Alumni Weekend herds in previous graduates

Marshall University’s Alumni Association has its 78th annual Alumni Weekend Friday through Saturday on campus.

Alumni will have dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the experimental theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Following dinner is the showing of “Clybourne Park,” performed by Marshall’s theatre department at 7:30. 

“A lot of our folks that want to come for alumni weekend were looking for a good event on Friday evening, and it’s worked out really well.” said Matt Hayes, executive director of Alumni Relations.  “The MU theatre has had a production for the last two or three years and its coincided with alumni weekend and it’s had a great deal of success. It’s an attractive event. Our folks really enjoy experiencing the show and having a nice meal and having the opportunity to reconnect with folks here on campus.”

The Grand Class Breakfast is 9 a.m. Saturday in the Erickson Alumni Center.

“We’re honoring the class of 1965 this year,” Hayes said. “It’s their 50 year reunion, and we also take this opportunity to honor members of the grand class. Members who graduated in 1964 or previous are members of our grand class.”

After the breakfast there is a fountain ceremony at the Memorial Student Center Plaza before the Green and White Game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

“We always try to do that,” Hayes said. “It does create sort of a busy weekend for everyone but it makes the most of the opportunity for the people who are traveling far away to come in and have a nice selection of events to choose from.”

The Alumni Awards Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday to honor the 2015 Marshall Distinguished Alumni Award recipient General Anthony Crutchfield.

“He has risen to a level of leadership in his career with the military that not many people have the opportunity to,” Hayes said. “Having a son of Marshall in that position of leadership with our nations military is quite a feat.”

Hayes said they are expecting a good turnout.

“We’re expecting a big number of people,” Hayes said. “It’s always a great event. Everyone that attends always has a great time. … Marshall is a great institution and our alumni do amazing things.”

Sara Ryan can be contacted at [email protected].