Find Your Place. Build Your Community. Make Your Impact.
The Office of Student Connections and Outreach is here to help you feel at home at Marietta, get involved, and grow into the person you’re meant to become.
We create opportunities for you to explore your identity, engage with others, and experience a campus culture rooted in respect, belonging, and curiosity. Through programs, partnerships, and student-driven opportunities, we help you build meaningful connections across campus and beyond.
Whether you’re discovering new perspectives or sharing your own story, this is a place where every voice matters. You’ll find support, community, and opportunities to engage with people and perspectives that expand your understanding.
At Marietta, community isn’t something you have to find—it’s something we build together.
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Student-Centered Support
Your experience at Marietta is uniquely yours—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our goal is to support your success by helping you feel connected, engaged, and confident as you navigate your Marietta experience. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, explore your interests, or grow as a leader, we’re here to help you take that next step.
You’ll find support through:
- Student organizations and peer connections
- Personalized support and advocacy
- Events and programs that bring the campus community together
- Resources that support your academic and personal growth
Our goal is simple: help you thrive. As you explore campus, you’ll discover a community that values who you are—and who you are becoming.
Faculty and Staff Engagement
Creating an inclusive and supportive campus is a shared commitment.
We partner with faculty and staff to:
- Share best practices that enhance student success
- Create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom
- Build a campus culture where every student feels seen, supported, and valued
Together, we bring learning to life through collaboration and shared learning. By connecting classroom knowledge with real-world understanding, we continue to grow as a campus community that prioritizes connection, respect, and engagement.
Community Engagement
Your experience doesn’t stop at campus borders.
Through partnerships across the Mid‑Ohio Valley, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Engage with local organizations
- Participate in community-based initiatives
- Build relationships that make a difference
These relationships help you gain new perspectives while building meaningful connections in the world beyond campus. Here, you’ll learn that being part of a community means showing up, contributing, and leaving a positive impact—on campus and beyond.
Organizations & Activities
Get Involved
There are many ways to connect, lead, and grow.
Explore opportunities like:
- Cultural and educational programs
- Student organizations and affinity groups
- Campus traditions and signature events
These experiences help you build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form lasting connections. Below, check out some of our student organizations and upcoming activities sponsored by the Office of Student Connections and Outreach.
Your story is still being written—and it begins with connection.
Get involved, build your community, and discover what’s possible at Marietta College.
Black Student Union
Who We Are…
The Black Student Union is an organization dedicated to the intellectual, political, cultural, and social growth and justice of all Marietta College students. Through enriching experiences such as general meetings, programming, leadership and mentoring program, service-learning opportunities, we seek to educate ourselves and the Marietta College community in hopes that awareness will trigger action and ignite change in our communities. Membership in the Black Student Union shall be available to any students interested in social justice in general and the quality of life for Black/African American students in particular on Marietta College’s campus.
2026 Promotion Poster
Brother 2 Brother
Brother to brother is an organization dedicated to the professional and social development of young men and allies, providing opportunities to discuss topics of interest and a safe haven for members. We emphasize creating an environment that offers a range of perspective by popularizing acceptance, respect for one another, and education through constant events, meetings, consulting practices, etc.
This is not only an opportunity to better our campus community, but also serves as an incredible life experience, resume builder, and educational adventure. We are an open-minded, non-judgmental organization that is comprised of a united front of men. We strive to influence these values and goals within the Marietta College community and beyond.
2026 Promotion Poster
Global Connections
CAMP FIRES | GILMAN TAKEOVERS | HIKING
“We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”
Jimmy Carter
Join Global Connections. Get to know other cultures.
- New Experiences: Experience others’ cultures! Being able to see new parts of other cultures in person.
- Be Active on Campus: We provide a fun way to being active on campus throughout the year!
- Fun Events: Having 3-5 events per semester tailored to be fun for all!
- Sharing your culture! Being able to share your own culture with others, seeing them have their own different experiences.
Where to find us:
SnapChat – use this link if you wish to join! https://snapchat.com/t/2HvSzQFH
Email – globalconnections@marietta.edu
2026 Promotion Flyer
International Student Union
ONE COMMUNITY | MANY CULTURES | ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Connect. Support. Thrive. ISU was founded during the fall semester of 2024. ISU serves as a support system for international students, offering numerous opportunities for involvement.
OUR MISSION: Supporting international student by providing academic, emotional, health, cultural, financial, employment, and everyday-life assistance.
SUPPORT & ACTIVITIES:
- Rides to international markets and grocery stores to make your college life easier.
- Discussions on cultural adaptation, racial equity, and health.
- Guidance on U.S. employment and taxes.
REGULAR MEETINGS: Meet regularly to build friendships, share experiences, and create a strong community with students from around the world.
LEADERSHIP ROLES: Build your resume while serving the community! Earn leadership and service hours by taking on available positions.
JOIN US TO CONNECT, SHARE CHALLENGES, AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER! We are here to help.
You belong here.
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER? Email us! mwg001@marietta.edu
2026 Promotion Poster
LGBTQ+ ACTIVISM
LGBTQ+ Activism is a low-commitment, student-led organization.
We serve as activists for queer Pioneers, bridging the gap between the administration and the student body to foster a safe and tolerant campus and community.
Meetings take place weekly at the Barbara Diggs Lyles House.
2026 Promotion Poster
Multicultural Club
Celebrate Culture. Build communities. Create Change.
The multicultural Club is dedicated to celebrating and promoting cultural diversity within the Marietta College community. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Marietta College’s Annual multicultural Festival brings our campus and community together to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures from around the world!
- Experience global food, music, dances, and traditions.
- Explore cultural exhibits and performances.
- Connect with Campus and community members.
Many Cultures. Endless Connections.
Stay connected; Marietta.edu/multicultural-festival
2026 Promotion Poster
United Women of Power
“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” Sheryl Sandberg
United Women of Power is an organization dedicate to advancing equity for women by spreading awareness, advocacy, and action throughout the Marietta College campus an community. We strive to influence these values and goals within the Marietta College Community and beyond.
This is not only an opportunity to better your campus community, but also serves as an incredible life experience resume builder, an educational adventure.
Unite for Women.
2026 Promotion Poster
Exploring Black Slavery: 1619 through Today
Join the Office of Student Connections & Outreach on a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
WHEN: Fall Break (usually early October)
THE EXPERIENCE: Students travel to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, to trace the history of racialized slavery and the Black experience in the United States.
IMPACT & CELEBRATION: Upon their return, participating students present their reflections and findings during the college's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations.
ACTIVITIES: Visit to Legacy Museum; National Memorial for Peace and Justice; Dinner at Martha’s Place; Exploring the Role of the Alabama River; Southern Poverty Law Center’s Civil Rights Memorial Center; Montgomery, Selma an the Civil Rights Movement; Tour Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
COST: Free
Contact Tony Mayle for more information and to register at aam006@marietta.edu.
Register by September 18th. Seating is limited!
2025 Promotion Poster
Resources
STUDENTS: Find your people. Discover your voice. Get involved.
Organizations
- Brother 2 Brother
- Charles Sumner Harrison Organization
- Global Connections
- LGBTQ + Activism
- Black Student Union
- Multicultural Club
- United Women of Power
- International Student Union
FACULTY & STAFF: Support students. Grow together. Make a difference.
Faculty and staff play an essential role in shaping an inclusive, student-centered experience. We offer opportunities for you to deepen your skills, share your passions, and collaborate across campus—so you can better support students and one another.
Resources
- Bias Response Team
- Multicultural Center
Series
- John Lewis Good Trouble
Partnership
- Parkhurst Dining Taste of Diversity
Actions
Working together to support you.
Resources
- Training
- MLK Day of Service Committee
Community
Your Marietta experience doesn’t stop at the edge of campus. We partner with the broader community to create opportunities for learning, service, and celebration. Together, we build understanding, expand perspectives, and strengthen the networks that support you—now and after you graduate.
Opportunities
- Mentor Family Program
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Service
- Multicultural Festival
- International Human Rights Day
- Lunar New Year
- Exploring Black Slavery: 1619 through Today
The Giving Tree invites you to support the Multicultural Center as a welcoming space where students find connection, belonging, and community. Your gift helps expand student programming, leadership and professional development opportunities, and educational initiatives—while supporting the day-to-day needs that keep the center thriving. Together, these contributions create meaningful opportunities for engagement, strengthen community, and enrich the overall student experience.
About the Office of Student Connections and Outreach
CONTACT:
Tony Mayle
Associate Dean of Students
Director of Student Connections and Outreach
740.376.3287
aam006@marietta.edu
VISION: The Office of Student Connections and Outreach envisions Marietta College as a welcoming and supportive community where all students have opportunities to succeed, persist, and graduate. Through student engagement, support services, and educational opportunities, the office strives to foster an environment that values a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds across the campus community.
MISSION: The mission of the Office of Student Connections and Outreach is to support Marietta College’s mission and core values through programs, services, and initiatives that foster student engagement, belonging, and success across the campus community. The office seeks to create a welcoming and supportive environment that values a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds while providing resources and support services that help students navigate their academic and personal journeys, including students who may benefit from additional campus support and connection opportunities.
VALUES:
Liberal Arts Foundation
In-Depth Programs of Study
Global Perspective
World of Work
Community
Leadership
Service
Inspired by the life and legacy of U.S. Representative and civil rights leader John Lewis, this series invites you to explore the power of advocacy, courage, and action. Congressman Lewis spoke at Marietta College on May 17, 2008, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Today, this series continues to bring meaningful conversations and experiences to campus that encourage you to create positive change.
Juneteenth Community Celebration (est. 2021)
Each year, you’re invited to come together with classmates, faculty, staff, and the Marietta community to celebrate Juneteenth. Through inspiring speakers, shared traditions, and a welcoming, joyful atmosphere—including themed food and giveaways—you’ll connect with others while reflecting on the meaning of freedom, resilience, and community.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Day of Learning (est. 2015)
Each January, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and take action in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. Building on his historic March 2, 1967 visit to campus, where King called on the government to address issues of poverty and housing, this annual celebration brings students, faculty, and staff together to explore important social issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and participate in meaningful service experiences that connect learning with impact.
Celebrate the richness of Asian cultures through vibrant performances and traditional cuisine. This long-standing event invites you to experience cultural traditions firsthand while connecting with classmates, faculty, staff, and members of the Marietta community.
Experience culture through food, performance, and shared stories. At this free, community-wide event, students, employees, and local community members come together to prepare and share dishes and performances that reflect their backgrounds. Each dish tells a story—connecting you to cultures from around the world while highlighting the unique spirit of the Marietta community.
This immersive experience gives you the opportunity to explore history in a powerful, personal way. Students travel to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, visiting sites including the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Voting Rights Museum. You’ll walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and engage with stories from those connected to the Civil Rights Movement—connecting classroom learning to real-world understanding. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous alumna and her spouse, this transformative experience is fully funded for participating students.
- 1830s-1850s: Choctaw students enrolled at Marietta Academy, the preparatory department of Marietta College.
- 1830s-1850s: Marietta College students were active in the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad.
- 1873-74: Kantaro Arima, a Japanese student from Kagoshima, was MC’s first international student.
- 1876: Charles Sumner Harrison became Marietta College’s first Black graduate. Harrison went on to become a physician in Washington, D.C. and worked for the Medical Department of the U.S. Pension Bureau. Two of his brothers, John Langston Harrison (1887) and Walter Clifton Harrison (1891) also graduated from Marietta College. Their father was an active UGRR conductor and abolitionist in the local community. Harrison Hall was named in honor of these brothers in August 2012.
- 1893: Marietta College operated the Marietta College for Women.
- 1895: Edward Marsden graduated from Marietta. Marsden was a member of the Tsimshian nation who became the first Alaska Native to be ordained in the ministry.
- 1897: Women were first admitted to Marietta College in equal standing with men.
- 1897: Elizabeth A. Anderson, instructor of rhetoric and English literature, became Marietta College’s first female faculty member.
- 1920s: Dorothy Webster Hall was donated to Marietta College in the late 1920s in honor of Dorothy Webster Mills. After undergoing extensive renovations to transition it from a single-family mansion to a full-fledged residence hall, the building welcomed its first group of women residents in 1930. It was the first residence hall on campus to house women, though today it accommodates both male and female students.
- 1944-45: Marietta College offered a class entitled, “Race Problems,” described as “a study of the facts and theories of race prejudice and race relations.”
- 1940s (WWII-era): Japanese-American students from internment camps attended Marietta College.
- 1951: Barbara Diggs Lyles became the first Black woman graduate of Marietta College. Dr. Lyles went on to teach at Howard University, where she was twice named Professor of the Year in Howard’s School of Education and was the university’s first Distinguished Scholar Teacher. ). Dr. Lyles was recognized in October 2001 with Marietta College’s Distinguished Alumna Award for her contributions to the field of education. She is being honored in the fall of 2023 with a student resident hall named after her.
- 1957: Elsie Newton Hall was the first residence hall built exclusively to house women students. It is named after Elsie Eaton Newton, the College’s first Dean of Women in 1923. This residence hall was built in 1957 to house 54 students.
- 1959: Mary Beach Hall was named in memory of Mary Dawes Beach, one of the first two women graduates of the College, was built in 1959 to originally house female students, though today accommodates both male and female students.
- 1969: Black Student Union formed at Marietta College.
- 1970: Marietta College held its first annual Black Studies Week, during which African American history and culture were highlighted with speakers and performers for campus and community.
- 1972: Amanda Newhouse Carnie graduated with the Class of 1972. Carnie was elected Marietta College's first African American Homecoming Queen in 1969. She went on to a very successful career as an opera soprano.
- 1997: Maya Angelou, poet, author, and civil rights leader, spoke in MC’s Ban Johnson Field House on January 30, 1997.
- 2019: The Charles Sumner Harrison Scholarship, which provides full tuition, was established in 2019. The award is named after Charles Sumner Harrison (Class of 1876), who is the first African-American graduate of the College. He is the first of three brothers from Harmar (west side of Marietta) who completed higher education at Marietta College.
- 2022: An UGRR and abolitionist marker stands on campus, and was dedicated in 2022, to honor the accomplishments and bravery of students and community members that stood for social justice locally and nationally.