Month: July 2025

The Marshall University Foundation has announced its partnership with Givzey and Givzey’s artificial intelligence design lab, Version2. This partnership will streamline the Foundation’s gift documentation process and harness Version2’s AI technology with the introduction of Scout the Squirrel, the Foundation’s new virtual engagement officer.

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Givzey and Version2,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Foundation. “This collaboration allows us to embrace new technologies, strengthen donor engagement and expand the impact of our work. We’re creating more ways for supporters to connect with Marshall’s mission and make a lasting difference.”

Givzey, which launched in 2023, is a first-of-its-kind gift documentation platform that supports nonprofits to create, send, track and finalize gift agreements. Through Givzey, the Foundation’s gift processes will be automated, allowing more time for donor cultivation.

Version2 is an extension of Givzey’s mission, dubbed “autonomous fundraising,” that aims to create the world’s most experienced fundraiser by using AI so nonprofits can improve and advance their fundraising capacity.

Through Version2, which launched last year, the Foundation has introduced Scout, a virtual engagement officer that will provide support to the organization by communicating with donors and inviting them to deepen their connection to Marshall.

Named for its ability to “scout for information,” Scout is a playful nod to the beloved squirrels that roam Marshall’s campus.

“We want to assure our alumni and donors that Scout is not a replacement for the personalized interactions we strive for each day,” Karagosian said. “Our objective is for Scout to help us foster stronger relationships, engage in meaningful stewardship and be a resource to our proud Marshall alumni worldwide. Scout is our bridge to the people and shared experiences that create our vibrant Marshall community.”

To learn more about Scout, visit VEO Home | Marshall University.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $100,000 to establish the Mary “Mickey” Welch Scholarship. The scholarship is generously endowed by Welch’s daughter, Mary Anne Ketelsen.

Welch was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist who broke barriers in male-dominated industries. As the owner of multiple businesses, including Welch Oil & Gas, Welch Music, and Classic Rope, she became the first woman in West Virginia to drill an oil well. Her success and leadership served as an inspiration to women entering the trades and business world.

The recipient of this scholarship will be a full-time student of Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s career skills programs, which includes machinist technology, welding technology and SMART (systems maintenance, automation and robotics technology).

“We’re incredibly thankful to Mary Anne for this generous gift, which will directly support students in our trade programs,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “The scholarship will provide hands-on training and real opportunities to prepare our students for these in-demand careers.”

Welch, who died in August 2019, was deeply committed to giving back, supporting numerous nonprofits and serving on several community boards.

“She was especially passionate about helping young people access education and opportunity, often directing her philanthropy toward hands-on learning and support for underserved youth,” Ketelsen said. “This scholarship honors her legacy by supporting students pursuing careers in the trades ­­­— fields she championed through her work and example.”

The award will be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing. The vice president of economic and workforce development, or their designee, will select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

For information regarding the Mary “Mickey” Welch Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

Walker Tatum, director of alumni engagement for the Marshall University Foundation, has been named one of West Virginia’s top young professionals as part of The State Journal’s “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” class of 2025.

The honor recognizes 40 dynamic individuals under age 40 who are making a lasting impact across the state. Tatum was selected from a competitive field of over 250 applicants for his leadership, community engagement and professional excellence.

“Walker is a rockstar who exudes the passion, skills and vision necessary to take our alumni efforts to the next level,” said Matt James, vice president of alumni relations for the Foundation. “He’s a natural connector who brings energy and purpose to everything he does.”

A proud son of Wayne, West Virginia, and a dedicated Marshall University graduate, Tatum is passionate about people, purpose and making things happen. Since stepping onto Marshall’s campus in 2020, he has been a driving force in student leadership and service. He held key positions, including student body vice president in 2022 and president in 2023, while also serving as vice chair of the West Virginia Advisory Council of Students and was the student representative on the Marshall University Board of Governors.

Tatum’s leadership extended far beyond titles. A fierce advocate for food security, he championed the Hunger-Free Campus Act, even testifying before the West Virginia Legislature. His efforts helped spur a major renovation of Marshall’s food pantry and thrift store — an initiative designed to support students facing food insecurity.

After graduating in 2024 with a degree in biological science, with minors in chemistry, business and pre-professional health care studies, Tatum chose to continue serving the Marshall community in a new capacity with his position at the Foundation.

In this role, Tatum now leads initiatives to connect with over 120,000 Marshall alumni worldwide. From launching mentorship programs like “Herd Connect” to building stronger alumni chapters and supporting major fundraising campaigns, his work is helping shape the next era of alumni engagement at Marshall.

Tatum is also the recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a national award supporting undergraduate study abroad, and was recently recognized by State Treasurer Riley Moore for his leadership across higher education.

In true Marshall fashion, Tatum hasn’t forgotten where he came from — or who’s really in charge. He continues to live in Wayne, with his beloved Bernedoodle, Ziti, who keeps him humble and occasionally shows up on Zoom calls uninvited.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named to the 40 Under 40 list,” Tatum said. “This recognition is really a reflection of the mentors, students and colleagues who’ve poured into me over the years. I’m proud to be doing this work in West Virginia and for a university I love.”