Author: Rebecca Stephens

Marshall University has announced a historic $50 million gift from President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith to advance Marshall For All, a groundbreaking program designed to eliminate student debt.

The milestone gift is the largest bestowed to the university, and is the largest personal contribution made by a sitting university president to their own institution.

“We are honored to support Marshall University and the Marshall For All program with this gift,” the Smiths said. “Our ‘why’ is simple: to level the playing field in West Virginia and Appalachia. We hope this gift ensures that every student with the dream of an advanced degree has the opportunity and support to achieve it — while also showing what’s possible for the future of higher education in our region and beyond.”

President Smith, a 1986 graduate of Marshall’s Lewis College of Business, began his tenure in January 2022. He was installed as the university’s 38th president during his investiture on Sept. 16, 2022 — a date chosen to honor the birthday of his late father. It was at his investiture that he first announced the Marshall For All program.

“Three years ago, on my father’s birthday, I stood in front of James E. Morrow Library and made a commitment to this university and the people of West Virginia that one day all Marshall students will be able to graduate debt-free,” President Smith said.  “My father and mother have always been and remain my moral compass. They committed to providing an opportunity for their children to attend college and sacrificed to ensure my brothers and I could do so. It was a promise made and kept. Alys and I are blessed to transform that promise into the privilege to pay it forward. This gift is our promise to make that dream a reality for others who possess the aspiration and the grit to try.”

About the Marshall For All program
Launched in 2023, Marshall For All allows students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions to earn their bachelor’s degree without the need for student loans, making it possible for students to graduate with little to no debt.

Marshall aims to expand the program over the next decade with the goal of ensuring all students can graduate debt-free by the university’s bicentennial in 2037.

The program offers two distinct pathways:

• Marshall For All: Debt-Free – A debt-free bachelor’s degree plus real-world experience for randomly selected West Virginia and Metro-Area Students.
• Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV – Covers full tuition and fees for West Virginia students with a family income below $65,000

There are nearly 400 Marshall For All: Debt-Free students, with many more enrolled in the Tuition Free-WV program. Since its launch, Marshall For All students have achieved higher GPAs (+8%) and retention rates (+9%) compared to their peers. Of those in the program, 69% are the first in their families to attend college (first generation students), just as President Smith and his brothers were.

“It is with tremendous gratitude that we share Brad and Alys’ transformative gift in support of Marshall For All,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “The Smiths are visionary partners who believe deeply in the power of accessible and affordable education for students across West Virginia and Appalachia. Their generosity propels us closer to our goal of eradicating student debt by 2037, Marshall’s 200th anniversary, while setting a new standard in higher education.”

About the Smiths
President Smith grew up in Kenova, West Virginia, nearly 10 miles from Marshall’s main campus in Huntington. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, President Smith earned a master’s degree in management from Aquinas College.

Before returning to the Mountain State to lead his alma mater, President Smith served as CEO of Intuit, the Silicon Valley-based software company, from 2008-2019. In October 2021, President Smith was elected to his current role in a unanimous vote by Marshall’s Board of Governors.

In addition to his role at Marshall, President Smith currently serves on the boards of Amazon and JPMorgan Chase and co-chairs the Southern Regional Education Board’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education.

First Lady Smith is a native of Akron, Ohio. She received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a juris doctor from The University of Akron School of Law. She previously worked for the Ohio Attorney General and several private firms. She later founded Better2Mediate, offering mediation as an alternative to litigation. She currently works as a Guardian ad Litem representing foster kids in abuse and neglect cases.

First Lady Smith has dedicated her career to advancing justice and equity, working with nonprofits focused on education, adolescent counseling and advocacy for women and children.  She also serves on the boards of the Education Alliance, The Clay Center for the Arts, The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) and the West Virginia First Foundation. She also founded the Marshall University BOLD Leadership Academy, designed to empower women with the tools and confidence to lead with purpose.

In 2023, First Lady Smith founded the Women Warriors Summit in Huntington. This one-day, annual event aims to inspire and celebrate the women of West Virginia. The event involves educational training, panel discussions and keynote speakers, including Nicole Kidman and Trisha Yearwood, who spoke at the first two summits. This year’s Women Warriors Summit is Oct. 24 at the Marshall Health Network Arena with Hoda Kotb serving as the keynote speaker.

Advancing economic impact in West Virginia
The Smiths have a history of philanthropy. Previous gifts to Marshall include a $10 million gift in 2015 to fund the Brad and Alys Family Scholarship Endowment, and $25 million in 2018 for the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation, which opened its doors in January 2024. January 2024. They have also made gifts to restore the University President’s Home and opened the home to the public for its 100th anniversary, as well as supported various campus projects from new band uniforms to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marching Thunder, to returning the tradition of green helmets in Marshall’s historic football program.

The Smiths’ lifetime giving to Marshall now surpasses $90 million, making them the university’s largest donors.

In 2019, the Smiths co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, which supports educational, entrepreneurial and environmental opportunities in Appalachia.

In 2020, the Smiths gave $25 million to fund the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) at West Virginia University, which focuses on inspiring students through experiential learning in the arts and sciences.

In 2021, the OEDC launched the Ascend West Virginia program to support remote workers relocating to the state. In 2023, it expanded with First Ascent West Virginia, aimed at retaining recent graduates and young professionals in remote and hybrid careers.

About Marshall University
Marshall University is a public research university in Huntington, West Virginia. It was founded as Marshall Academy in 1837 and achieved university status in 1961. It is named for John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Classified as an R2 doctoral university for high research activity, it enrolls approximately 12,300 students across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

To help support this transformational gift, visit our annual giving page for Marshall For All.

Marshall University is excited to welcome home Jim Thornton, the voice of “Wheel of Fortune,” who will serve as grand marshal for the university’s 2025 Homecoming activities the week of Oct. 13 through Oct. 18.

“We are proud to recognize Jim Thornton as this year’s grand marshal,” said Walker Tatum, director of alumni engagement and co-chair of the Homecoming planning committee. “Jim’s passion and respect for Marshall speaks volumes. Though his career has taken him across the country and onto one of the biggest stages in television, he never lost sight of his Huntington roots or his deep connection to Marshall. We’re excited to celebrate his achievements throughout Homecoming week.”

Highlighting his role as grand marshal, Thornton will lead the Homecoming parade at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. The parade is set to make its way down Fourth Avenue in Huntington before ending on Harless Field for the annual bonfire. The parade is part of a full week of activities for this year’s Homecoming, “Wheel of Thunder,” a nod to Thornton’s work on “Wheel of Fortune” and its spinoff series “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.”

“I’m so honored to be this year’s grand marshal,” Thornton said. “I love Huntington, and I love Marshall; both are part of my DNA and my core being. I’m glad that I’m able to represent our town and score one for the home team with the work that I do.”

Thornton, a Huntington native, grew up in the city’s historic Southside neighborhood. A Huntington High School graduate, Thornton was drawn from an early age to the performing arts, attending the Marshall Artists Series at the Keith-Albee Theatre and singing at his church, Johnson Memorial United Methodist.

As a freshman at Marshall in 1983, Thornton found himself at WMUL-FM having long been captivated by the voices of his favorite disc jockeys on the local radio stations. He was hired by WOWK-TV after high school where he gained hands-on experience in broadcast news. Thornton’s early interests ultimately set him on the path to where he is today.

“When I’m there [at ‘Wheel’], I feel like I’m at Marshall putting on a play or a show of some kind — and it’s all attended by people from Huntington. I’m so lucky for that.”

Thornton relocated to Los Angeles at 19 years old to pursue a career in broadcasting and voice work. He was hired as a traffic reporter for KNX 1070 Newsradio in 1985, later becoming the afternoon drive news co-anchor in 2005. In 1989, he hosted a morning show on Magic 94.3 FM, and from 1995 to 1999 he was the booth announcer for KCOP-TV.

Thornton’s career took an exciting turn in 2004 when he voiced episodes of “The Price Is Right,” and in 2011, when he was hired as the announcer of the iconic game show “Wheel of Fortune.”

“If it had lasted one day, it would have fulfilled a lifelong dream for me.’ And now, that dream has become 14 years,” Thornton said.

Thornton begins his days before sunrise, arriving at Sony Pictures Studios early to prepare for contestant rehearsals and prize voiceovers. Each taping day, he records six episodes, energizes two studio audiences with his warm-up routines, and delivers the prize announcements that elicit excited reactions from the show’s contestants.

Beyond his work as an anchor and announcer, Thornton broke into voice acting, landing work in commercials and video games. Most notably, his voice was featured in the 2001 Pixar film, “Monsters Inc.” and “Let’s Pollute!,” which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Film, Animated in 2011.

Though he has built a successful career far from home, Thornton expressed his appreciation for his upbringing in the Mountain State and all that it taught him.

“If you grew up as far away from Hollywood as I did, you never, or you shouldn’t, lose reverence for it,” Thornton said. “It’s always going to hold a fascination with me.”

With that same reverence, Thornton spoke about Southern Airways Flight 932. While he was too young to remember the tragedy that claimed the lives of Marshall’s football team, coaches and fans, he grew up alongside friends who lost relatives in the plane crash.

“You just innately feel a sense of protection about Marshall. It’s ours, and it galvanized the community,” Thornton said. “Every time something good happens for Marshall, everybody gets a bigger score for our team because of those 75 souls who died in November 1970.”

Inspired by that same connection to Marshall and its community, Thornton is now looking forward with joy as he returns home to lead this year’s Homecoming celebrations as grand marshal.

In addition to the Homecoming parade, Thornton will participate in other major events on and around campus leading up to the Homecoming football game against Texas State University on Saturday, Oct. 18. Other highlights of Homecoming week include the Unity Walk on Monday, Oct. 13, and the Marshall University Alumni Association and Marshall University Black Alumni’s tailgate, presented by Woodlands Retirement Community, on Oct. 18.

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.”

The Marshall University Foundation has announced that George W. Boley has established the Helen Nickles Boley Dietetics and Nutrition Scholarship in memory of his late wife.

Helen Nickles Boley graduated from St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and Marshall University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1970, and a master’s degree in secondary education in 1984.

Nickles Boley was an educator and enriched many young lives before retiring from the Cabell County school system after 34 years. Her passion in teaching was the field of home economics with an emphasis on food and nutrition, fashion design and helping students develop healthy lifestyle skills. She also enjoyed life by traveling internationally, exploring different cultures and living life to the fullest with her loved ones.

“It was a joy for her when students let her know how much they enjoyed her class and that it made a difference in their lives.” George W. Boley said.

The recipients will be full-time dietetics or nutrition majors in the College of Health Professions, a resident of West Virginia, and in good academic standing with a 3.0 or higher and have financial need per standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance.  First preference will be given to residents of Cabell or Greenbrier counties.

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

For information regarding the Helen Nickles Boley Dietetics and Nutrition Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $1 million bequeathed by Rosemarie J. Bonnington toward the Alexander “Doug” Bonnington Greatest Needs Fund in honor of her late husband.

“We are sincerely grateful for Rosemarie Bonnington and her commitment to her husband’s legacy as this $1 million gift is an investment in the future of Marshall University,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “It empowers us to address our most pressing needs and seek new opportunities, ensuring that our students, faculty and staff continue to thrive.”

Doug Bonnington was born in Modesto, California, and graduated from Marshall University in 1947 with degrees in English and mathematics. He served during World War II as a U.S. Army Air Force bombardier. He spent 37 years with Ashland Oil Company’s Valvoline Oil Division. He died in 2013 at the age of 87.

Rosemarie Bonnington was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1931 and her family moved to Chile after World War II. She opened Swisshelm Realty in 1983 with her first husband, Jim Swisshelm. Swisshelm died in 1991 and in 2002 Rosemarie Bonnington married Doug Bonnington, who encouraged her to continue with Swisshelm Realty. She died in 2019 at the age of 87.

The board-designated, quasi-endowment was made through a bequest to the Marshall University Foundation from Rosemarie Bonnington’s estate upon its final administration. Once endowed, the income, determined by the spending policy established by the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors, will be appropriated by the Foundation’s board as part of the annual budget allocation process.

To learn more about planned giving, visit marshall.mylegacygift.org/.

Marshall University has announced the success of its fourth Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall with $275,189 raised in support of various university initiatives. This marks a record-breaking year, with the highest total contributions and number of donors to date.

Marshall’s Day of Giving, which occurred April 23-24 and hosted by the Marshall University Foundation, is a virtual event that invites the Marshall family to come together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Marshall’s students through online giving.

“This was my first year experiencing Marshall’s Day of Giving, and I was truly moved by the outpouring of support from our alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “The generosity and dedication of Marshall’s donors made this event an incredible success, and it’s clear that the spirit of giving here is strong and continues to grow.”

A total of 664 gifts were made during Day of Giving, with 591 individual donors participating. Areas of interest that received the most gifts include the Lewis College of Business, Office of Student Financial Assistance, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Student Affairs and Marshall For All, which aims to minimize or eliminate student debt for Marshall graduates.

Day of Giving supporters were invited to contribute to specific scholarships, programs, departments or other university priorities. The day included matching gift opportunities, challenges and incentives designed to boost participation and increase donations. Challenges included funds for the School of Medicine, Bill Noe Flight School, graduate assistantships and the student emergency fund.

Forty-nine people registered to serve as Day of Giving ambassadors. Ambassadors inspired others to contribute by sharing their personal connections to Marshall and stories about why they give. Donations made through their unique links were tracked and displayed on the leaderboard featured on the Day of Giving website. Through their efforts, 146 gifts were made totaling more than $12,500. Shaunte Polk, director of access, connections and engagement for Marshall University, brought in the highest number of donations among the ambassadors.

The day also included stories of impact across the Marshall University Foundation’s social media platforms and Marshall followers were encouraged to participate in “Wear Green Wednesday” on April 23 to show support for the event while also being entered into a special giveaway.

“Day of Giving gets better every year, and I’m blown away by the generosity and pride of the Marshall community,” said Griffin Talbott, senior director of annual giving for the Marshall University Foundation. “We’re so thankful for everyone who came together to make it such a meaningful and successful day.”

For more information about making a gift, contact the Marshall University Foundation at 304-696-6264 or visit www.formarshallu.org.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a recent gift of $25,000 from Truman and Letitia “Tish” Neese Chafin of The Chafin Law Firm in support of the Chafin Law Firm Scholarship, which they established in 2023.

The Chafin Law Firm is a small, specialized practice in Mingo County. The Chafins created the scholarship to support students who have overcome challenges due to the opioid epidemic. The Chafins graduated with marketing degrees from Marshall University in 1967 and 1986, respectively.

“The Chafin Law Firm PLLC is again honored to give a $25,000 contribution to Marshall University,” Truman Chafin said. “This marks the second $25,000 gift provided by our firm and we are always pleased to continue our support for Marshall University.”

Truman Chafin served in the West Virginia State Senate from 1982 until 2014, serving as majority leader from 1998 to 2010. He established the law firm after earning his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in the late 1970s. The firm’s office is housed in the former U.S. Post Office and Courthouse building in Williamson, West Virginia.

Tish Chafin earned her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law and joined the firm soon after. In 2005, then-Gov. Bob Wise appointed her to the Marshall University Board of Governors, where she completed two terms. She also served as president of the West Virginia State Bar Association from 2010 to 2011.

The scholarship recipient shall be a full-time student and has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. First preference is to a student from Mingo County, West Virginia.

The award shall be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 2.0 GPA or higher. The director of the Center of Excellence for Recovery shall select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

For information regarding the Chafin Law Firm Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162. To learn more about The Chafin Law Firm, visit www.thechafinlawfirm.com.

Marshall University alumni and supporters will have an opportunity to make their mark on the university during the fourth annual Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall, which spans two days – April 23 and 24.

Hosted by the Marshall University Foundation, this virtual event invites the Marshall family to come together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Marshall students. Kicking off at noon on Wednesday, Marshall’s Day of Giving will spotlight “1837 Minutes for Marshall,” a tribute to the university’s founding year. For just over 30 hours, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are encouraged to visit givingday.marshall.edu and make a gift.

“Day of Giving is an important opportunity for the Marshall community to directly support students and programs across campus,” said Griffin Talbott, senior director of annual giving for the Marshall University Foundation. “Each year, we’ve seen strong participation and real impact from funding scholarships and supporting academic initiatives. Every gift counts, and every donor helps move Marshall forward.”

During Day of Giving, supporters are invited to make gifts to specific scholarships, programs, departments or other university priorities. The day includes matching gift opportunities, challenges and incentives designed to boost participation and maximize impact. Donors can direct their support to areas they care about most, whether that’s academic excellence, student life or campus improvements.

In addition to monetary contributions, supporters can sign up to become ambassadors to raise awareness on the importance of Day of Giving through email and social media to ultimately increase donations. Ambassadors may sign up through the same website, givingday.marshall.edu. Along with individual participation, many of the university’s alumni chapters are signing up to become ambassadors.

An estimated 77 percent of Marshall students receive financial aid assistance, and gifts made during Day of Giving assist Marshall students with the ability to receive an affordable education. In fiscal year 2024, 400 additional scholarships were awarded, and more than 200 additional students received scholarships compared to the previous fiscal year.

For more information about making an impact through giving, contact the Marshall University Foundation at 304-696-6264 or visit www.formarshallu.org.