Distinguished alumnus and Cabinet Secretary of the W. Va. Department of Homeland Security Jeff Sandy stands at the podium during Tuesday night’s Marshall University Alumni Dinner at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna. (Photo by Josh Hughes)

VIENNA — Back for the first time since COVID-19 shuttered the event, the Marshall University Alumni Dinner raised money with a silent auction with proceeds going towards scholarships for future members of the Herd.

Several guests graced the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center on Tuesday night in Vienna. This year’s distinguished alumnus was Jeff Sandy. A 1979 graduate of Marshall, Sandy previously served as the sheriff of Wood County before moving on to serve as cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

“Our goal this year is to go over $300,000 raised for Marshall University,” Sandy said of the fundraising efforts. “Secondarily, I’m glad they decided to vote to honor me because there have been fantastic people honored before me like coach Buddy James and Dale Lowther on the Marshall board of governors.”

MU President Brad Smith was complimentary of the Mid-Ohio Valley chapter, as it was named the alumni chapter of the year for seventh time by the Marshall Alumni Association.

“Well, the Mid-Ohio Valley Alumni Association is candidly the standard by which all other alumni associations are measured,” he said. “They’ve had such a huge impact on our student body, and it’s just a pleasure to be with them and to see all this kelly green and these smiling faces. Secretary Sandy is a true son of Marshall. He is the exemplar. He is the one who has leaned in and kept this chapter strong. As soon as we announced that we had a goal that we wanted all our students to have jobs, he leaned in with 1,000 jobs this year and said ‘I’ll help every Marshall student get a job.’ He’s incredible, and he gives it every single day.”

Several items were auctioned off to benefit scholarships for Marshall University students. One item was a custom-made colt anaconda revolver from Novak’s in Parkersburg. (Photo by Josh Hughes)

Gov. Jim Justice made an appearance with prepared remarks about Sandy, as the night was just getting started. Also speaking on the night’s proceedings were previous distinguished alumnus honorees, James and Lowther.

“Years ago, we used to have this at the country club,” James recalled. “We had a lot of Marshall people come, and then it kind of phased out. Then, they brought it back. The women who run it now (President Laurie Martin and Vice President Jill Parsons) do a fabulous job. They work hard to raise a lot of money for scholarships. Marshall means everything to me. I played football and wrestled there. And, my two daughters graduated from there. It’s a family thing.”

Lowther’s Marshall experience is one he’ll never forget, as well.

“This is probably the best Marshall alumni chapter in the United States,” he said. “I’m from Parkersburg, and that makes me feel good. I was on the board of governors and was the head of finances for eight years at Marshall University. We had a big expansion and probably, the most buildings were built during that time, too. From that, I went into the Commissioner of Higher Education. I had to go negotiate a $3 billion contract there for higher education. I did all I could to give back to the community and Marshall University.”

Athletically, the Thundering Herd was well represented. Athletic Director Christian Spears, head football coach Charles Huff and brand new women’s basketball coach (and Parkersburg native) Kim Stephens were there.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice speaks to the crowd with remarks about distinguished alumnus Jeff Sandy during Tuesday night’s Marshall University Alumni Dinner at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna. (Photo by Josh Hughes)

Additionally, the executive director of alumni relations Matt James was appreciative of the turnout of more than 200 people.

“I became the executive director six months ago, and it was very quickly brought to my attention that Parkersburg is the heartbeat of our alumni network,” he said. “With not just raising money for scholarships, but with how they build awareness around the state. Students in the area understand they’ve got multiple options for higher education in the state. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to check this event out, and I’m impressed. To have more than 200 people RSVP, it’s just a testament.