Latest News
Maier Foundation gifts $1 million to Marshall to establish Sandra D. Thomas Scholarship Fund
The Marshall University Foundation is pleased to announce the Maier Foundation has pledged $1 million to establish the Sandra D. Thomas Scholarship Fund at Marshall University.
Sandra D. Thomas, a Raleigh County native and 1977 graduate of Marshall University, was a former member of the Marshall University Board of Governors and an 18-year board member of the Maier Foundation. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away in 2022. The scholarship fund will benefit need-based undergraduate students from West Virginia, with preference to students from Raleigh County.
Marshall Rising Magazine
Winter 2022
The Marshall University Foundation is excited to announce the creation of Marshall Rising, a brand new publication focused on telling the incredible stories of alumni, supporters and friends of Marshall University and their impact on the lives of past, present and future students.
Marshall Rising is a reimagined and expanded version of previous publications created by the Marshall Foundation and will help tell the story of the private support of individuals that helps the university be able to dream big and reach new heights.
Donor Spotlight
Giving back to keep medical talent around
Dr. Friday Simpson had an unconventional path to becoming a doctor.
Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Simpson flew from Panama City, Florida, to Phoenix, Arizona, as a commercial charter pilot for 14 years. After so long, Simpson decided to pursue what she had always loved – medicine.
With some encouragement from her late husband Ted, a Huntington native, she applied and was accepted at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine with dreams of becoming a physician. The process is a bit different than learning to fly.
Planned Giving Spotlight
Legacy of education: Maxine Hurst
Maxine Hurst and her husband Wilburn gave to worthy causes all their lives. With no children of their own, they were able to support their own and other churches, charities and civic projects, as well as supporting their family and friends.
“They never sought credit or recognition,” said Maxine Hurst’s cousin Keith Wellman. “For all of their generosity over the years, Maxine’s final request was to leave the bulk of her estate to her beloved alma mater Marshall University.”
Funded by their estate, the Wilburn and Maxine Hurst Academic Scholarship supports Cabell and Wayne county students in the College of Education and Professional Development. Before her passing in 2018, Maxine Hurst also established the Mona Wellman Samson Scholarship Fund in honor of her mother who was a longtime teacher in Cabell and Wayne counties. That scholarship also supports Wayne County graduates.
Scholar Spotlight
Flight School helps local students achieve their dreams
Growing up, they all looked to the sky. When others dreamt of careers on the ground, they dreamt of soaring with the birds.
Many didn’t think they would do more than dream until they heard the announcement that changed their lives – Marshall University was opening a flight school.
“I was set to study biology,” said Kristen Sayre, a member of the inaugural class of the Bill Noe Flight School and St. Albans native. “I planned to obtain my undergraduate degree out of state. Throughout my senior year of high school, my sights were set on leaving my home state because I did not yet see the opportunities it had for me.”
Sayre isn’t the only one who changed her plans.
