The foundation established by University of Alabama head coach and Monongah native Nick Saban and his wife, Terry, has funded a scholarship to honor Kerry Marbury, a long-time family friend who died in June.
“The older we get, the clearer it becomes that true friendships go beyond distance and time and circumstances,” said Nick Saban. “If one has but a few true friends, then indeed, that is the richest treasure of all. Kerry Marbury was a friend from childhood who was like a member of my family.” The Kerry Marbury Memorial Scholarship, established by the Nick’s Kids Foundation, will provide funds to Fairmont State students from Marion County with financial need starting in fall 2020. Marbury died from cancer June 23 at his home in Fairmont. He graduated from Monongah High School, where he and Saban were classmates and teammates. Marbury teamed with Saban to lead Monongah to consecutive Class A state championships in 1968 and 1969. He finished with more than 6,000 rushing yards in his prep career, including 402 in a game against Kingwood. Marbury earned such honors as All-State in 1968 and 1969, All-American in 1969, West Virginia Back of the Year in 1969, and ranked in the top 100 players in the United States in 1969. “My father, Nick Saban Sr., coached Kerry and me on the Black Diamond Pop Warner football team, and Kerry and I were teammates on the Monongah High football team, winning the 1968 and 1969 Class A state championships together. No matter where our paths took us, Kerry always stayed in touch and showed his support and caring.” In high school, Marbury lettered in football for four years, track for four years, and basketball for two years. He played football at WVU from 1971-1972, and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1976, but eventually left football by the age of 24. Marbury rushed for 1,665 yards and 22 touchdowns over the 1971 and 1972 seasons at WVU. He carried the ball 145 times for 890 yards as a sophomore, before rushing for 775 yards on 150 attempts as a junior. He also set the school’s single-game rushing record with 291 yards rushing against Temple, a mark that has since been topped. “Kerry will always be remembered not only for his talent as a football player, but also for his true grit and determination in overcoming adversity in his life to become a positive impact on others in his community,” Saban said. “We hope that this scholarship will help other local young adults continue their education to positively impact their lives and that it will honor Kerry Marbury's name.” Marbury attended Fairmont State University, where he earned his bachelor’s in 1990. He earned his master’s from West Virginia University in 1991. “Fairmont State University is thrilled and touched to offer The Kerry Marbury Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the Nick’s Kids Foundation,” Mirta M. Martin, president of Fairmont State University, said. “We are thrilled because this scholarship will give deserving kids – those hard-working Marion County students with financial need who seek a Fairmont State education – the support they need to succeed. But it’s also touching, knowing the history of deep friendship and love between the scholarship’s namesake and Nick Saban. That same spirit of friendship and family is intertwined with everything we do at Fairmont State.” Marbury became a professor of Humanities and Race, Class, and Gender at Fairmont State University, as well as a Fairmont State University Safety Director. “Kerry Marbury’s legacy will live on in perpetuity through this endowed scholarship,” said Julie R. Cryser, Fairmont State Foundation president. “This is such a fitting tribute to a friend, classmate and teammate, and we thank the Sabans for their generosity and support of our Fairmont State students, especially those from Marion County who have financial need.” The Nick's Kids Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resources for deserving organizations throughout the state of Alabama and Southeast. As the official charity of the Nick Saban Family, Nick and Terry invest their time in hosting luncheons, golf tournaments scrimmages, and other events to benefit the cause. They are also active in the Annual Fall Giveaway Luncheon, which serves to distribute grants to support children, family, teacher, and student causes. In 1998, during their time at Michigan State University, Nick and Terry Saban established Nick's Kids Foundation in honor of the late Nick Saban, Sr. Since then, the Sabans have maintained and supported their charity throughout their careers at Louisiana State University, the Miami Dolphins, and currently at the University of Alabama. To date, Nick's Kids Foundation has distributed over $6 million to hundreds of deserving organizations and causes. Additionally, Nick and Terry Saban have personally completed their donation of $1 million to the First-Generation Scholarship at the University of Alabama. The Sabans are proud to be major sponsors of new the St. Francis Saban Student Center at their church, St. Francis Catholic. The Bridgeport-based consulting firm The Thrasher Group has contributed $50,000 to Fairmont State University to support the architecture and civil engineering technology departments.
“The Thrasher Group believes in supporting local education to ensure a quality workforce for our industry. Contributing to these programs has been a great way to do that,” said Chad Riley, Thrasher’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have supported the establishment of an accredited architecture master’s degree at the University for several years and will continue doing so.” “Programs like these are just one more avenue to ensure that students can earn their degree in West Virginia and stay in the state to work,” Riley said. “Fairmont State has always been a significant source of employees for our company, both as full-time staff members and summer interns. It’s been rewarding to be a part of the success of the engineering program, and we look forward to seeing how the architecture program will impact the region.” The Thrasher Group Civil Engineering Technology Department Fund and The Thrasher Group Architecture Fund will both pay for travel and hospitality, supplies, stipends, student scholarships and awards, fringe benefits and other needs deemed appropriate by the College of Science & Technology. “This commitment from The Thrasher Group shows the importance of our students to industry in the region and the state and their interest in assisting us with graduating students who will excel in their professions,” said Julie R. Cryser, president of the Fairmont State Foundation. “We are thankful and appreciative of this generosity and support.” The Fairmont State University Civil Engineering Technology program prepares graduates to participate in the planning analysis, design, construction, operations and maintenance of roadways, airports, tunnels, bridges, water supply and distribution systems and waste collection and treatment systems. The program produces high-quality professionals with hands-on experience. Fairmont State University’s American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter has been one of the most successful engineering teams in the history of the National Concrete Canoe Competition (NCCC). In the spring, the team continued its tradition of excellence and for the 16th consecutive year by representing the region at the national competition. The team holds the record for the most consecutive national appearances at the NCCC. Fairmont State University’s ASCE Student Chapter won first place in the Concrete Canoe Competition at the 2019 Virginias Conference. “The Thrasher Group has been a very strong partner for both the civil engineering technology and architecture departments,” said Steven Roof, dean of the College of Science and Technology. “We are thrilled that this industry leader has decided to assist our faculty and students further through continued financial investment.” The mission of the Architecture Program at Fairmont State is to educate aspiring architects as creative thinkers who pursue architecture as a process of integration where theory, culture, history, sustainability and practice come together within the understanding of the unique character and dynamics of the regional condition as part of the global community. The architecture program at Fairmont State University is comprised of a two-year associate degree, a four-year pre-professional degree (bachelor’s), and a one and a half-year master’s degree, for which a baccalaureate degree in architecture is required as a prerequisite. Once fully accredited, Fairmont State University will have the only accredited master’s program in Architecture in the state, giving Fairmont State Architecture students a unique opportunity to advance in their profession and stay close to home. Fairmont State University’s architecture master’s degree was granted initial candidacy from the National Architectural Accrediting Board in August 2018. Helping the accreditation efforts was Fairmont State University’s close ties and connections to potential employers in the region, including Thrasher. The program will submit another report in September 2019 for the continuing candidacy visit in the spring of 2020. Then in the spring of 2022, possibly earlier, the final accreditation visit will be held. “The Thrasher Group’s support will have immeasurable impact,” Fairmont State President Dr. Mirta Martin said. “First and foremost, this gift supports the architecture and civil engineering technology programs, ensuring that they can continue to offer our students extraordinary educations and unmatched career preparation. The gift also serves a wider purpose – by supporting these programs, The Thrasher Group is helping Fairmont State maintain a strong ‘talent pipeline,’ one that moves hardworking, talented students through our programs and into in-demand careers, often with terrific companies like The Thrasher Group, right here in West Virginia.” The Thrasher Group was established in 1983 by a young entrepreneur and engineer, H. Wood “Woody” Thrasher, and his father. The duo set out to create a civil engineering firm rooted in serving the state’s communities, growing local infrastructure, and giving young, talented West Virginians a place to thrive. Since that time, Thrasher has grown into West Virginia’s largest privately-owned engineering, architecture, environmental, and field services consulting firm and an industry leader in the Mid-Atlantic region. Diversified Gas & Oil Co., the Birmingham, AL, company whose chief executive officer and co-founder is Fairmont State University graduate Rusty Hutson Jr., has committed $30,000 in scholarships over the next three years to Fairmont State students.
“Diversified Gas & Oil strongly believes in supporting students who attend colleges in our operating areas and that are seeking to start careers in the gas and oil or related industries,” said Brad Gray, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We believe that the energy sector in the United States is strong and that it is a driver of economic prosperity for millions of people in the country. The gas and oil industry is a major factor in maintaining low energy costs for our country. At Diversified, we are very committed to our business operations in the Appalachian Basin.” Diversified’s scholarship will provide funds for rising seniors earning a degree in a natural gas and oil focused major with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Each student selected will receive a $2,500 scholarship for their senior year. “Our students will benefit tremendously from this generous investment,” said Julie R. Cryser, Fairmont State Foundation president. “We can’t thank Diversified and Mr. Hutson enough for the support of our Falcon Family.” Gray said that for the gas and oil industry to continue to be productive, innovative and successful, it needs a consistent talent pool of qualified, local, educated young people. “We can think of no better place from which to source this talent -- young people from our back yards, our high schools, our universities,” he said. Fairmont State University President Mirta Martin noted that students will benefit greatly from these scholarships. “We are forever grateful to the Hutson family and Diversified Gas & Oil,” President Mirta M. Martin said. “Their support will change the lives of many of our students. Because of this generosity, Falcon students – tomorrow’s leaders – will vigorously pursue their dreams knowing that someone cares enough to invest in their futures.” DGOC views these scholarships as an investment in the communities in which they operate and investment in the lives and the futures of students preparing for a career in the industry. Diversified is an operator of gas and oil producing assets. Its innovative, disciplined investment strategy is focused on the acquisition of mature, low-decline and low-risk wells, enhancement of operations with a focus on efficiency, and maximization of profitability for shareholders. Founded in 2001, Diversified has deep roots in the mineral-rich Appalachian United States. Diversified’s gift comes just months after Rusty and Kimberly Hutson invested $400,000 to establish the Rusty & Kimberly Hutson Family Scholarship for the benefit of Fairmont State University School of Business students. A 1991 accounting graduate and certified public accountant, Mr. Hutson spent 13 years working in the banking industry in Ohio and Alabama. In 2001, Hutson founded Diversified Gas & Oil where he serves as Chief Executive Officer. The company began with the purchase of 40 wells in West Virginia and now operates throughout the Appalachian Basin. ![]() A new scholarship honoring the memory of lifetime Fairmont residents James V. and Ruth D. Pallotta will be available for Marion, Monongalia or Preston County students attending Fairmont State University. The Pallotta family has contributed funds to establish an endowed scholarship for students who have a 3.0 grade point average with first preference for students majoring in nursing, engineering, business or education. Students must be full-time status to receive this award. The scholarship is renewable provided students maintain a 3.0 during their time at Fairmont State. The Pallotta Family Scholarship in Memory of James V. & Ruth Pallotta was established by the family’s children, J. Christopher Pallotta; Susan D. Pallotta; Mark D. Pallotta; and John Jay Pallotta. “Words alone can’t express the enormity of my gratitude to this family,” President Mirta M. Martin said. “By honoring the memory of family through their generous giving, they will impact the lives of current and future Falcons. Support like this enables Fairmont State University to continue to provide an exceptional, affordable education to deserving, hard-working students.” Chris Pallotta studied business administration and economics at Fairmont State and graduated in 1971. While at Fairmont State, he served on student government and the TBI Fraternity. Chris is a Bond Insurance Agency agent and an organizer/director of MVB Financial Corp. He said that he and his family have great pride in Fairmont State and want it to succeed and thrive. “It’s a major part of the Fairmont and Marion County Community,” he said. “We hope this scholarship makes a meaningful mark on some talented student and will help them excel in their selected field and make a difference in this community and great country.” Chris’s wife, Bobo, and both of their children also attended Fairmont State. Chris said he uses the skills and education he received at Fairmont State every day and has a great passion for the university. He has served on the Fairmont State Athletic Association Board, raising money for athletic scholarships, for more than 30 years and has been a basketball season ticketholder since 1975. Chris said his family chose nursing, engineering, business and education departments to support because those professions make a major impact in our community health, economy, and student population. Mark D. Pallotta, graduated from Fairmont State in 1976 with a degree in business administration. Mark is also employed at Bond Insurance Agency as an insurance agent. Mark served on the Fairmont State Board of Governors from 2008-2015 and as the board president in 2014-15. He has great passion for the university, its purpose and vision as evidenced by his commitment to serve for those eight years. Mark’s wife LuAnne also has a degree from Fairmont State in interior design. Susan D. Pallotta, graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in dental hygiene in 1974. She practiced dental hygiene for several years before retiring to Lake Floyd in Harrison County. She now enjoys swimming, biking and hiking all over the world. John Jay Pallotta, who graduated from business administration in 1981 and also works in insurance sales at Bond, said he wants to help support the next generation who are eager to better themselves and their communities through higher education. “I hope this scholarship will allow us to fund the education and achievement of students who will likely give back to the institution,” he said. “I felt Fairmont State University provided me the academic resources to understand the business environment I would be placed into, and the school’s social atmosphere better enabled me when dealing with others.” Chris, Mark, Susan and Jay said they hope this gift also serves as a way to attract more applicants from the Marion, Monongalia and Preston counties, boosting Fairmont State’s enrollment. Carson Drake wants students at Fairmont State University to know that they can make a difference in the world—socially, technically and spiritually.
Drake, a Braxton County native who graduated from Fairmont State in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, has established the Carson B. Drake Engineering Scholarship, which will support students from Braxton County who have financial need and are enrolled in Computer Science and Computer Security; Electronics Engineering Technology; or Mechanical Engineering Technology. The endowment will last in perpetuity and fund two students per year for four years if they maintain a 2.8 grade point average. “The Fairmont State program was perfect for me,” Drake said. “It was not too big like the large universities where you can get lost, and it was very practical and hands-on rather than largely theoretical. I was immediately able to take what I learned at Fairmont State and apply it in the field in manufacturing facilities all over North America.” Drake grew up in Wilsie, a small town in Braxton County, and he wants students at Fairmont State to know that they should not limit themselves. “I came from the same place as many of them,” Drake said. “They can make a huge impact. They may not see it right now, but Fairmont State has prepared them to go out into this world and change lives.” Through leadership gifts like Drake’s, Fairmont State Foundation’s Every Gift Matters—The Scholarship Campaign has now raised over $2 million, surpassing the $1.3 million goal set in November. Aimed at closing the two- and four-year scholarship gap, the campaign celebrates the ability of every gift to impact the lives of Fairmont State students. “On behalf of the entire Falcon Family, I want to say thank you to Carson Drake for this leadership gift,” said Fairmont State President Mirta M. Martin. “Carson has shown all current and future Falcons the power of a Fairmont State degree and the doors that an education opens.” As an entrepreneur, Drake built his career focusing on industrial automation. He is also co-founder and vice president of Gray Matter Systems, a Pennsylvania company that transforms manufacturing companies into technology companies that create new revenue, boost the economy and revitalize cities. The company focuses on co-innovation and curating the best process and technology to drive industrial companies and utilities through digital transformation. Drake said he wants students to understand that manufacturing is alive, well and interesting in the United States. Beyond his philanthropic support, he will also be getting further involved with the Fairmont State students. “I will be taking them to manufacturing plants in the tri-state area so they can see first-hand how interesting and what a great career there is in manufacturing,” he said. “Production automation, ‘internet of things’, the data cloud and the combination of hardware (Electronics Engineering Technology), software (Computer Science and Cyber Security), and physical (Mechanical Engineering Technology) makes a huge difference in people’s lives on an everyday basis.” “We are thankful for Carson’s interest in not only providing our students with funding to attend Fairmont State but also his dedication to the students and interest in becoming more engaged in our programs,” said Steven Roof, interim dean of the College of Science and Technology. “Carson is giving back his time, talent and treasure, which is inspiring and appreciated.” Drake said he is very excited about the scholarship and becoming more engaged with Fairmont State University and its students. “I am so proud of what Fairmont State University has become,” he said. Drake wants to bring positive change to keep the ball rolling and help Fairmont State continue to improve. He hopes to help students find internships in manufacturing companies throughout the region by leveraging contacts he’s made over the years. “This scholarship gift is intended to help students from my home county of Braxton and also increase participation in Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science & Cyber Security. These are skills that the manufacturing industries need.” His passion for Fairmont State is driven by his interest in the students. “I look at them and I see me in 1986. They are just looking for a chance, and they don’t know what they don’t know yet. Drake is married to Elizabeth Carr Drake, also from Braxton County, and they have six children—four girls and two boys. On Friday, April 12, Fairmont State history was made when Jed and Vicki Smith donated $1M to the Fairmont State Foundation. This historic gift will create the Jed and Vicki Smith Scholars endowment which will award scholarships to full-time students. This is the largest gift received from a living alumnus in university history.
Giving back has been important to Mr. and Mrs. Smith since they settled in Charleston in 1990 and knew they wanted to be involved with making a difference in their community. The Smith’s built a successful car dealership in Charleston and expected that the business would be their legacy. After retiring in 2016, the couple realized that their idea of legacy had changed into a mission of sharing. “His legacy was not what he did to make a living, it was what he did that made a difference.” Mrs. Smith said of her husband. “Making a difference in a student’s life is our goal with this gift, and we are hoping that it will. Supporting students that are going to be able to carry on in their education and go forward, that’s really the legacy. The legacy of giving, the legacy of giving back.” A North Central West Virginia native and Naples, Florida resident, Mr. Smith says Fairmont State taught him the value of persistence. He earned a business administration degree from Fairmont State while working 27 to 35 hours per week at a supermarket on Country Club Road to earn his tuition. Not only did he pay his own way through school, he provided financial assistance to two of his Theta Xi fraternity brothers. Mr. Smith says that college didn’t come easy for him, that he worked hard to succeed. After graduating with honors in 1968, he planned to attend law school. Instead, he was drafted into the WV National Guard during the Vietnam War. The oldest of four children, Jed Smith credits his parents for his success. His mother and father were told by a high school guidance counselor that he should not be encouraged to attend college and that he probably wouldn’t be successful as a student. They didn’t share the counselor’s advice until after Smith graduated from Fairmont State. “My parents never bothered to tell me what I couldn’t do.” Mr. Smith said. They felt that he could accomplish anything if he set his mind to it and harnessed the energy to figure it out. When asked what advice the Smiths have for current students at Fairmont State University, Mr. Smith said, “Never give up.” Mrs. Smith followed with “We fail, we grow, we learn, but the reward is self-worth.” More than 85% of Fairmont State students rely on financial assistance to complete their degrees. “The majority of students who do not make it to graduation highlight financial need as their primary reason for withdrawing.” said Gary K. Bennett, President of the Fairmont State Foundation. “Scholarships play a critical role in easing financial pressures and reducing the need for student loans.” Dr. Timothy Oxley, Interim Dean of the School of Business said “With the majority of our students receiving financial aid, and with many more who must work to afford the cost of their education, scholarships help to provide qualifying students with additional resources which allow the recipients to focus more on their education and less on how they will pay for it. Beyond the obvious financial impact, scholarships often provide recipient students with an academic buoyancy as a sign of confidence in their ability to succeed - and they rise to the challenge.” President Mirta M. Martin echoed the importance of the perseverance that Fairmont State University graduates are known for. “I tell every student in our Falcon Family, ‘I’ll make you a deal: if you bring a passionate willingness to work hard and pursue your dreams, and if you stick with it, we will provide you with everything you need to achieve those dreams.’ With the help of Jed and Vicki Smith’s generous gift, we can keep that promise and keep students on track to graduate.” The Jed and Vicki Smith Scholars endowment will provide scholarships for full-time undergraduate students at Fairmont State University who have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5. Thirty percent of the endowment will be allocated to students of the School of Business. The remaining seventy percent will be available to any qualified Fairmont State University student. This gift was made through the Fairmont State Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of Fairmont State University. The Muscle Car Mafia has evolved in its 25 years to be a community-minded group committed to supporting worthy causes. Each year, the organization holds fundraising and promotional events and chooses one local charity or cause to support. Over the past five years, they have donated more than $15,000 to local charities.
When asked why they chose to support scholarships this year, the members said the choice was easy. “The available match from the Fairmont State Foundation allowed us to have double the impact with our gift,” replied Nick Fantasia. As part of the scholarship campaign, the Fairmont State Foundation agreed to match donations dollar for dollar up to a total of $250,000. As Fairmont State alumni, the group members feel the common thread between all Falcons is the high-quality education they received and the doors that have opened for them as a result. Group member David Lester said of his education at Fairmont State, “It allowed me to assume the position of Corporate Director of Training with Applied Industrial Technologies which is a 2.9 billion-dollar company and that was absolutely a dream.” The goal of the Every Gift Matters campaign is to fill the scholarship gap that currently exists. Many scholarships only provide support for two years of education. In order to help Fairmont State University students achieve a degree, we must be able to provide four year scholarships. This gift was made through the Fairmont State Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of Fairmont State University. Rusty and Kimberly Hutson are leading by example with a recent gift to Fairmont State University. The couple, both Fairmont State University alumni and Harrison County West Virginia natives, have committed $400,000 to establish the Rusty & Kimberly Hutson Family Endowed Scholarship for the benefit of School of Business students.
A 1991 accounting graduate and certified public accountant, Mr. Hutson spent 13 years working in the banking industry in Ohio and Alabama. In 2001, Hutson founded Diversified Gas & Oil where he serves as Chief Executive Officer. The company began with the purchase of 40 wells in West Virginia and now operates throughout the Appalachian Basin. Mrs. Hutson, a 1994 graduate of the nursing program, worked as a registered nurse before they settled in Birmingham, Alabama in 1999. After the move, she became a full-time mother to the couple’s four children. She serves as a mentor and example to many young mothers and she is passionate about realizing their true value in today’s society. Mr. Hutson was influenced by many professors at Fairmont State, but he credits Glenn Harman with shaping his work ethic. “Harman was the hardest instructor I ever had, but he taught his students that if they really want something, they have to work for it. I appreciate him for that.” Hutson’s advice to students is to ask themselves each day, “What can I do to be better?” “If you do that,” he said, “you are going to be successful.” After a recent visit to campus, the Hutsons decided it was time to give back to the university. They want this gift to provide support for local high school students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. They also want to encourage fellow alumni to support Fairmont State University. “Getting involved with Fairmont State and giving back to the University is the best way to provide hope to deserving students in local high schools,” said Mr. Hutson. When asked how the School of Business and its faculty are impacted by donors who support their program, Dr. Timothy Oxley, Interim Dean said “The generosity of former alumni, who are moved to contribute to such worthy causes as helping others achieve their educational goals, reminds each faculty member of the noble purpose with which we have been entrusted. Often the impact we as faculty have on students is not always readily apparent at the end of a student's degree program, but comes much later in life when, as successful alumni, they offer others a way through their generosity. The lifelong impressions and impacts we make on all students extends far beyond their classroom experiences.” Beginning in the fall term of 2019, the Rusty & Kimberly Hutson Family Endowed Scholarship will provide financial support to a full-time School of Business student from a Harrison County, West Virginia high school. Preference will be given to those from Lincoln High School in Shinnston, West Virginia. This award is available for renewal for four years, provided the recipient maintains a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Jean Gotolski, a 1947 graduate of Fairmont State College has created a scholarship at her alma mater, in memory of J.T. and Carmer George. Through this endowed scholarship, Gotolski hopes that students can study their passions, regardless of their financial situations. Gotolski began her schooling as an English major. Similar to many students she soon discovered it wasn’t for her. When compelled to make a change, she sought advice from her mother, who asked, “Jean, where do you spend your time?” As a student who was paying her way through school, $20 a semester at the time, this was an important choice to make. The answer was the pool. A lifelong swimmer, she quickly learned about physical education and was hooked. Gotolski attended Fairmont State College during World War II and the depression. Her family lived across the street from campus, and she can remember her parents feeding students during their lunch periods. The college was all female at the time, except for a man who had been injured in the war. Many of her male classmates returned from the war during her junior and senior years. Gotolski commented that this gave women the opportunity to take leadership roles and become presidents of organizations that otherwise would have been filled by men. These opportunities allowed Gotolski to become a strong, knowledgeable woman with a dedication to education. Upon graduation, she proceeded to complete her master’s degree in physical education from West Virginia University. Following her schooling she began teaching several courses at Ohio University including tap dancing, soccer and swimming. It was there that she met her husband, William, a civil engineer professor. William was awarded a position in Penn State University’s doctoral program, and the couple moved to State College, PA. Gotolski took a short break from her career to raise her two daughters, then returned to teach elementary physical education for the remainder of her career. Gotolski has two daughters, who each have three sons, and one great grandchild. Her oldest daughter went to Penn State University and became an occupational therapist, her youngest daughter moved to Texas after graduating from Penn State Universityand spent her career as a physical education teacher like her mother. Gotolski and her family have a lifelong commitment to education, and much of that family tradition began with opportunities afforded to her at Fairmont State. Gotolski stated that “Penn State was good to her but couldn’t compete with Fairmont, which is her home.” When asked what advice she would give current students, she replied “Enjoy it! Find a career that makes you say, I GET to go to work today!” |
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