Since 2009, this annual event has raised more than $280,000 to support scholarships for students in Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Tyler, Pleasants and Doddridge counties in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio. In addition, the funds also support other academic and athletic endeavors.
“The generosity of our sponsors and attendees is overwhelming,” said Laurie Martin, chapter president. “We are so appreciative of the community support, and we look forward to a successful evening.”
The keynote speaker will be Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. Smith, originally from Kenova, West Virginia, received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall, and later received a master’s degree in management from Aquinas College. Smith served as chief executive officer of Intuit for 11 years before stepping down in 2019. He and his wife, Alys, established the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, which provides increased access and support for education, entrepreneurship mentoring and investment and works to position West Virginia “as a showcase for the nation.”
Jeffrey Sandy is the 2023 local honoree. Sandy is the West Virginia Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. He is a 1979 graduate of Marshall University. During his 43-year career, he has used his Marshall education to successfully accomplish significant investigations and advanced training domestically and internationally.
A social hour at 5:30 p.m. will precede the dinner. This event will also include a silent auction. Other special guests include Christian Spears, Marshall’s athletic director, Mike Bartram, senior analyst and special assistant to the head football coach, and Marco, Marshall’s mascot.
Tickets are $60 and sponsorships range from $600 to $1,500. For tickets or sponsorship information, e-mail Martin at mualumnimovclub@yahoo.com.