Since its construction in 2009, Legacy Library has been the heart of Marietta College’s campus. This summer, thanks to a generous donation from Pioneer parents Mike and Julie Milone P’12, the first floor of the library will also become the centralized location for integrated student academic and career services.
Construction of the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success — a $1 million project funded fully by the Milones — is set for this summer and is expected to be completed by early fall.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mike and Julie Milone for believing in the mission of this project,” said Interim President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. “This new Center reflects our commitment to helping students succeed during their time here and thrive in their lives beyond Marietta College. The Milones’ generosity speaks to their inspiring vision and their deep dedication to helping our students achieve career success and build meaningful and productive futures.”
The Milone Center will redefine how Marietta supports career readiness, experiential learning, and academic success in every student, underscoring the transformational education that will prepare them for life after graduation. The project will centralize the services of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, Education Abroad, the Academic Resource Center, the Communication Center, the Writing Center and will include a new Information Center.
The location of the Center for Academic and Career Success in the library is especially important as it brings together the students in a place of knowledge and learning. Librarians and library support staff are essential partners in student academic success.
The Milones’ history with the College began when their son, John ’12, was a Psychology major and a scholar in in the esteemed McDonough Center for Leadership & Business. John’s wife, Gail Fitchett Milone ’12 was a Health Science major.
During that time, Mike Milone was asked to lecture to a Leadership class as a result of his involvement with international business. Eventually he provided lectures for classes in Economics, Political Science and Psychology on various topics. This led to his tenure on Marietta’s Board of Trustees (2015–2019).
“When brainstorming opportunities to strengthen the College, particularly enrollment, the Board concluded a strong belief from prospective parents that positive career outcomes are a major selling point,” Mike Milone said. “Stealing an idea from my alma mater where a new building dedicated to Career Services was recently constructed, we envisioned a center committed to career services, which was expanded to include other support and success functions.”
One of the most innovative features of the new space will be a suite of interview rooms where students can prepare for and participate in job and internship interviews — both in-person and virtually. These rooms will provide a professional setting for mock interviews, recruiter calls, and graduate school conversations, helping students gain confidence and sharpen their communication skills in a real-world environment.
Dr. Jackie Khorassani, Senior Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, understands how important experiential learning is to the success of every student.
“Thanks to this transformative gift, the first floor of the library will become a vibrant hub where students are inspired to dream big and take ownership of their future,” said Professor Khorassani. “By combining academic support, global education, and a reimagined approach to career development — one that encourages students to explore boldly, take initiative, and not be afraid to try new things — we’ll empower them to discover who they are, what drives them, and how they can create opportunities for themselves and their communities.”
The Milones believe that education is one of the most important gifts that can be given.
“Education opens doors to the future,” Mike Milone said. “The goal of education is improved life outcomes. Career services, student support and success improve outcomes and open opportunities.”
They feel strongly about this and experienced it personally. While Mike was in graduate business school, he held a work-study position in the Placement Office. Julie was his supervisor, though the couple didn’t date until Julie had graduated and moved on from that role.
“Long story made short, (our) work in the placement office related directly to (Mike’s) job and 32-year career with one company, not to mention 44 years of marriage, two children and four grandchildren (still counting),” Julie said.
Sarah Long, Marietta’s Director of Philanthropy, expressed gratitude for the Milones’ visionary gift.
“This extraordinary gift will have a profound impact on both current students and generations to come,” said Sarah Long, Marietta’s Director of Philanthropy. “It emphasizes our unwavering commitment to helping students develop the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to thrive after college. We’re incredibly grateful for the Milones’ vision and generosity—this investment in student success will help carry Marietta College’s tradition of excellence into its second century with energy and purpose.”