A Message from the Chief Executive Officer of the Marshall University Foundation More. It is something we all find ourselves wanting for higher education. For students, it is more time to study, more time on campus or more opportunities to continue pursuing their education. We find ourselves wishing for more improvements and developments for Marshall; more positive publicity for Huntington and West Virginia. At the Foundation, we want more for our students and donors. We want our relationships to have a deeper bond. We wish to connect our scholarship donors, who give to programs and facilities, with grateful students who stand out as leaders among their peers. We want students to attend and present at more conferences, to continue learning from distinguished faculty, to know that they have more opportunities because of your generosity. As we move through 2018, we strive to share more stories of student success, to keep you educated on Marshall’s achievements and to say thank you more often. Everyone has a new year’s resolution, ours is simply to give you more of the applause that you deserve. Thank you for always believing in Marshall University and our students. Ronald G. Area Chief Executive Officer, Marshall University Foundation For the Love of Marshall “She was an important role model for me,” said Johnna. “At age 49, when her husband died, she went back to school for a nursing degree, and then, without a car, walked two miles each way to work for twenty years.” The scholarship supports students who are residents of West Virginia and studying in the Lewis College of Business. As firm believers that a degree has never been more important than it is now, the Coatses encourage students to finish college. They continue to give because of the special people they have met through Marshall. “We are so inspired by the family atmosphere at Marshall,” explained Johnna. “I hope the next generation will give back to their schools and communities and look for ways to be personally involved.” The couple is proud that their legacy has Marshall University as its main focus. “Rob and I hope Marshall continues to stretch itself to meet the ever-changing needs that the future requires,” explains Johnna, “just like they did in the areas of pharmacy, medicine and engineering.” Johnna’s favorite thing about her alma mater is something she shares with many students. “Marshall continues to offer students the opportunity to be the first in their family to go to college, which was my case,” she says. At the Foundation, it is our hope that through the example set by generous donors like the Coatses that this generation of first time students will continue to share the excitement of being part of the Marshall family and helping students achieve their dreams. “Thank you for your generosity and contribution to not only myself, but to the university. Acts of kindness like these really go a long way in the hearts of the students. My scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies rather than generating an income. Thank you so much for everything.” - Justin Merritt, sophomore biochemistry major. Justin is just one example of a West Virginia resident who chose to remain in-state to attend Marshall University. Scholarships made it possible for him to do so. #GivingTuesday, a purely social media-based event that began in 2012, is dedicated to philanthropy and community volunteerism. On November 28, 2017, the Marshall University Foundation Inc. promoted its Grant for West Virginia Students, a need-based fund for in-state student residents that supports deserving students who lack the funds needed for their dreams of obtaining a college education. “With the goal of receiving gifts totaling $15,000, we received 31 gifts throughout the day benefitting areas all over campus.” said Griffin Talbott, director of annual giving. “In total, Marshall University received $15,530, including a $10,000 pledge. The Marshall University Foundation would like to thank all of our generous alumni and friends who supported us on this day.” Marshall students shared messages of gratitude for donors and explained why they chose to attend the university on #GivingTuesday. To view these messages, visit www.facebook.com/marshallfoundation. This year, #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27, 2018.