2025 in Review
If 2025 reminds us of anything, it’s that there’s no shortage of good news to celebrate at Marietta College. These moments are a direct reflection of the strength of the campus community, the generosity of alumni and friends, and the energy of Marietta’s students and employees.
Presidential Leadership and Alumni Dedication
There was much to celebrate in leadership. Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty took office as interim president in January and was inaugurated in October as Marietta’s 21st president. Over the course of the year she led several initiatives that set the course for the College's future. She also connected with alumni and friends through an eight-month, 10-city President’s Pioneer Tour, sharing updates, listening to stories, and discussing what’s happening on campus and the vision of campus moving forward.
Dr. Suzanne Walker, who was named interim provost in January, was appointed to the provost position in fall.
One of the year’s biggest conversations centered on More History To Make: A Strategic Vision for Marietta College, which was strengthened by a $4 million transformative gift from Joe P’97, H’10 and Linda Chlapaty, whose generosity aimed at inspiring others to follow suit. Another powerful example of support came from Pioneer Parents Mike and Julie Milone P’12, whose $1 million transformational gift fully funded the new Milone Center for Academic and Career Success in Legacy Library, creating a dedicated home for student advising, career preparation, and exploration.
The Marietta community also showed up in a big way for Day of Giving 2025. A remarkable 1,021 alumni, students, parents, employees, and friends came together to meet the Trustee Challenge, raising a record-breaking $486,787 for The Marietta Fund in just 24 hours—a true reminder of what collective generosity can do.
Academic Excellence and Athletic Gold
The reimagined Landmark Experience Day put student research, internships, and creative work on full display. Abroad, 11 students and their professors shared a daily travelogue from Spain, made possible through the Ron ’72 and Simi Shelton Rinard International Travel Grants Program. Closer to home, two Marietta Choose Ohio First Scholars presented research at the Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase in Columbus — the first time Marietta students had been invited to participate.
The Teacher Education Program was one of 22 programs nationwide recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation with the 2025 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement award.
In Athletics, Men’s Rowing won Gold at the Dad Vail Regatta and competed in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship, and Volleyball won back-to-back OAC regular season conference championships.
Improving Campus and Embracing the Region
Campus experienced a renovation boom, as generous donors provided support to upgrade a number of spaces on campus, including new flooring in Fenton Court and Rickey Science Center, improved classrooms and labs, updated HVAC systems and chillers, new turf at the softball field, and the addition of Chi Omega Court between Thomas and Erwin Halls.
Most of the renovations were completed by the time Homecoming 2025 drew more than 400 alumni and friends to enjoy the return of the Marietta Serenades. Among the alumni returning was Bart Gullong ’70, who also was the keynote speaker for May’s Commencement Ceremony.
In November, campus, regional, industry and government leaders celebrated the launch of the Center for Appalachian Innovation, which will advance innovation, economic growth, and community engagement throughout Appalachian Ohio by conducting research, providing opportunities to convene, and giving capacity-building support to local and regional governments and small businesses.
Finally, the incredible support from our alumni and friends have helped Marietta College rank No. 1 Best Value Colleges in Ohio by Niche.com — thank you!