BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. - Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine’s Standing Out in Our Field event raised more than $100,000 for its student scholarship endowment. The 11th annual event was held Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the Barboursville Soccer Complex.   

More than 500 guests enjoyed the “Disco Fever” themed fundraising event and outdoor dining experience featuring music by Santa Cruz, dancing and a gourmet menu by Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Executive Chef Don Sallada. More than 100 current and future medical students were volunteer servers.   

“Every year, Standing Out in Our Field reminds us what is possible when our alumni, friends and community come together with a shared commitment to our future physicians,” said Linda Holmes, associate dean for development and alumni affairs at the School of Medicine. “The scholarship endowment is an investment that will continue to make a difference for medical students for generations to come, helping ensure that talented students have the opportunity to pursue their calling without financial barriers standing in their way. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to make this tradition—and its impact—possible.” 

Event sponsors include Marshall Health Network (Title Sponsor); Marshall University Research Corporation (MS-III); Valley Health Systems (MS-III); Champion Industries (MS-II); E.P. Leach & Sons, Inc. (MS-II); Hammers Industries, Inc. (MS-II); Dr. Mark and Monica Hatfield (MS-II); Logan Regional Medical Center (MS-II); Mrs. Diane Mufson in memory of Dr. Maury Mufson (MS-II); OVP Health (MS-II); Radiology Inc.(MS-II); AB Contracting (MS-I); Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate (MS-I); Edward Tucker Architects, Inc. (MS-I); MagMutual Insurance Co. (MS-I); Marathon Petroleum Marine (MS-I); MHN Foundations (MS-I); Network for Hope (MS-I); Ohio Valley Bank (MS-I); Shuman McCuskey Slicer (MS-I); State Electric Supply Co. (MS-I); Keith and Tamara Huffman (Band); Drs. Daniel A. and Gayle A. Brazeau (Chef); Greg and Terry Deppner Hardin (Decorations); Paris Signs (Banner); Mr. David A. Ramella (Decorations); Drs. Monica Valentovic & Gary Rankin (Decorations); and River Park Hospital (Decorations). 

"Investing in our medical students is an investment in the future of West Virginia and the many communities these students will go on to serve,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “My wife Elaine and I were honored to co-chair this event and see our community come together to support the next generation of physicians.” 

Many medical students already arrive with student loan and other debt related to their undergraduate degree, and scholarships help remove the financial burden as a barrier to taking the next step in their career journey. 

"It means a lot to have the support of not only the school of medicine but the alumni that contribute to the scholarship fund," said Matt Bane, fourth-year medical student. "It has really helped me focus less on how to pay for medical school and focus more on what is important, which is my medical education." 

The next Standing Out in Our Field event will be held Saturday, August 28, 2027, at Barboursville Park Soccer Complex. For more information or to make a gift to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, please contact Linda Holmes, at 304.691.1711 or holmes@marshall.edu.   

Event photos are available at jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2026-Events/SOIOF-11.

Date Posted: Monday, August 24, 2026