Air Force veteran creates scholarship supporting Fairmont Senior High School graduates

George Robert Tackett, a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, has created a scholarship for graduates of his alma mater wishing to attend Fairmont State University. Tackett gifted $26,000 to Fairmont State University to establish the G. Robert Tackett, Class of 1948 Scholarship Endowment.

​After his high school graduation in 1948, Tackett briefly attended Fairmont State College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1950 to serve during the Korean War. Four years later, Tackett returned stateside to Stead Air Force Base in Reno, Nevada, where he made his home.

Tackett currently has a family scholarship at a Reno community college and desired to create a similar opportunity for Fairmont Senior High School students wishing to attend Fairmont State University.
 
“It is wonderful to be able to offer this new scholarship to a student who will be attending Fairmont State University, following in the footsteps of Mr. Tackett,” said Alex Eddy, counselor at Fairmont Senior High School. “Approximately 54% of our graduates at Fairmont Senior High School pursue a college degree and 40% receive some type of scholarship.”
 
Recipients of the G. Robert Tackett, Class of 1948 Scholarship Endowment must be full-time undergraduate students at Fairmont State University, a graduate from Fairmont Senior High School and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
 
“Although Mr. Tackett resides states away, the fondness he has for his hometown and alma mater is shown clear as day through this contribution,” said Fairmont State Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Life Alicia Kalka. “We are beyond grateful for Mr. Tackett considering the younger generation of Fairmont with this scholarship.”
 
“It is incredibly meaningful to us that as Falcons grow and find success, no matter where they settle, they remember and celebrate their roots and the impact Fairmont State has made on their lives,” said Rachel Rae Dyer, President of Fairmont State Foundation. “We are excited to see the success this scholarship will provide for Fairmont Senior High School graduates at Fairmont State. We are grateful and humbled Mr. Tackett has entrusted his legacy to us.”