When asked why he chose to support working students at Fairmont State, Lambiotte explained that he hadn’t really considered establishing a scholarship until he had an opportunity to visit campus in 2023 and spend some time speaking with students.
“The campus visit was somewhat emotional for me and brought back a lot of memories,” said Lambiotte. “While the tuition cost back in my day was really cheap, it was still a struggle to attend college. Most of my memories related to the jobs I had done to stay in school. I worked in three different gas stations starting the summer between my junior and senior years of high school and continuing through my college years. At that time, working in a gas station was not like working in a convenience store/gas station today. You actually pumped gas for the customers, washed cars and did mechanic work.” “During my visit, I thought about how I would have appreciated some financial support when I was in college,” Lambiotte continued. “I was really impressed with the quality of the students I met during my visit. I realized that some students are struggling with finances while attending school and hope I can help some who are in that situation.” “Having the opportunity to reconnect alumni like Brent with current students is immensely rewarding,” according to Timothy Liebrecht, Director of Development and Corporate Relations at the Fairmont State Foundation. “In his visit, Brent afforded students the opportunity to ask him questions as he shared life lessons and career insights with them. This type of engagement impacts students’ futures by giving them access to unique perspectives and practical advice. We are incredibly grateful for his time on campus and his decision to make this financial investment in Fairmont State students. Brent is a perfect example of how one individual can make a truly life-changing impact.” Lambiotte earned his Education degree with an Industrial Arts focus from Fairmont State. After teaching in a high school setting, he went on to build a career in automotive supply chain and logistics, working for several automotive companies, including Mercedes-Benz and Honda. During his career pursuits, Lambiotte achieved an MBA from The Ohio State University, received three professional certifications, and was admitted to practice before the Interstate Commerce Commission. After leaving his automotive career, Lambiotte shared his industry knowledge and expertise as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business, and taught certification classes to working professionals who were pursuing certification by The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
Joseph Guido attended Fairmont State for two years before enlisting in the armed forces to fight for his country during World War II. Upon his return, Joseph completed his undergraduate degree at Fairmont State and went on to earn a doctorate in dentistry from the University of Maryland. He returned to Fairmont with his wife Therese, of Baltimore, Maryland, and he served the Fairmont community as a dentist from 1951 until the mid-1980s.
Joseph and Therese raised five children, each attending classes at Fairmont State. John graduated magna cum laude in 1982 with an accounting-focused business degree and a love for economics. John’s brothers chose advanced education in medicine and pharmacy at West Virginia University after their time at Fairmont State, and his sister earned degrees in nursing and psychology at Fairmont State before pursuing a degree in education from Virginia Tech. John credits his father with instilling his ambition and drive, while his mother demonstrated the importance of patience. He has carried these qualities with him through his educational pursuits and into his successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. John’s wife Kat is a skilled homemaker and community volunteer, and he credits her role as a caregiver for his continued professional success and the successes of their daughter Josilyn. When asked why they chose to support first-generation students pursuing healthcare and accounting degrees, John said “I am inspired by ambition, and I believe those who pursue challenging careers in these fields should be supported. Kat and I hope that the students who receive this scholarship are highly ambitious and can achieve the success that my siblings and I have achieved because of our time at Fairmont State.” “We are grateful for John and Kat Guido’s generous gift. As a first-generation student myself, I know from experience that being the first in your family to go to college presents obstacles. The Dr. & Mrs. Joseph P. Guido Memorial Scholarship will help more first-generation students overcome those obstacles and succeed,” said Dr. Mike Davis, president of Fairmont State University. “On top of financial obstacles first-generation students face, accounting and healthcare are challenging majors. This generous scholarship will allow students in these fields to focus on academic success on their way to becoming exceptional accounting and healthcare professionals.” John Guido serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Fairmont State Foundation. Josilyn, a third-generation Falcon and the daughter of John and Kat, is currently enrolled at Fairmont State and will graduate this year with a degree in studio art and a minor in digital technology and design. The Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Guido Memorial Scholarship will be available to first-generation college students in their sophomore, junior, or senior years who study for degrees in the areas of health sciences, nursing, or accounting. Preference will be given to students expressing interest in becoming a physician, pharmacist, nurse, or certified public accountant in public practice. Recipients must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better. |
