Marshall University Alumni & Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley

06/02/2026

05/29/2026

Unstoppable 💚

05/28/2026

FOR THOSE TOO BUSY TO WATCH THE VIDEO, HERE IS A SUMMARY OF PRESIDENT BRAD SMITH'S FIRESIDE CHAT. WE WATCHED SO OUR BUSY ALUMS WOULDN'T MISS OUT!

This virtual fireside chat featured Marshall University President Brad Smith and Vice President Tony Stroud discussing the university's recent successes and its ambitious economic development initiative, the Idea District.

University Growth and Strategy
President Smith shared that through the "Marshall for All, Marshall Forever" strategy, the university had successfully reversed a 13-year enrollment decline, growing by 22% since 2022. Marshall boasted the lowest net tuition cost among its peer institutions and R2 research universities nationwide, while providing a highly positive return on investment for its graduates compared to the national average.

The Idea District
The central focus of the chat was the Idea District, a transformational project designed to connect the Marshall University campus with downtown Huntington, West Virginia. The core goal was to build a "prosperity platform" that created local jobs, allowing students to stay and work in the region after graduation while significantly boosting the university's economic impact on the state.

Key developments within the district included:

The College of Business: The completed first phase of the district, which featured dedicated community, academic, and student spaces.

The Cybersecurity Institute: A $45 million state-funded facility slated to open in August 2027, which is designed to house industry partners like Alpha Innovations, a data center, and ultra-high-speed internet.

The Lattas Building: A renovated space that is set to host Intuit—employing up to 250 students—alongside local business chambers and co-working spaces.

Medical Technology Space: An upcoming 80,000-square-foot facility focusing on partnering with AI companies to improve rural healthcare outcomes.

A "Graduate Hotel": Plans are actively underway with a private developer to build a boutique, Marshall-themed hotel within the district.

Future Vision
The leaders emphasized that the Idea District is being built through strong collaboration with the city of Huntington and reliance on private investments. Ultimately, Marshall University aims to revitalize Huntington, drive regional innovation across its distinctive academic pillars, and help transform West Virginia into a "startup state."

Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association | Marshall University

Disclaimer:
This image was AI-generated and is not an exact interpretation of the geography, layout or information provided in the video.

05/27/2026

Impossible Doesn’t Exist Anymore = IDEA

President Smith and VP for Strategic Initiatives Toney Stroud held a virtual meeting this afternoon about the IDEA District (plans for new buildings and economic development growth on 4th Avenue that will connect Old Main and the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation.)

Here’s about 15 minutes from the webinar where they explain the initiative.

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Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association

05/25/2026

“Somehow we let our 10th and 11th year anniversary on Facebook sneak by—but that just means we have even more to celebrate as we head into year 12! Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here’s to many more years ahead!

05/22/2026

🎓 Help Celebrate a Big Milestone! 💌
Please consider sending a graduation card to the youth graduating from the Gustke Shelter. A simple message of encouragement can make a lasting impact and brighten their special day.
Your kindness and support mean more than you know—let’s help them feel celebrated and proud of their accomplishments! ❤️✨

We have a youth in shelter we are wanting to celebrate his upcoming graduation. 🎓

To add some joy and recognition to this accomplishment, would you join us and send him a card.

Cards can be sent to:

Gustke Shelter
Attention Graduate
1640 St Mary's Ave
Parkersburg WV 26101

Thank you in advance 💌🎉✨

05/21/2026

Herd Pride: From the Mid-Ohio Valley to the Pros, Undaunted!

You might recognize the name Patrick Copen. Before he was striking out professional hitters in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, Patrick was a standout athlete right here at Parkersburg Catholic High School.

Back in 2020, our Marshall University Alumni & Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley was incredibly proud to support Patrick with a scholarship as he headed off to Huntington to play for the Thundering Herd.

After an incredible career at Marshall, Patrick was drafted by the Dodgers in the 7th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. But in August 2024, tragedy struck. Patrick was hit in the face by a line-drive comebacker that permanently took the vision in his right eye. Many wondered if he would ever pitch again.

True to the "We Are Marshall" spirit, Patrick refused to let his dream die. He retrained his mechanics, adjusted to his vision, and mounted a miraculous comeback. Not only is he back on the mound for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers—he is dominating. Just this month, Patrick was named the Texas League Pitcher of the Month after posting a 3-0 record and a microscopic 0.96 ERA!

Patrick, your hometown and your Marshall family are cheering you on every single step of the way. You embody everything it means to be a Son of Marshall! 💚

Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association

05/21/2026

Serving up some Marshall University heart right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley! 💚

While our fellow Sons and Daughters of Marshall were beautifying the Huntington campus for Community Cares Week, our Mid-Ohio Valley Alumni and Big Green Chapter decided to bring that exact same green-and-white pride to our own backyard this evening.

We took over the kitchen at the Latrobe Street Mission in Parkersburg, and let’s just say the Big Green spirit makes for a pretty incredible recipe.

A massive shout out goes to the amazing Marshall alum, Kristin Moss Reeder, owner of Blessed Bites Catering Company, who used her professional catering business to cook up the phenomenal meal we served tonight. You made sure everyone ate like royalty, Kristin! 🧑‍🍳✨

Rolling up their sleeves to serve meals, scrub counters, and share smiles all evening was our incredible crew: Ed Hofmann, Mary Hendershot , Reilly Hendershot, Jane Graham, Bert Webb, Louise Wince, Dianna Flanagan, and Judy Johnson.

Why do we do this? Because being part of the Marshall family doesn't stop at the Huntington city limits. We want local students and families to see that Marshall isn’t just a university down the river—it’s a community that shows up, gives back, and cares about West Virginia. As we continue to promote our local scholarships, we want our future leaders to know that the Herd always takes care of its own.

Check out some highlights from tonight’s shift below! 👇🏻

Marshall University Marshall University Foundation and Alumni Association