Category: Foundation News

Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association hosted the 85th Alumni Awards Banquet on April 13 with a total of seven alumni chapter awards announced during the event.

The inaugural Chapter President of the Year award was given to Laurie Martin of the Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Two annual awards were given during the event, the first to the Marshall University Alumni Greater Annapolis Area Chapter for the Emerging Chapter award, and the second to the Marshall University Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter for the Chapter of the Year award.

“The Chapter President of the Year award recognizes outstanding leadership, and Laurie truly embodies what it means to be a leader,” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “We are so proud to celebrate Laurie with the inaugural Chapter President of the Year award, as well as recognize our Annapolis chapter and our Southern Coalfields chapter for a remarkable year.”

Martin has served as president of the Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley for more than 16 years. The chapter has donated $326,000 dollars to the Marshall University Foundation and the Big Green Scholarship Foundation. The Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley has also received the most Chapter of the Year awards with a total of seven since 2014.

The Marshall University Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter is a three-time recipient of the Chapter of the Year award, first receiving it in 2022. The chapter tied last year for the award with the Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The Marshall University Greater Annapolis Area Chapter received its first chapter award for Emerging Chapter after forming in August of 2022 with its first official chapter meeting taking place in February of 2023. In over a year, the chapter has nearly 100 alumni in its chapter membership.

Four new Chapter Excellence awards were also announced during the event for Excellence in Fellowship and Support, Excellence in Mentoring, Excellence in Scholarships and Excellence in Student Recruitment.

“It is important to reflect the growth of our alumni chapters with the addition of these new awards,” James said. “These chapters are so deserving for all they do to uphold the pillars set forth for our university.

The 75 Family Alumni Chapter received the Excellence in Fellowship and Support award. The chapter seeks to unite the friends and family members of those lost on Southern Airways Flight 932 on Nov. 14, 1970, which took the lives of 75 individuals, made up of Marshall football players, coaches, fans and the flight crew. In the past year, it has been the chapter’s mission to have a larger presence on campus, particularly during the fall and spring Memorial Fountain Ceremonies, as well as raise funds for scholarships.

The Society of Yeager Scholars Alumni Chapter received the Excellence in Mentoring award. The chapter brings together Yeager Scholar graduates and current Yeager Scholars. Named for Chuck Yeager, the native West Virginian who broke the sound barrier, the Society of Yeager Scholars is a prestigious academic program that aims to cultivate exceptional students by providing them with unique opportunities for academic and personal growth. With 300 alumni from 33 graduating classes, Yeager alumni provide valuable guidance and encouragement to the program’s current students.

The Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley received the Excellence in Scholarships award. The chapter donated $42,000 in fiscal year 2023 in many areas, but primarily to scholarships between the Marshall University Foundation and the Big Green Scholarship Foundation. The chapter celebrated its successful annual scholarship fundraiser dinner on April 4 in Vienna, West Virginia.

The Marshall University Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter received the Excellence in Student Recruitment award. The chapter, which is based in Beckley, West Virginia, works with all the high schools in the four surrounding counties to raise awareness about academic and scholarship opportunities at Marshall.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Pheister Family Scholarship for Media Excellence. This scholarship is generously provided by Jason Pheister and his wife, Erin Tunis Pheister. Jason Pheister is a 2001 graduate of Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting. He was one of four individuals inducted into the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame this spring.

“I’m originally from Columbus but spent almost eight years in West Virginia between Marshall and working at local TV stations. The state holds a special place in my heart forever which is why it was so important that we pay it forward,” Pheister said.

As a multi-time Emmy award-winning journalist, he worked for several media companies, including WSAZ, WOWK, WCMH, WBNS, as well as The Columbus Dispatch. He also has led television and digital networks for Time Warner Cable across the country. He is the vice president of content and news at Spectrum Networks for Charter Communications. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he has a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Innovation from Northeastern University.

Jason Pheister began learning about journalism in high school as he was involved with his school’s newspaper as well as its TV program. As a junior and senior, he had the opportunity to come to Marshall for high school journalism competitions. The professors, such as Dr. George Arnold, Dr. Charles G. Bailey and Dr. Ralph Turner, took a great interest in him, he said, and the overall experience is what led him to Huntington to attend Marshall for his bachelor’s degree.

“My time at Marshall and in Huntington had a profound impact on my life and career and we wanted to find a way to help others have that same experience,” Pheister said.

The scholarship recipient shall be at least a sophomore journalism major in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications who is in good academic standing with a 3.0 GPA and has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. First preference to a student from Columbus, Ohio. Second preference to a student from Ohio and third preference to a student from West Virginia.

“It’s our intent that the scholarship be awarded to an innovative and aspiring student pursuing a career in journalism and media. We truly hope this can help someone,” Pheister said.

Student scholarship recipients were honored Saturday at Marshall University during the 2024 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 Marshall 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.

“The Scholarship Honor Brunch unites scholarship recipients and donors, underscoring our dedication to enhancing ongoing support for Marshall University and its students,” Area said. “We are steadfast in our mission to broaden educational access for our students and deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, who invest in Marshall through their contributions and active participation in today’s event.”

Bonnie Bailey, director of Student Support Services Program, served as the featured speaker. The program, which is federally funded, targets students who are first-generation, the first in their family to complete a four-year degree, and income-eligible.

Senior Amelya Bostic from Grundy, Virginia, served as the student speaker. A communication disorders major slated to graduate at the end of April. Bostic spoke about the positive impact Student Support Services has had on her throughout her time at Marshall.

“As an out-of-state student, financially college could have been hard for me but with SSS I was able to navigate class and financial aid to graduate early and with very low debt,” Bostic said.

“Through the community I found, I was able to gain the confidence to try new things and find a place where I belong,” she continued. “In addition to this community, SSS has connected me to every department or important person I have needed on my journey here at Marshall from financial aid, housing, academics and community. My time here could have been more difficult without the tools and people SSS knew I needed.”

Bailey began working as a counselor with the Student Support Services Program in July 2005. Before becoming the director and counselor for the SSS Program, she worked as a residential, outpatient and school-based therapist. As a daughter of Marshall, Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling, a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and an Ed.S. in counseling curriculum. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and approved licensed professional supervisor (ALPS) for West Virginia.

Bailey’s program boasts a more than 96 percent persistence, a 98 percent academic good standing rate, and a 76 percent graduation rate, which shows that early intervention, consistent support and relationships truly can and do make all the difference.

“Our program has helped students since 1971. As a first-generation and former student in the program to a staff member since 2005, I can tell you services look different now because the world is quickly moving and changing,” Bailey said. “However, one thing about our services has remained the same – relationships. While these relationships produce great retention and graduation rates, students also grow and achieve their goals. For me, my favorite part of the job is the student-facing responsibilities that promotes the success of our students.”

The College of Arts and Media’s School of Theatre and Dance, along with the School of Music, ended the program with a performance from the musical “Godspell.”

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 email at krystle.davis@marshall.edu.

Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) are set to host the 85th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner and awards at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall.

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

“We are thrilled to recognize a few special members of our Marshall family at this year’s awards banquet,” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “Each of our honorees represents the grit, determination and success often attributed with Marshall alumni and I’m honored by the opportunity to celebrate each of their achievements and service to our alma mater.”

Highlighting the list of more than a dozen honorees at the 2024 awards banquet are Dr. James M. Lester as the recipient of the Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus award. Joel M. “Woody” Woodrum has been selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award. Holly Mount has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Community Achievement award, and Kyle D. Powers will receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus award.

Individual Awards of Distinction will also be presented during the event to honorees from each of Marshall’s schools and colleges. This year’s Awards of Distinction will go to Josh Meredith (College of Arts and Media), Beth “Buffy” Hammers (College of Business), Hazel Shrader (College of Education and Professional Development), Alicia Cunningham (College of Engineering and Computer Sciences), Dr. William P. Marley (College of Health Professions), William Dodson (College of Liberal Arts), Dr. Thomas Lemke (College of Science), Dr. Larry D. Dial Jr. (Marshall University School of Medicine), and Dr. Jordan Sheppard (Marshall University School of Pharmacy).

Growing up in various regions of the South, East and Midwest, Lester graduated from Chesapeake High School in Chesapeake, Ohio. After he turned 17 years old, Lester enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After a few years in the service, Lester started attending classes at Marshall in 2004. He worked while he was in school and eventually landed a job at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Huntington. He earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in 2007 and his master’s degree in counseling from Marshall in 2009.

Lester held many positions and roles at the VA, starting from GS-4, the most entry-level position. As he was passionate about helping others succeed, he eventually became a counselor at the VA, where he worked directly with hundreds of veterans struggling with their reintegration into civilian life. During this role, he developed an interest in improving the program and how we serve our veterans and their families. He began developing himself from a subject matter expert to an agency leader, and since then, he has been involved in many pilots, workgroups and innovations throughout different agencies and community organizations. For his contributions, he has received multiple accolades. His doctoral dissertation was an innovative study of specific cognitive variances in military veterans and its implications for rehabilitation and/or reintegration back to civilian life.

Lester also enjoyed teaching as an adjunct professor for Marshall University’s Graduate College and has served on advisories, committees and councils with dozens of organizations and agencies around the country, including several boards of directors and two international councils. Currently, he is the assistant director of the Philadelphia and Wilmington VA Regional Offices, where he serves more than 1 million veterans and their families in Pennsylvania, the state of Delaware and Southern New Jersey.

In other categories, Woodrum is the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award, Mount is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Achievement award, and Powers is the recipient of the Young Alumnus award.

Over the past 50 years, Woodrum has served Marshall in numerous ways and has become an institution in the Marshall and local athletics communities. Most know him best during his time as a radio color commentator for Marshall football and basketball broadcasts, as well as hosting or co-hosting local pre- and post-game shows. He currently serves as a public address announcer for Marshall’s football, basketball, volleyball teams, among other sports. He has been a Marshall University Athletic Hall of Fame committee member since 1999.

In addition to his work at Marshall, Woodrum also worked full-time at Kindred Communications. At Kindred, Woodrum hosted Sportsline Daily Talk Show, wrote and edited the Herd Insider and did play-by-play and color for high school sports broadcasts. He currently works part-time for Kindred on Marshall pre- or post-game shows, as well as being the play-by-play voice of Huntington High School. For his work with Marshall and at Kindred, he has received numerous awards including West Virginia Broadcaster of the Year from the National Association of Sportswriters & Sportscasters.

Mount graduated from Marshall in 2004 from the College of Health Professions and went on to receive her Master’s in Nursing Informatics. She began her career in nursing in the pediatric intensive care unit and has worked as an air and ground transport nurse, clinical sales manager for North America, and in health care leadership. She now works as a director with the West Virginia Health Information Network. She serves as vice chair of Huntington City Council and chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee. She is a member of the City of Huntington’s Planning Commission, Mayor’s Council for Public Health & Drug Control Policy, and the City Council Drug Control Policy Committee. She also serves on the advisory panel for the Cabell-Huntington Health Department Harm Reduction Program. She coaches volleyball at St. Joseph Catholic School and softball majors for Huntington Little League.

Powers grew up in Lavalette, West Virginia, with his parents Michael and Christine Powers. He attended Wayne High School and graduated in 2017. Powers stayed close to home as he would go on to attend Marshall that fall. Powers is a 2021 graduate of Marshall University obtaining a degree in criminal justice and minoring in political science.

In the summer of 2018, Powers would attend his first ever training camp as an equipment intern for the Pittsburgh Steelers, only this time not as an avid fan like years prior. Growing up as a Steelers fan, inspired by his mother who grew up in Pittsburgh, the Steelers always held a special place in Powers’ heart. Over the next two seasons, Powers would travel to and from Pittsburgh for home games and would attend training camps in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, with the Steelers. In the spring of 2020, he was elected student body vice president alongside President Anna Williams. Powers’ role within the Steelers organization continued to grow as he was asked to stay on for the full season during the pandemic of 2020 and would work in Pittsburgh. While working full time, attending class remotely, and governing a student body as student body vice president, he juggled quite a bit. Upon returning in the spring of 2021, Powers finished out his time at Marshall. Powers currently serves as a full-time member of the Pittsburgh Steelers equipment staff.

Other honorees at the annual alumni awards banquet include the inaugural “3 C’s” Award with Cathryn P. Easterling, Walker R. Tatum and Kathy G. Eddy as recipients. In addition to alumni chapter awards, Marshall University Black Alumni will also award Janet Gaither with the Fran Jackson Scholarship award, Chiana Bradley with the Nate Ruffin Scholarship award, and Ta’Marra Cook with the Janis Winkfield Scholarship award.

Marshall University’s student body president will move into an alumni role when he graduates with his bachelor’s degree next month.

Walker Tatum has been named as the university’s new director of alumni engagement. In addition to currently serving as student body president, Tatum also serves as student representative on the Marshall University Board of Governors and vice chair of the West Virginia State Advisory Council of Students.

Dr. Ron Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation, says he is looking forward to the new addition to the advancement team.

“His experiences and skill set complement us as we look for new avenues of alumni engagement and unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability,” said Area.

In his new role, Tatum will be primarily responsible for continuing the expansion of alumni chapters across the country and developing a strategic plan to engage young alumni. He will work alongside Matt James, executive director of alumni relations.

“Walker is a rockstar who exudes the passion, skills and vision necessary to take our alumni engagement efforts to the next level,” said James. “We’re thrilled to keep his talents at Marshall.”

Tatum will also play a critical role in connecting alumni to various initiatives in support of President Brad D. Smith’s “Marshall For All, Marshall Forever” program, including alumni mentorship, high school student recruitment and increased scholarships.

“I’m honored to embark on this new chapter and join a group of dedicated individuals committed to fostering connections and celebrating the achievements of our alumni,” said Tatum. “I look forward to contributing to the rich tradition of Marshall and working collaboratively to strengthen the ties that bind our diverse and accomplished alumni network.”

A native of Wayne, West Virginia, Tatum will graduate on April 27 with his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, with minors in chemistry, business and pre-professional health care studies. During his time at Marshall, he earned the prestigious Gilman Scholarship through the U.S. State Department and has been a consistent champion for food insecurity among college students. His leadership on this issue led him to the halls of the West Virginia Legislature earlier this year when he testified in support of the Hunger Free Campus Act. As a result of Tatum’s advocacy, the Marshall Food Pantry will undergo a comprehensive renovation over the next several months.

Tatum says he plans to utilize his advocacy and leadership experiences to further the mission of The Marshall University Foundation.

“I look forward to building impactful relationships with alumni around the world and to work closely with someone whose leadership I have always looked up to, Matt James,” said Tatum. “Together, the office of alumni relations will foster a legacy of pride, achievement, and lifelong connections to ensure every alumnus is valued and cherished for years to come.”

Tatum will assume his new role on May 1. He currently resides in Wayne with his bernedoodle, Ziti.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Alfred G. Duba Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed by the family and friends of Alfred Duba, a 1966 graduate and 1981 recipient of the Marshall University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award. Alfred Duba passed in August of 2023.

“My husband felt that anybody who is interested in going to Marshall should have a bit of extra help,” said Lucille Duba, wife of Alfred Duba. “He felt college was important. He thought it served as a pathway to a better life.”

Alfred Duba was born Jan. 26, 1940, in Braeholm, Logan County, West Virginia. The oldest of 12 children, he graduated from Man High School as valedictorian in 1958. From there, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a personnel clerk posted in Heidelberg, Germany.

Under the GI Bill, Alfred Duba was able to attend Marshall and received his bachelor’s degree in physics in 1966. While at Marshall, he worked at Cabell Huntington Hospital where he met Lucille Duba, a fellow Marshall student, and they married in 1964. Alfred Duba later received his Ph.D. in geophysics at the University of Chicago.

After finishing his Ph.D. on the electrical conductivity of olivine, he completed research stays at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, Harvard University and the Australian National University in Canberra.

From 1972, he was employed as a research scientist at LLNL where he conducted experiments on how the earth behaved at high pressures and high temperatures and served various leadership roles. In 1981, he received the Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus award during Marshall University Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Awards Banquet. This year, Marshall will celebrate the 85th Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

In 1985, he received an Alexander von Humboldt research award. In 1997, he was named Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. He also had visiting professorships in the Netherlands, France and Germany. In 2002, he retired early to return to West Virginia. For the next decade and a half, he worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where he produced Earth news reports for the museums and schools across the United States. His research, collaborations and outreach brought him to locations across five continents and the North Pole.

Lucille Duba said her husband was an outgoing person and easily made friends anywhere they went. He often shared with them his love of Marshall and his home state.

“He was hardworking and very outgoing,” Lucille Duba said. “He thoroughly enjoyed life and enjoyed telling people about Marshall and West Virginia. He was never ashamed of where he was from. I think he gave people a good impression of West Virginia.”

The scholarship recipient shall be a full-time student in good academic standing with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall select the recipient and renew the award if full-time status and satisfactory academic progress are maintained.

For information regarding the Alfred G. Duba Memorial Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of The Chafin Law Firm Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed by Truman and Letitia “Tish” Neese Chafin. Both have marketing degrees from Marshall, graduating in 1967 and 1986, respectively.

The Chafin Law Firm is a small, specialized practice in the heart of the West Virginia coalfields in Mingo County. The Chafin Law Firm has represented West Virginia counties seeking damages from drug manufacturers due to the opioid epidemic. The Chafins created this scholarship to support students whose family was adversely affected by the opioid epidemic.

“We’re honored to have represented the counties and cities in this terrible situation, particularly what’s happened to southern West Virginia,” said H. Truman Chafin, founder of The Chafin Law Firm. “We wanted to do anything we can to the community who helped us.”

Truman Chafin served in the West Virginia State Senate from 1982 to 2014 and served as majority leader from 1998 to 2010. Truman Chafin founded the law firm after graduating from Michigan State University College of Law in the late 1970s. The firm’s office is the previous home to Williamson, West Virginia’s, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse.

Tish Chafin received her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law and began working at the firm shortly after. She was appointed to Marshall’s Board of Governors by then-Governor Bob Wise in 2005 and served two terms. She also previously served as president of the West Virginia State Bar Association from 2010-2011.

Truman Chafin said the decision to establish the scholarship was an easy one as the older you get, the more important you realize it is to give.

“That’s where your real happiness is, to give and not receive,” Truman Chafin said. “We wanted to be able to help someone who is really talented and has the grades and give them the gift that keeps on giving, which is education.”

Amy Saunders, managing director for Marshall’s Center of Excellence for Recovery, said the scholarship will have a positive impact. The Center of Excellence for Recovery aims to increase the well-being of West Virginians through behavioral health, education, prevention, outreach, recovery and applied research initiatives.

“We are grateful for the Chafins’ generosity for creating this funding for our students from Mingo County,” Saunders said. “Many West Virginia youth and families have been affected by opioids and other substance use disorders. This funding will allow us to assist a student who has already worked very hard to overcome challenges in their family and community to provide support to reach their academic dream.”

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 and 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.