“I love that my professors know my name and are willing to give me undivided attention,” explains Jordan Smith, a natural resource recreation management (NRRM) major. Moving to Huntington from Daleville, Virginia, Smith chose to attend Marshall because of the proximity to home and because of the intimate campus and family-like community. She will graduate in December 2018 from Marshall University’s College of Science. Upon graduation, she intends to take time off to hike the Appalachian Trail. “The NRRM program is like no other. My favorite part is experiencing a more ‘unplugged’ approach to learning,” said Smith, adding that field trips are a common occurrence in this program. Visiting Heritage Farm in West Virginia, Carter Caves in Kentucky and camping at the Red River Gorge in Kentucky are all trips Smith has experienced as a student. She also attended Dick Jackson’s Adventures in the Wild as part of the inaugural group. “As a NRRM major, I wanted to get more experience in outdoor recreation,” she explained. “I wanted to participate in activities I love, try new things and meet new people. Marshall students pay no cost to participate in Dick Jackson’s Adventure’s in the Wild. To participate, they first must be a sophomore, junior or senior with a GPA of a 2.5 or higher. Interested students are chosen through submitting a letter of intent, explaining why they want to attend and how they foresee the experience making them a better student. In the fall of 2018, this program will be associated with a 3-hour credit course. Smith’s favorite part of the five-day trip was whitewater rafting. “It had been close to 10 years since I had been rafting,” she said. “It was a thrill to get back out there.” Smith has several adventures planned for herself, but Adventures in the Wild was truly a memorable experience. “I am so thankful for Richard Jackson and his donation toward the Adventures in the Wild program,” said Smith. “From this, I learned to not be afraid to go for something, even if you don’t think you can make it. If you fail, you can always try again, even if you have to do things differently. When all else fails, it’s okay to rely on others for help. I hope that Marshall offers more programs like Adventures in the Wild so that more students can have the same opportunity I did.” During her spare time, Smith enjoys hanging her hammock on Buskirk Field and relaxing there with her dog. In addition to taking a full course load and exploring, she works at the Marshall University Rec Center, a job she loves because of the students and community members she has met. “I have met so many people here that have become my family, making Huntington a home away from home.” Throughout all of life’s adventures, the impact of the opportunities Marshall University provided Smith will always stay with her. Student Spotlight I am so thankful for Richard Jackson and his donation toward the Adventures in the Wild program. Phonathon Returns to Campus Marshall University Foundation is starting a new adventure and bringing the phonathon back to the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall! We are excited to educate students about the purpose of the Foundation and instill a better understanding of philanthropy. Best of all, these students are learning, firsthand, everything you do to help Marshall University rise.