Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine celebrated a remarkable milestone with its tenth annual Standing Out in Our Field fundraising event, raising more than $120,000 for the school’s student scholarship endowment. Held back in August at the Barboursville Soccer Complex, the evening highlighted the power of community, generosity, and tradition.

More than 500 guests gathered for the “Viva Las Vegas” themed celebration, enjoying live music by Santa Cruz, dancing under the stars, and a gourmet dinner prepared by Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Executive Chef Don Sallada. Adding to the unique spirit of the event, more than 100 current and future medical students volunteered as servers, allowing attendees to meet some of the aspiring physicians whose lives are directly impacted by the scholarships.

“Ten years isn’t just a milestone – it’s a legacy honoring a decade of generosity, community, and support for our medical students,” said Linda Holmes, associate dean for development and alumni affairs at the School of Medicine. “Standing Out in Our Field has grown into a tradition with a powerful purpose: raising essential scholarship funds that help future physicians follow their calling by easing the burden of financial barriers. Year after year, this event proves that when we come together, we don’t just celebrate, we change lives. I look forward to many more years of Standing Out in Our Field.”

The event’s success was made possible through the generosity of its sponsors, led by title sponsor Marshall Health Network, the School of Medicine’s major teaching hospital partner. Additional sponsors included Marshall University Research Corporation; Valley Health Systems, Inc.; Champion Industries, Inc.; E.P. Leach & Sons; Hammers Industries, Inc.; Logan Regional Medical Center; Dr. Maury & Mrs. Dian Mufson; OVP Health; Radiology Inc.; Retina Consultants of America; Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate; MagMutual Insurance Company; Marathon Petroleum; Network for Hope; Ohio Valley Bank; Omega Commercial Interiors; Shuman, McCuskey Slicer PLLC; State Electric Supply Co.; Keith and Tamara Huffman; Edward Tucker Architects Inc.; King Spirits; Drs. Daniel & Gayle Brazeau; The Thrasher Group, Inc.; Mr. Greg and Mrs. Terry Deppner Hardin; and Sandy’s Racing | Gaming.

For the students, the night was especially meaningful. “Standing Out in Our Field is an awesome opportunity for our community to come out to support School of Medicine scholarships,” said Matthew Bane, a third-year medical student from Keyser. “One thing that really makes Marshall stand out is that everyone is family and everyone bleeds green.”

Looking ahead, the next Standing Out in Our Field will take place in August 2026 at the Barboursville Soccer Complex. With a decade of success behind it, the event continues to shine as a celebration of community and a lifeline for students who dream of becoming the next generation of physicians.

For more information or to make a gift to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, contact Linda Holmes at 304.691.1711 or holmes@marshall.edu.