Marshall’s alumni chapters unite for a yearlong crowdfunding campaign to support the Marshall For All program, matched by presidential support
By Rebecca Stephens
The connection between alumni and their alma mater is special. Shaped by years of learning, campus traditions and lasting friendships, that connection doesn’t end at graduation — especially for those involved with an alumni chapter.
For the Marshall University Alumni Association’s alumni chapters, this connection serves as a powerful reminder that the college experience extends far beyond the classroom. These chapters foster community, provide meaningful ways for graduates to remain engaged with the university, and support current students through their collegiate journeys.
On July 1, the Alumni Association launched its Alumni Chapter Match — a yearlong crowdfunding campaign in which the chapters will raise funds for the Marshall For All program. All dollars raised through the Alumni Chapter Match campaign in support of the Marshall For All program, which runs through June 30, 2027, will be matched by President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith.
“Our alumni chapters are doing remarkable work,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “We are thankful for their impact, growth and momentum, and for the many ways they support the university and our students. We are also deeply grateful to Brad and Alys for their generosity in matching the gifts raised throughout this Alumni Chapter Match. Marshall For All students will have the opportunity to succeed because of their tremendous efforts.”
Marshall For All students will have the opportunity to succeed because of their tremendous efforts.
Nico Karagosian
President and CEO, Marshall University Foundation
Members of the Southern Coalfields Alumni and Big Green Chapter receive an award at the 87th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet, where the Alumni Chapter Match benefiting the Marshall For All program was announced.
With 31 active alumni chapters, the Alumni Association has a strong network of proud graduates who support Marshall, devoting their time and energy to recruiting new students, mentoring current students, and raising funds for scholarships to ensure that Marshall students succeed academically and without financial burdens.
Announced at the 87th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet in April, this initiative offers the chapters an opportunity to support Marshall For All students while also allowing them to engage in some healthy competition.
“One thing that’s important to know about our chapters is they love friendly competition,” said Walker Tatum, director of alumni engagement. “This crowdfunding campaign is the perfect opportunity for them to set new fundraising goals, achieve new milestones, and to ultimately succeed in supporting one of the university’s most important endeavors.”
Members of the Woodlands Alumni Chapter come together with friends and family during the Alumni Association’s annual Homecoming tailgate in October 2025.
Alumni Chapter Match will include individualized chapter goals, with new benchmarks as each goal is met. Friends, family and fellow alumni who are connected to a chapter are encouraged to support them by making a gift.
For the Smiths, the crowdfunding campaign represents an opportunity to encourage even broader alumni participation. Their matching commitment is intended to inspire alumni to come together and increase the impact of every gift toward the Marshall For All program.
“As an alum, I know the importance of supporting your alma mater,” President Smith said. “Alys and I believe in the mission of our alumni chapters, and we have every confidence they will rise to the challenge in support of our students and their future.”
Alys and I believe in the mission of our alumni chapters, and we have every confidence they will rise to the challenge in support of our students and their future.
Brad D. Smith
President, Marshall University
The Marshall For All program allows students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions to earn their bachelor’s degree without the need for student loans, making it possible for students to graduate with little to no debt.
Marshall aims to expand the program over the next decade so that every student has the opportunity to graduate debt-free by the university’s bicentennial in 2037.
