class was formally handsh warm a with and greeted Marshall University President Brad D. Smith solidified into the ranks of Marshall alumni.

It was a bittersweet finale to an otherwise hectic end to the semester. chapters and Marshall supporters at the Whether it was the recognition of outstanding alumni, students, alumni packed into the Don Morris Room to annual Alumni Awards Banquet; the nearly 400 students and donors who of donors and volunteers across support celebrate student success during the Scholarship Honor Brunch; or the months were jampacked spring the the country during Marshall’s Day of Giving and Community Cares Week, with exciting moments and opportunities to celebrate. recharge in preparation to do it all over And while the summer months ahead are often a great time to reflect and at work preparing another great year again beginning in August, the Office of Alumni Relations is already hard for you. ber for only the second time in history, Beginning with Homecoming, which moves up in the calendar to Septem ful traditional events such as the we will be bringing some new programming to accompany the already wonder is a special reunion celebration for Homecoming Parade and Alumni Tailgate. Highlighting the list of new events Student Center beginning at 6 p.m. It the 25th and 50th anniversary classes on Friday, Sept. 29, in the Memorial campus, and we are excited to welcome has been several years since we have been able to have a reunion event on festivities! our classes of 1973 and 1998 back to Marshall to join in the Homecoming encompasses all aspects of alumni Online, we are putting the finishing touches on a brand-new website that University Foundation and Marshall ll Marsha engagement and philanthropy in a combined effort between the for social media as well, located at spot landing University Alumni Association. The website accompanies a new teams to present more impactful our allow will @ForMarshallU. The combined online presence of both entities for all alumni and donor needs. shop one-stop a content, while providing alumni and Marshall supporters with time to say thank you to our outgoing Lastly, the Marshall University Alumni Association would like to take this a unique time in its history board president Mikala Shremshock. Mikala helped lead the association through ip team and new board members to during the pandemic and has helped lay the groundwork for the next leadersh build upon. comments about the alumni experience As always, we want to hear from you! If you have any suggestions, ideas or l.edu. We look forward to at Marshall University, you can reach out any time by e-mail at alumni@marshal at an event or on campus you to see this new chapter in alumni engagement at Marshall University and hope sometime soon.

Until next time, Godspeed and GO HERD! Best Regards, Marshall University Office of Alumni Relations

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Marshall University Alumni Association 519 John Marshall Drive • Huntington, WV 25755

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