Marshall University’s 2023 Homecoming: A “Super” Time for Celebrating the Herd

Staff  •  October 18, 2023

Homecoming at Marshall University is a week full of exciting events and activities. Beyond the celebrations, Homecoming is also an opportunity for members of the Marshall community to reconnect and come together as one herd and reflect on how the university has changed throughout the years. This year’s 2023 Homecoming celebrations built off the sentiment of change, following a theme of “Super Marco: Level Up,” which honors Marshall “leveling up” in stature as well as the history of video games.

Unifying the Herd 

Aligned with tradition, this year’s Homecoming festivities officially began with the annual “Unity Walk” — an event of Marshall University alumni, students, faculty and staff, and community members coming together to walk the campus as one unit. In an interview with WOWKTV, current student Samantha Riddle reflected on the purpose of the walk saying, “It’s just a very good way to see the organizations come together and show how together we can unify and be one.” The Unity Walk also exemplifies the sentiment that President Brad D. Smith often reiterates: “Marshall for All. Marshall forever.” As the university’s president and as a Marshall alumni himself, Brad also joined in on the Unity Walk — one of his favorite Homecoming activities.

Marshall Traditions Level Up

Sons and daughters of Marshall from the past and present enjoyed an array of traditions both new and old, all honoring Marshall’s rich history. Events that saw a return to Homecoming week included the Ms. Captivating Pageant, an office decorating contest, tailgating, class reunions, the Homecoming parade, family brunch and even a Sneaker Ball. The celebrations continued on Saturday, with the Herd proving victorious on the football field, winning the Homecoming game against Old Dominion University.

Apart from the yearly favored celebrations, this year’s Homecoming festivities “leveled up” and introduced some new events to the annual bash. Marshall’s Homecoming pep rally and bonfire brought together students and alumni with special activities and performances from the Marching Thunder and cheerleaders. Another exciting addition to the schedule of events was the Black Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony. During the inaugural ceremony, ten distinguished Marshall alumni were honored for their impact and service to their communities.

Coming Home to Marshall

For many alums like Brad D. Smith, Homecoming is a chance to appreciate the deep connection they share with the university. As an alumnus and West Virginia native, Brad has maintained a close relationship with his alma mater throughout the years. Before coming into office as Marshall’s president, he helped establish scholarships for students in underserved areas and assisted the university with founding an entrepreneurship program — the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator — to help students take action on their business ideas. With every initiative he’s supported, Brad has maintained a focus on moving the students and university forward to create opportunities and better futures for all.

“We Are…Marshall”

Although Homecoming week is fueled by exciting events, it is much more than the pomp and circumstance of the activities. It is a time for alumni, students and friends to celebrate their school pride, reflect on memories and create new ones — never forgetting that “We Are…Marshall.”

Read more on all the excitement of Marshall’s 2023 Homecoming celebrations here.