For members of the Marshall University Chorus, the day begins early. Their months of rehearsals have led to the day’s time-honored tradition.
Ready to sing Simon & Garfunkel’s Homeward Bound and end with Marshall’s alma mater, the choir has their sheet music ready in their choral folders as they ready to honor one of Marshall’s most treasured traditions, the Memorial Fountain Ceremony.
The choir and the crowd gathered near the fountain, its waters soon to be stilled for a moment of reflection.
The music carried across the plaza, touching hearts of alumni, students, families—anyone who stood in the shadow of the fountain knew they were hearing something sacred.
Standing in the crowd is a high schooler from Baltimore, Ohio, named Zach Falther, who is visiting on a campus tour. He discovered Marshall by the nationally-ranked forensic chemistry program and came to tour on an important date in the university’s history—November 14.
“I had no idea at the time that it was going on,” he said. “I got to see part of the ceremony and see how big of a family Marshall is. And I just immediately fell in love with the university.”
He couldn’t forget the image of the fountain ceremony in his mind, the people gathered, forever bonded by loss.
Zach returned to Marshall as a student in fall 2012 and he quickly became involved on campus, including playing the clarinet the Marching Thunder and singing in the Marshall University Chorus.
Zach’s first experience on campus came full circle senior year when a football game fell on the date of the memorial fountain ceremony, and he performed at halftime with the Marching Thunder.
“It was a big game, and we got to remember the 75,” Zach said. “I will never forget the experience.”
Zach graduated from Marshall’s criminal justice program and the Honors College in December 2015.
Looking back on his time as a Marshall student, Zach credits the university with providing him not only with a strong educational foundation but also with a network of lifelong friends and mentors.
“Everybody was always so friendly. I made so many great friends there that I still talk to this day,” Zach said.
While he came to campus for the program, he stayed for the family. Zach’s moved a bit around the country, but comes back to campus when he’s close by.
He carries with him the values and experiences he gained at Marshall—forever a proud member of the Herd.
Each year, on November 14, the Marshall family continues to stand together united in remembrance, resilience and hope.
