A Message from the Chief Executive Officer of the Marshall University Foundation What a difference encouragement makes when we are facing an obstacle. Having family and friends motivate us is nice, but being uplifted by a complete stranger is inspiring. As a new academic year begins, students face obstacles that range from leaving home to rising tuition costs. While Marshall’s campuses are welcoming, and many students feel at home, a transition still occurs and it takes a period for students to get acclimated. Providing encouragement by taking the time to ask a student how they are adjusting, how their courses are going, or where their favorite spot on campus is shows them we care about them and their success. Welcoming them into the Marshall Family is something they never forget. Encouragement comes through scholarships, program and facility support as well. There is a sincere gratitude students have for donors who help them achieve their dreams. Scholarships allow students to overcome financial obstacles, so they can focus on their studies and change the world. Providing program and facility support fortifies they made the best choice on where to study because people not only support students, but programs, faculty and the buildings in which they study. Our students are at such an exciting stage of life. By providing an abundance of encouragement, it is my hope we are lightening their burdens and reducing the number of obstacles they must face, or at least encouraging their belief that their Marshall Family will support them as they endure these challenges. For your continued support and encouragement, thank you. Ronald G. Area Chief Executive Officer, Marshall University Foundation Initially struggling when he came to campus, he credits his family, new team, coaches, and the Huntington community for helping him through his homesickness. Majoring in physical education, Mickey graduated in 1968 and signed with the Buffalo Bills to play professional football. After being cut from the team, he was offered a coaching position at Huntington East High School. He also coached at Huntington High School before being hired by Coach Rick Tolley in 1970 to work as an assistant coach with the wide receivers at Marshall University. Mickey was scouting Ohio University with fellow assistant coach Carl Kokor at Penn State when the tragic plane crash occurred. He remained on the coaching staff to hurdle the obstacles associated with the rebuilding of the Young Thundering Herd. Under the leadership of Jack Lengyel, he began coaching the offensive running backs. “Our full staff was committed to rebuilding the program,” Mickey said. “The hardest obstacle we had to overcome with the Young Thundering Herd was how hard do we push these young men in order for them to experience success? As a young team, there was a big gap between where they were and where they needed to be to win. With drills, practice and hard work, there were lots of tears and frustration in the process of knowing when to keep pushing and when to ease up.” Mickey worked as an assistant coach at Marshall for four years before accepting a position at Miami of Ohio and then at The Ohio State University where he continued to coach offensive running backs for five years. “My favorite part about coaching was the personal satisfaction I received from seeing young men take instruction, work hard and experience great success,” he said. “To see a freshman running back named Terry Gardner catch a winning touchdown pass with seconds to go in our first home game after the plane crash at Marshall was amazing and to go to New York with my running back Archie Griffin and to watch the joy and sense of accomplishment on his face to be the only person in college football to win the Heisman Award twice was historic.” Mickey has conference championship rings, but the Young Thundering Herd ring designed by team members makes him just as proud. “It was designed by members of the team as a symbol of all the hard work and special recognition these young men put forth to keep the program alive and lay the foundation for the success to follow,” Mickey said. “This was the first class in NCAA football history to have eight graduates who earned four varsity letters in football.” Following the Woody Hayes-era at Ohio State, Mickey decided it was time to apply the principles learned in football into a business career and established a State Farm insurance branch. He has continued to serve Marshall University as a member of the Marshall University Alumni Board where he served as president, the Marshall University Big Green Board, and the “M” Club. He currently serves on the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors. “It is difficult for me to choose a particular area to support financially or as a volunteer because there are so many areas that mean a lot to me. Huntington and Marshall are special to me for many reasons,” he said. “I met my lovely wife Linda Curry, at Marshall. Never Give Up continued >