Letter from the Editor

I remember sitting in a psychology class in college and being shocked to hear the professor say that one way to get new people to like you is to ask them for a small favor.

"Say what?" I thought. That didn't sound right to me.

But I've been interacting with people a few decades longer now, and I think I get it. Most of us, I believe, like to feel helpful, like we're needed. When we're able to help someone - even in small, seemingly insignificant ways - it builds our confidence a little. Not only that, but it usually causes the receiver to feel gratitude and want to return the favor at some point, and it establishes a good connection.

We like to give. It just feels great for everybody.

In this issue of Marshall Magazine, we're celebrating that feeling you get from giving, and it's been going around a lot here at Marshall, in big ways, small ways, every which way, by every person associated with this university who gives. They could be simply giving directions on campus with a smile, or maybe putting long hours into planning courses, helping a co-worker with a computer issue, bringing the best darn buffalo dip to the tailgate, or donating hard-earned dollars to support programs that help students rise. All of it matters. It all makes Marshall a wonderful place to be and allows the university to keep giving students a strong foundation to pay it forward throughout their careers.

Our cover story takes a look at Marshall's first years under Brad D. Smith's presidency and the remarkable impact of his leadership. You can't talk about giving without highlighting the contributions of Brad and Alys Smith, and what I find inspiring is that, to many who work closely with them, some of their most valued gifts are those of their time, energy and expertise that they chose to offer here at Marshall.

Their financial gifts facilitate incredible amounts of good work, but people get just as excited talking about their masterful leadership - the kind that seeks to understand viewpoints and value everyone's offerings, and to do what's necessary to bring out the best in them for the sake of a worthy cause. That is an ability that isn't found in every leader and is not easily acquired. It generates an energy that propels Marshall forward.

What a gift.

In this issue, we also showcase one of our premier academic programs, engineering, which is housed in an outstanding facility that celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and is a result, in large part, to a significant gift of the Weisberg family, along with the daily contributions of a stellar team of faculty and staff training students for great jobs that will solve some of the world's tough challenges.

We explore some of the ways that we all, as members of the Marshall family, can give of our time, skills and resources to improve circumstances for students, the beauty of the campus and the well-being of the community. Every hour spent, every skill and bit of knowledge shared, every resource that Marshall can harness is priceless.

Also, let us introduce you to some more faces among the Herd who are giving of themselves. They include a couple of students training in fields that will help solve engineering challenges and assist workers throughout their cycle of employment. They include faculty, staff and alumni who give through their broad range of talents, from organizational leadership to guiding students through international learning experiences to entertaining the masses. There's even a furry Marshall fan you'll meet who inspires smiles and - with the help of his owner, a Marshall graduate, and his Instagram account - inspires good works in his home city of Charleston, South Carolina.

It all makes me reflect. What can we give? What do we already give?

Let's be proud of not only the big endeavors - what we give through our occupations and other meaningful work - but also the bonus offerings that we toss into the mix. The compliments we throw in the elevator, the sore throat we have after cheering for the team, the care packages that we put together for stressed students we've been worrying about, the good books and podcasts we pass along, the invites we extend, the walks or drives that we take together so that we can catch up and offer each other advice.

Who could use an encouraging text this week? Who seems edgy and just needs a listening ear so they can vent? Who needs a Tudor's biscuit?

Make that quick phone call. Send that perfect meme. I tell you what: Every small gift that my co-workers have given me - from the Marshall gear to the coffee mugs to the awesome, wooden squirrel from Dollar General sitting on my desk - encourages and reminds me of our shared humanity and mission here at Marshall.

Most of these are not exceptional things. Add them all up, though, and we have a thriving group of people capable of exceptional work for this university that we all love.

Let's keep it going.

Jean Hardiman, Editor