A Message from the Chief Executive Officer of the Marshall University Foundation I enjoy the fall semester- the new beginnings; watching students acclimate to the Huntington campus and figure out who they want to be and how they want to get involved. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “Life begins again when it gets crisp in the fall.” This statement is particularly true in academia. A new academic year begins with a new set of classes, possibly at a new school. The life changes can be overwhelming, but encouraging students to get involved in extracurricular activities provides a support group for students during their college years, as well as a professional support group into their careers. Extracurricular activities enrich a student’s time and memories at Marshall. They provide a home away from home. Many students have the opportunity to become involved on campus because of scholarships. Freeing up their time to focus on studies and not work allows them to seek out clubs and organizations to boost their resumes and build their skill sets in ways attending class cannot. Our Office of Student Affairs does a phenomenal job of serving our students who are involved in groups like this and of keeping them compliant with many university policies. They also are kind and caring, always willing to help a student facing needs, be it somewhere to stay, food or clothes. And while this can be expensive, the trained staff always uses their best judgment to provide the best solution to each student who comes forward with a problem. As we look forward to the holiday season, these warm gestures are part of what we want students to remember about their time at Marshall. We want them to know that you believed in them, which is why they were able to learn in equipped facilities from professors who are highly trained in their areas. We want them to remember the feeling of being selected to receive a scholarship or finding a family on campus- and we want them to pay it forward. Thank you for your support to Marshall University, your belief in our students and faculty and your dedication to helping future generations. Wishing you an abundance of blessings this holiday season. Ronald G. Area Chief Executive Officer, Marshall University Foundation Finding a Marshall Family continued > This was not the only opportunity the Gillettes were offered with Wendy’s. Initially relocating to Georgia with the company due to hard work and dedication, within five years of their move they were positioned to become a franchisee. Opening their first franchise in Atlanta in 1997, they remained diligent and eventually opened 16 restaurants across Georgia and Florida. Because of the success Joe found, he and Pam decided to pay it forward in the form of education to Marshall University and eight extended family members. “Our giving has been inspired by the potential we see in young people,” Joe said. “There is so much talent and so much need. How can you not be moved to help this great university prepare them for greatness?” Doing his part to help, Joe has served a total of nine years on the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors, including a term in which he was the chairman. He has served on the board for the Society of Yeager Scholars. The couple had the privilege of having the Joseph and Pamela Gillette Class of 2020 Yeager Scholars named for them. They have established two endowments through the foundation. Serving as an additional testament to their support is the Pam and Joe Gillette Athletic Training Facility inside the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Training Complex. “Our hope for Marshall University is for continued growth and the ability to prepare students for the challenges of the future. These students are the hope of our dreams,” agreed the Gillettes. “They will lead our state and country for the betterment of the next generation. Our vision for the future of Marshall is state-of-the-art buildings, advanced interactive teaching methods and a diverse student body.” In previous years, Joe has been the recipient of the Marshall University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame. As a couple, they are members of the Pathway of Prominence, a lifetime giving society that recognizes Marshall University’s donors who have contributed over $1 million dollars in their lifetime. While the accolades are humbling, the Gillettes point to one particular achievement that delights them most. “One of the things Pam and I are most proud of is naming the Marshall University Welcome Center in honor of my father, Joseph M. Gillette,” said Joe, adding that it is one of his and Pam’s favorite places to visit when they return to campus, describing the hopeful students’ faces they encounter as inspiring. The Gillettes encourage today’s students to prepare and avoid debt so that they can embark on any opportunity that arises. They hope that their legacy is remembered as student success through funding educational opportunities and helping to build the structure for a great university. “Our dream is that everyone will know that ‘We Are Marshall’ means it takes all of us to create greatness.” "I chose to be a part of the Marshall family because of my family history at Marshall. Growing up, I was taught the traditions and the rich history. I am included, recognized, and valued here! Marshall is my home.” - Jamie Carr, junior, accounting major, niece of Joe and Pam Gillette