Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., a West Virginia native who won “America’s Got Talent” in season six, and Marshall University President Brad Smith will be the featured guests at the dinner and program of the Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley on April 4 at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center, 1500 Grand Central Ave., Vienna. The event raises funds for scholarships for local students going to Marshall. (Photo Provided)

VIENNA — An annual scholarship fundraiser for local students planning to attend Marshall University will feature the president of the college and a nationally famous crooner.

The dinner and program sponsored by the Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Chapter of the Mid-Ohio Valley will be held on April 4 at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center, 1500 Grand Central Ave., Vienna.

The event will feature President Brad Smith and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., a West Virginia native and season 6 winner of “America’s Got Talent.” Rather than a full concert, Murphy will sing a few songs for the audience, according to Laurie Martin, chapter president.

Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The event is a scholarship fundraiser for students in Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Pleasants, Tyler, Doddridge and Washington counties. The chapter’s mission is to raise funds for scholarships for high school seniors who will attend Marshall University their freshman year.

“We have also been able to create an endowment with additional funds we have raised over the years,” Martin said. “Upperclassmen can apply for the scholarships that are created from our endowment.”

Smith also will be the keynote speaker on March 22 at the 55th annual Community Leadership Dinner sponsored by the Kootaga District of the Buckskin Council Boy Scouts of America.

Smith was born in Kenova, W.Va., and was chief executive officer of Intuit from 2008-2018. A graduate of Marshall University, he became the president of the college on Oct. 28, 2021.

Murphy, since “America’s Got Talent,” has recorded five albums with his first original album released in February. He holds the record for winning “America’s Got Talent” by the largest margin.

He is a spokesman for West Virginia Adult Education, received the Ten Outstanding Young American Award and has created Landau’s Kids Joy Toy Drive. Murphy represented the United States at the Dubai Expo2020.

Tickets are $75 each for individuals and includes the dinner, performance, program and auctions. Tickets must be purchased in advance by March 21. No tickets will be sold at the door, Martin said.

Ticket purchases and information about table sponsorships are available by calling Martin at 304-488-3297.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.