Huntington Times

Marshall University has announced a pledge of $1 million from alumnus Allen Hager in support of the Marshall For All, Marshall Forever program. “I am delighted to receive such a generous financial commitment from Mr. Hager in support of Marshall For All,” said Marshall’s President Brad D. Smith. “Beyond the incredible financial support, Allen is a role model and invaluable thought partner for me and the campus community. As an alum, he has seen the transformational power of Marshall firsthand – and he uniquely understands and appreciates what his contribution means to the next generation of Marshall students.”

The Marshall For All program allows students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities, and family contributions to earn their bachelor’s degree without needing student loans, enabling them to graduate with little to no debt. To qualify, students must complete a FAFSA annually and commit to actions such as graduating on time, pursuing work opportunities, and participating in financial literacy programs.

The program, announced by President Brad D. Smith in 2022, launched last fall with new first-year West Virginians and metro area students. The university plans to expand the program over the next decade with the goal of relieving student debt for all Marshall students by 2037.

“The first 100 Marshall For All students have proven that by Marshall removing a financial barrier and providing wrap-around support services, the university’s students of greatest need are showing higher grade point averages and are being retained in college at rates higher than their peers who are not in the program,” said Ginny Painter, Marshall’s chief of staff. “Ultimately, this means higher graduation rates, improved economic prospects for individuals and economic benefits for the region through a better-educated workforce.”

Hager graduated from Marshall with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs in 1980. He then received an MBA in 1984 from Tulane University and was later part of the executive development program at the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School for Management at Northwestern University.

In 1995, Hager founded Right at Home in Omaha, Nebraska after spending nearly a decade in hospital administration in both West Virginia and Nebraska. Right at Home offers specially trained care staff who assist seniors and adults with disabilities to improve their quality of life right in their own homes. Today, Right at Home has grown to more than 600 locations across the U.S. and internationally.

Hager was a founding member of the Home Care Association of America and served as its legislative chair and board member for eight years.

In addition to the $1 million pledge toward the Marshall For All program, Hager also gave $25,000 in 2017 toward the Brian Angle Leadership Award Endowment.

To learn more about the Marshall For All program, visit www.marshall.edu/marshallforall.