HUNTINGTON -- This summer, a number of exciting new projects are being constructed on Marshall University's campus.
Among them are a new alumni center, a refurbished basement for the Memorial Student Center and a new CITE (College of Information Technology & Engineering) laboratory. Rebecca Samples, the recently appointed assistant vice president for development, works to oversee the university side of all campus development projects. She works closely with the Marshall Foundation and alumni to help make sure that the funding is in place and all things are running smoothly.
"The CITE laboratory has been part of something called The Bridge campaign which entails not only the CITE building, but also the women's softball complex and the Erickson Alumni Center and Foundation building being built on 5th Avenue," Samples said. "Those three areas that have been the focus of the bridge campaign are Foundation-backed projects.
"Another important project that the Foundation has been behind has been the restoration of the Memorial Fountain on the plaza. The fountain had been in a state of disrepair for some time. Because it is such a landmark for the community and an important part of our heritage, we worked with a committee of family members as well as students to raise funds for its restoration."
Before assuming her new role, Samples, a graduate of the West Virginia University Institute of Technology, formerly worked as the university fund director. She currently lives in Huntington with her husband Stephen. They have two sons, Garret and Owen.
Samples assumed the position of assistant vice president for development on July 1. Lynne Mayer, who formerly had the position, retired last year. Mayer still works as a part-time consultant for the university.
"We work extremely closely with the Marshall University Foundation sharing plans and information for a common goal," Samples said. "Current Marshall Foundation CEO Dr. Ron Area is also the senior vice president for development on the university's side. We work under the same umbrella."
As part of her job, Samples works with the school's long-term donors seeing to it that the school's most ardent supporters have their views represented.
"We have a number of loyal contributors who are alumni and a few who aren't," she said. "They all believe in the strength of Marshall University and higher education in general. Through the course of the day, we work to see to it that the donor's wishes are carried out, and we look at how they wish their funds are used by Marshall University. We are also looking for the next generation of donors among Marshall University alumni and friends.
"Our current biggest priority is the bucks for brains initiative," Samples said.
Authorized in the state legislature last spring, the program authorizes $50 million in funding for research to be divided between Marshall and West Virginia University provided the schools are able to raise matching funds for the projects raising the total to $100 million. The money will be designated into a number of fields including biomedical research, energy and technology.
"Growth is always important for today's students and tomorrow's students," she said.
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