University announces historic comprehensive campaign at Homecoming.
Marshall is on the rise.
Fresh off of a national ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” list as one of the nation’s top higher education institutions, Marshall University is experiencing unprecedented growth, as evidenced by the rapid expansion of the university footprint and renovations taking place in many areas on the Huntington campus and in the city of Huntington.
In addition to these recent major announcements reflective of the upward trajectory of Marshall, the university is moving into a new phase of prosperity with the announcement of Marshall Rises, the largest comprehensive campaign ever undertaken by the university. Marshall has announced a $150 million campaign aimed at targeting five key pillars at the university and in the community.
The public announcement of the campaign was made at the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 26, amid the backdrop of fireworks and an extra-large banner. This game-changing announcement will affect the university in profound ways, and alumni and friends are invited to be a part of this historic campaign.
“The Marshall Rises campaign is a comprehensive institutional initiative that will touch our entire university community,” said Dr. Jerome A. Gilbert, president of Marshall. “The campaign will assist in providing a stable financial foundation as we move forward with new academic programs, capital projects and expanded research operations. We have accomplished much already, but there is more to do. I encourage our alumni and friends of the university to become more engaged with the university and thank those who have already generously supported us.”
The generous Marshall University family has been driving the unprecedented growth, which is highlighted in a record-breaking year for donors and dollars raised by the university. As part of the silent phase of the campaign, more than $100 million has already been raised toward the ultimate goal of $150 million over the next five years.
Thanks to that success, Marshall has been able to invest heavily in the future of the university, from renovating current buildings and constructing new facilities, to investing in students with more scholarships and financial assistance, assuring that students are given every opportunity to succeed at Marshall.
“Marshall Rises embraces the hope of so many in our communities,” said Dr. Ron Area, chief executive officer of the Marshall Foundation. It is supporting first-generation students to rise and reach their dreams. It is offering them new opportunities that promote personal and professional growth. It is lifting up our faculty, rewarding them for their dedication and providing the chance for them to conduct further research. Marshall Rises will allow for academic expansion through programs and facilities, which will help recruit new students and boost our retention rate. It is about showing our community that we are dedicated to enhancing the Tri-State area and showing our region and country that we are bringing change to West Virginia by making positive changes in our own backyard. When Marshall Rises, so do the people of Huntington, and for their lifetime dedication, support and vision, they, and every generation of students that we are blessed to foster, deserve the absolute best.”
The Marshall Rises campaign will specifically highlight five key areas, or pillars, of success at Marshall University. These areas of focus for the campaign include:
- Enhancing the student experience with more need-based and merit-based scholarships.
- Forming a foundation of research and creative discovery to fund faculty and undergraduate research and the arts.
- Strengthening community partnerships and engagement to support community outreach and to help battle the opioid epidemic.
- Creating environments of innovative learning with new and renovated academic and athletic spaces such as a new business school and baseball stadium.
- Expanding academics and growing Marshall’s reputation with more endowed professorships, professional development funds and support for academic programs.
These five pillars of progress will ensure students will graduate from one of the nation’s most distinguished and dynamic universities.
In addition to supporting students, faculty and staff, the Marshall Rises campaign has already helped bring about Stephen J. Kopp Hall, the new home for Marshall’s School of Pharmacy, and will result in additional growth such as a brand-new facility for the College of Business, as well as a curriculum redesign in the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business and the much-anticipated building of a baseball stadium in Huntington.
To learn more about Marshall Rises and how you can help support this historic campaign, please visit www.marshall.edu/rises.
Photos (from top and left to right):
The Marshall Rises comprehensive campaign officially began at Homecoming 2019.
Marco pushes the symbolic button, starting the fireworks display that marks the beginning of the Marshall Rises campaign.