Ohio Valley Bank recently made a $50,000 gift in support of Marshall University’s new College of Business facility, which will be constructed at 4th Avenue and 15th Street. Construction will begin soon, as the Marshall University’s Board of Governors recently approved the off-campus location, further expanding Marshall University into downtown Huntington and the local business sector.
Continuing their generous support of Marshall’s students and the university’s initiatives, Ohio Valley Bank has provided funds that encourage educational excellence across many disciplines and through scholarships for six consecutive years.
“Ohio Valley Bank’s mission is Community First. Our job is to help our hometowns thrive, and as a local institution of higher learning, Marshall University plays an important role in securing a successful future for our community,” said Larry Miller, president of Ohio Valley Bank.
“Too often we see talented young men and women grow up and leave home to pursue their dreams. We applaud Marshall University for their efforts to keep our ‘homegrown’ talent where they are needed most. Having a constantly improving campus with industry-edge technology and educators right here in Huntington signals to the next generation that they do not have to leave to thrive,” Miller said. “Keeping these youth local means more than sustaining the population, it also means more qualified job applicants for our area’s businesses and connected citizens to succeed leadership roles.”
Dr. Jerome Gilbert, president of the university, said he hopes others will be in inspired by the generosity of Ohio Valley Bank.
“When we announced plans to build a new College of Business building for our students, we knew we would need help from key players in our region who want to support the growth and advancement of our graduates,” Gilbert said. “We are grateful for business leaders like Larry Miller, Bryan Stepp and Mario Liberatore, and companies like Ohio Valley Bank who step up, and give back in a way that will make a truly positive impact on future Sons and Daughters of Marshall for years to come.”
The plan to construct a new College of Business facility was announced after a $25 million gift from Brad and Alys Smith in the fall of 2018. The facility will house Marshall University’s Center for Entrepreneurial and Business Innovation (iCenter), and accommodate two new degree programs, a Bachelor of Arts in General Business and a Doctor of Business Administration.
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Photo: Pictured in the front row are Rosie Brydie, senior director of philanthropy, Marshall University Foundation; Dr. Jerome Gilbert, president, Marshall University; Bryan Stepp, senior vice president, Ohio Valley Bank; Jon Jones, western Cabell region manager, Ohio Valley Bank; Mario Liberatore, West Virginia president, Ohio Valley Bank; Dr. Ron Area, chief executive officer, Marshall University Foundation; Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee, dean, Marshall University Lewis College of Business. In the back row are Larry Miller, president and COO, Ohio Valley Bank; Tom Wiseman, chief executive officer, Ohio Valley Bank; Benjamin Pewitt, commercial loan officer, Ohio Valley Bank.