b'A Message from the Chief ExecutiveLessons in Leadership Officer of the Marshall UniversityAs a college freshman, Ed discovered the game of bridge and became an Foundation outstanding player. He became a first-rated bridge player, winning tournaments and skipping class. Research. It is what many high school studentsDenison had a strict academic policy. I didnt go to four of my five finals and are doing across the country. They are makingreceived Fs in those four classes, Ed explained. lists of colleges that stand out to them. Various colleges will make their lists because they areEd knew once he told his father he would not just be sitting out a semester at Denison, close to home, are the best value or have ahe would not return. What he did not expect his father to tell him was that he was on high program ranking or accreditation. Perhapshis own for funding his education and life expenses. Shocked, Ed rotated staying with a student has been offered a scholarshipfriends and working odd jobs before deciding to enroll at Beckley College, which was a two-year institution. His plan was to transfer to a four-year college after accruing to attend. Regardless, the students will visita few course hours. websites, interview students currently attending the institutions, meet with faculty and narrowFocusing on his education, Ed served as his roommates non-playing band manager down their choices until they find the best fit forand worked other odd jobs but described himself as penniless. When the semester their years of study.ended, a big decision was made.Everybody said they were going to Marshall, so I said, Well, okay, thats where Ill For those who enroll at Marshall, they will bego, said Ed, who recognizes that it was one of the best decisions he ever made. welcomed this fall into our family. They will join a university that is ever-changing, and whenMajoring in economics and joining the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Ed continued they graduate, it will be different. One of theplaying bridge, but did a much better job at balancing his coursework. He credits many things our current students say they loveMarshall for providing him a better understanding of English, history and math. As about the university is that their small classesWilliam saw Eds determination, he offered him a minimum-wage job the summer after his first year at Marshall. When he graduated from Marshall in December of 1968, allow them to work alongside professors asEd felt proud of his accomplishments, particularly that he funded his education himself. they explore their research topics. This learning experience is instrumental to their future, as theyEd started at the bottom of his fathers business and held many positions, including are gaining hands-on experience and beingworking with the janitorial staff, which gave him a well-rounded perspective on the challenged about what they are examining bycompany. Encouraging him to take on more responsibility, his father instructed him to having a mentor share perspective and insight. observe their Huntington business as it was being poorly managed. After a two week visit the two men met to have dinner, which was a turning point for them. Many new research opportunities are beingMy father usually did all the talking and everyone else listened, and that included created at Marshall. Through updatedme, Ed recalled. On that evening, however, I did most of the talking. I gave him a laboratories and a larger network with our R2detailed list of everything I had seen and I couldnt believe it. I talked for seven hours status, we are positioning students and facultyand he listened! alike to pursue their passions, study hard, findWorking together, William and Ed put together a strategy to turn the company around. supporting information and dig deep into theEd was in charge of the plan and he learned a lot about business and himself. His opportunities to change and better Huntington,father invited him to get involved with the family foundation, where he learned a lot West Virginia, and our world. about his elders before he was 30. As we continue to build this era of excellence,Possibly the best lesson my father gave me was sitting on the board with him for eight we are thankful for the private support thatyears. I had so much respect for him, said Ed. is allowing Marshall to build new facilities,When William passed away in 1981, Ed made some changes so that the foundation complete renovations, expand our curriculumcould expand more than it had under Williams leadership. Only one of his sisters and provide research opportunities.Weserved on the board and they felt it was important for their other siblings to join them. are thankful for your encouragement, whichThey changed the name to the Maier Foundation and established mission statements, motivates professors and students to explorepolicies and guidelines. They were processing a larger volume of grant requests. They their fields and discover transformationalwere growing, just as Ed expected. solutions. We are thankful for your unwaveringHaving had the experience of working, now I was learning the pleasure and joy belief that everyone at the university greatlyof giving money away responsibly. I developed a stewardship responsibility to give benefits when Marshall rises.money away for the purpose for which it was intended. It was a good lesson I didnt Ronald G. AreaChief Executive Officer, Marshall University Foundation'