WWW.MARSHALL.EDU/FOUNDATION The Marshall University Foundation recognized eight employees and one volunteer for reaching milestone years of service at its annual service awards luncheon June 28. Deb Hicks celebrated 50 years of combined service at Marshall University and the foundation. Pam Nibert, executive assistant and human resources coordinator, was recognized for 20 years of service with the Marshall University Foundation. Recognized for 10 years of service were Scott Anderson, chief financial officer; Dr. Ron Area, chief executive officer; Rick Robinson, senior director of development and Griffin Talbott, program director of the annual fund. Matt Hayes, executive director of alumni relations, and Donna Eastham, accountant II, were recognized for five years of service. Beth Area was recognized for 10 years of volunteer leadership. “Throughout my tenure, I have been surrounded by some of the most diligent and eager individuals. We are excited to celebrate several individuals with milestone anniversaries,” Area said. “Two of these individuals were here far before myself and are a tremendous asset to our organization, especially considering the depth of knowledge they have surrounding Marshall University and of the individuals who have assisted us in functioning as we do today. Three others joined our staff the same year as me, and I have enjoyed working beside them to figure out how to advance the university and grow the foundation. The two celebrating five-year anniversaries have provided exceptional leadership skills in their departments. I am thankful every day for this exceptional staff who is dedicated to helping Marshall University prosper.” The Marshall University Foundation was established in 1947. Over the past 70 years, the foundation’s staff has grown to 28 employees and two volunteers. The Foundation Hall opened in 2010 and in the fall of 2015, was renamed the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall after Marshall alumnus and benefactor Brad D. Smith. Nine recognized for reaching milestone years of service Pictured left to right: (front row) Scott Anderson, Griffin Talbott and Matt Hayes (back row) Donna Eastham, Pam Nibert, Dr. Ron Area and Rick Robinson Through this opportunity, Mya was able to hike Muir Woods, spend the Fourth of July at Lake Tahoe, attend a Giants baseball game, visit Pier 39 and the Exploratorium, go wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma and enjoy the atmosphere of San Francisco. She knows that these opportunities will all be helpful in her career and her insight of the importance of internships will be beneficial to future students upon her graduation. “It is important to give back to the institution that gave to students, whether that be wisdom, professional experiences and connections, or money,” she said, acknowledging that her scholarships are part of what made her internship opportunity achievable. “Scholarships mean that people believe in me and want to invest in my future. Thank you, scholarship donors. Without the support, many students would not be able to attend college. I appreciate the support immensely.” Upon the completion of her internship, Mya was offered a full time job at Intuit as an associate marketing manager. She will begin the position in August 2019.