Maurice Cooley, associate vice president of intercultural affairs, said, “We are Marshall and we are one.”
Cooley helped create the event in 2012 to celebrate student organizations, groups, teams, fraternities, sororities, residence halls and faculty being a part of the Marshall family. The Unity Walk was rained out last year.
“We invite all Marshall University students, staff, faculty and alumni, along with the Marshall community to come and enjoy this most festive walk with us as we again demonstrate our loyalty, unity, inclusiveness and oneness,” Cooley said.
The walk begins at the Marshall Recreation Center. From there the group will divide and march around the perimeter of the campus, then meet up at Old Main to walk to the Memorial Student Center Plaza.
Each student organization and group will be introduced followed by a brief address by university President Gary White before the reveal of the 2015 homecoming court.
Matt James, assistant dean of student affairs, said each year the Unity Walk is similar to a family reunion.
“There is no other venue throughout the year that encompasses so many facets of student life,” James said. “This event is ideal for all students, but especially those who are interested in learning more about getting involved on campus. We hope all who are able will join us for this special evening.”
Groups and organizations are encouraged to create signs and banners to show support for the university, their organization and this year’s homecoming theme, “Blast from the Past: Bringing Back the 1980’s.”
Event coordinators anticipate 1,500 members of the Marshall community will participate in the walk this year.
The Unity Walk is sponsored by Intercultural Affairs, Student Affairs, Fraternity and Sorority Life and Marshall Athletics.