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The performing arts are thriving at Fairmont State University – and it is thanks, in large part, to the generosity shown by donors during Day of Giving 2025. From theater productions and masterclasses to needs-based scholarships and community concerts, these vital funds are helping shape the next generation of artists, performers, and arts advocates. For Fairmont State’s Academy for the Arts, Community Arts, Masquers, and Town and Gown Players, Day of Giving is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a launchpad. Funds raised allow the College of Liberal Arts to expand programs, elevate student experience, and ensure that the arts remain accessible and inspiring for all. “It helps us continue to grow,” said Leigh Anne Riley, Director of Performing Arts Outreach and Development. “With support from our donors, we’re able to produce beloved spring musicals, bring in ensembles for concerts like 3D Percussion, produce Town and Gown Players musicals like The Sound of Music, and this year’s much-anticipated production of Mamma Mia.” Thanks to the 2025 Day of Giving, donors have provided direct and meaningful support to youth who are interested in performing arts. This includes offering needs-based scholarships that helped students join the cast of Mary Poppins Jr., making a world of difference to families and allowing these young performers to shine. Donations also allow the scheduling of professional artists for workshops and masterclasses that deepen learning. These artists not only bring professional experience and technique but also serve as living proof that students from small towns can achieve big dreams. One of the most powerful examples of Day of Giving dollars in action was the masterclass with Trevor Dion Nicholas, a Broadway and West End star originally from Morgantown, West Virginia. Known for his roles as the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway and the West End, Nicholas’ return to West Virginia to mentor young artists was a full-circle moment filled with inspiration. Nicholas led students through acting exercises, shared stories from his career, and conducted an in-depth question and answer session where participants learned firsthand about life as a theatre professional. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bringing Nicholas to campus was about more than star power. His West Virginia roots make him uniquely relatable to students, who often share similar upbringings and ambitions. His presence on campus reminded everyone that talent knows no geographic boundaries, and that big dreams are achievable, no matter where you start. If there’s one sentiment the university's arts community wants to share, it’s simple: “Thank you! We could not do what we do without your investment,” said Riley. “Our students, youth actors, and community arts members are passionate, eager, and constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and perform. Your generosity makes it all possible – from the masterclasses to the musicals to the scholarships. Because of you, the arts at Fairmont State are alive and thriving.” To support theatre programs at Fairmont State, visit: https://www.fsufoundation.org/friends-of-theatre.html
For the Arcure family, the decision to create the scholarship was a natural choice. “We were born knowing Fairmont State,” Lisa said. “Growing up, it was a part of who we were. And the most important thing we learned from our dad was how much he valued education. Even in the last stages of dementia, he was talking to a hospital caregiver about the importance of finishing nursing school and earning her degree. It was always about education.”
Mike Arcure’s own life was marked by educational and community service. After attending Salem College to play baseball, he transferred to Fairmont State to be closer to home and help care for his father. He earned his degree in education from Fairmont State in the late 1950s, then went on to complete a master’s degree in education from West Virginia University. He taught history and political science, coached high school basketball, and eventually returned to Fairmont State in 1968 to teach and launch the university’s first intramural sports program. Though he volunteered as an assistant basketball coach without pay for his first few years, his impact was far from marginal. His relentless recruiting efforts and his connection to students helped usher in one of the most successful eras in Falcon basketball history. “He loved basketball, sure, but it was never just about the game,” said Doug. “He was always making sure his players went to class, following up with professors, knocking on doors on Monday mornings. He promised their parents they’d leave Fairmont with a degree, and most of them did because he pushed them. Some didn’t have a father figure, and he stepped in to fill that role.” Over the years, Mike Arcure became a well-known face not just at Fairmont State, but throughout Marion County and beyond. Whether it was selling insurance, leading scholarship banquets, or attending games into his 80s, he never stopped connecting with people. A Fairmont State hat or shirt was often his go-to icebreaker – one that reflected his unwavering pride. “He was the kind of person who never met a stranger,” Lisa said. “He had a photographic memory and could recall details about games from decades ago. People would call him just to settle debates about old plays or players. And he always, always had a Fairmont State shirt on.” That sense of rootedness in family, in community, and in education has inspired the family to focus the scholarship on Marion County students. Their hope is to reach students who may not have all the resources but have the drive to pursue a college degree. “Marion County is home. It’s where our dad built his life, where we grew up, and where so many kids deserve a chance to succeed,” Doug said. “Mike Arcure’s name is synonymous with service, mentorship, and loyalty to Fairmont State,” said Marissa Mauro, Director of Development for the Fairmont State Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to the Arcure family for honoring his legacy through this scholarship. Their generosity will have an immediate impact on students from Marion County and ensure Mr. Arcure’s legacy of education continues to shape lives.” For the family, the scholarship is a tribute to a man who never stopped believing in the power of education – whether he was coaching a player, encouraging a nurse-in-training, or guiding his own children toward lives of purpose. “There was never a question of whether we’d go to college,” Lisa said. “It was just a matter of where and what we’d study. Our dad believed your job, while you were in school, was to be a student. He and our mom supported that completely.” That belief is now passed down to students at Fairmont State University. One legacy rooted in education, built on community, and inspired by a father and husband whose reach extended far beyond the classroom or the court. For more information on how to establish an impact fund supporting students or programs at Fairmont State University, please contact the Fairmont State Foundation at 304-534-8786 or [email protected]. On Saturday, May 17, Fairmont State University celebrated its Spring Commencement at the Feaster Center, honoring graduates with morning and afternoon ceremonies marked by Falcon pride and inspiring words from distinguished speakers Chad M. Riley and Dr. J. Robert Baker. Riley, a third-generation Fairmont State graduate and Vice President at The Thrasher Group, addressed the morning ceremony. Riley shared his journey from working student to industry leader, highlighting his dedication to West Virginia and his ongoing support of Fairmont State as a member of the Fairmont State Foundation board and an employer of Fairmont State graduates. At the afternoon ceremony, Dr. Baker, a longtime faculty member and academic leader, reflected on nearly 30 years of service to the university. Known for his leadership of the Honors Program and mentorship of countless students, Dr. Baker’s message centered on learning, service, and the impact of education. View the full commencement photo galleries here: https://photos.fairmontstate.edu/Events/Spring-Commencement-2025
At Fairmont State University, stories of student success are deeply tied to the generosity of those who believe in the power of education. One such story is that of Harmonie Molnar, a first-year student in the College of Nursing whose path has been shaped by dedication, purpose, and the critical support of scholarships made possible through donor contributions.
Harmonie, a Fairmont resident originally from Morgantown, chose Fairmont State not only for its academic offerings but also for its affordability and accessibility. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” she shared. “Fairmont State allows me to stay close to the community I care about, while also giving me the chance to grow into who I want to become.” Her decision to pursue a degree in nursing came after exploring social work and realizing with her mother’s guidance that her desire to make a meaningful impact on others could also align with a healthcare career. As she pursues her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and plans for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Harmonie is laying the groundwork for a successful career in healthcare – a field where compassionate care can change lives. Like many Fairmont State students, Harmonie’s ability to focus on her education without being overwhelmed by financial stress is directly tied to donor-funded scholarships. “I never imagined how important scholarship support would be,” she said. “The scholarships I’ve been awarded don’t just help me pay for school. They give me confidence. Knowing someone believes in my future enough to invest in my success motivates me every day.” Her gratitude is deep and personal. “To every donor who supports students like me, I want to say thank you. Your gift is not just helping me go to college. You are helping shape my future and I am grateful for your support.” Harmonie has also found purpose and connection through involvement in campus life. She is an active member of the Black Student Union and the sorority Zeta Phi Beta, two organizations that have provided friendship, leadership opportunities, and a strong support system as she navigates her first year of college. Through events like Fairmont State’s Day of Giving, Harmonie has also experienced the power of philanthropy on campus. “The Black Student Union doesn’t have a lot of funding, so when donors contribute, it allows us to plan events that build community and a sense of belonging,” she said. “It means a lot to us and the students who come after us.” Harmonie’s long-term vision includes becoming a traveling nurse, gaining experience across the country, and ultimately advancing her education through a master’s degree. After completing her BSN at Fairmont State, she hopes to continue her studies online while working in hospitals to gain the clinical hours required for travel nursing. Harmonie Molnar’s story is just one of many at Fairmont State – a story that illustrates how donor generosity changes lives in real, lasting ways. Each scholarship, each contribution to student organizations, and each investment in university resources builds a foundation for students who are prepared to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose. For those considering establishing a scholarship at Fairmont State, Harmonie is a compelling reminder of the impact your support can have. She represents the future of healthcare and the tangible return on investments in education. For more information, visit www.fsufoundation.org/create-scholarship or contact our office at 304-534-8786. Fairmont State University held its sixth Day of Giving event on Thursday, February 27 with a goal of raising $700,000 for programs, teams, and scholarships throughout campus. During this 24-hour giving marathon, 1,686 generous donors participated with a total of $715,501 in funds raised.
“On behalf of the Fairmont State Foundation, I want to share our heartfelt appreciation to our donors as well as the leadership, faculty, staff, students, and other partners that held Day of Giving events, made the 24-hour livestream possible, shared our Day of Giving information, and other support that helped the Fairmont State Foundation meet this extraordinary goal in 2025,” said Dr. Anne Bolyard, President of the Fairmont State Foundation. “From the initial planning conversations to the present, the Fairmont State Foundation team has demonstrated unfailing commitment and dedication to exceeding the 2025 Day of Giving goal. Their dedication and unmatched professional expertise are deeply appreciated and embody the mission and success of our Foundation.”
This year, Fairmont State’s five colleges raised a combined total of $99,133 in support of various academic programs and initiatives. An additional $197,558 was raised for academic scholarships. The College of Education, Health & Human Performance raised the most dollars for an academic unit this year, with a total of $43,443 supporting programs like the PRAXIS Test Support Fund, Outdoor Leadership, Exercise Science, and the Autism Individualized Mentoring and Support Services (AIMSS) program. The College of Business & Aviation had the most individual donors at 133, with 95 of those donors supporting the Aviation program. 802 donors supported athletic teams and programs for a total of $247,185, with Football leading the charge at $35,089 from 101 donors, and Women’s Basketball raising $22,010 from 40 donors. An additional $14,998 was donated in support of athletic scholarships this year. Women’s Volleyball had the most donors to any athletic team this year with 143, and they earned an additional $2,250 in prizes for their program with this achievement. “What a great day we had on Day of Giving on February 27. To be able to raise over $250,000 in one day is amazing, and the fact that it came from over 800 donors, just shows us how much our community cares about our Fighting Falcons. Thank you to all who were able show their support,” said Greg Bamberger, Fairmont State Athletic Director. “I also want to thank everyone who was responsible for the entire day. I know months of planning was put into it by members of the University and the Foundation. The coordination and organization required to pull this event off was top shelf. These resources will be used to aid athletic scholarship support for our student-athletes and let us occasionally do something special for our student-athletes that reminds them of the fact Fairmont State is a Great Place.” 80 prizes and matches were sponsored by generous individual and corporate donors this year.
Campus community members were encouraged to stop by the Falcon Center throughout the day to make a gift, try their luck at the punch-a-bunch board for prizes, sign a thank you note, and watch livestream interviews with donors and representatives from featured programs. “This year’s Day of Giving once again demonstrated the incredible impact we can achieve together,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “Surpassing our $700,000 goal means more scholarships, enhanced student experiences, and stronger academic and athletic programs. We extend our deepest gratitude to every donor—your generosity helps make Fairmont State a truly Great Place to Learn, Work, and Call Home.” Fairmont State University and the Fairmont State Foundation wish to thank all our donors, ambassadors, and the campus community for promoting and participating in the 2025 Fairmont State University Day of Giving. For a full gallery of photos from Day of Giving, visit: https://photos.fairmontstate.edu/Events/022725-Day-of-Giving On Thursday, February 27, Fairmont State University will host its sixth Day of Giving event with a fundraising goal of $700,000. This 24-hour campaign aims to inspire Falcons to come together, show pride in their alma mater, and provide essential funding to support current and future students. Over 50 programs across campus, including academic units, athletic teams, student organizations, and student support initiatives will benefit from funds raised during this event. “Our momentum continues to grow as we head into another Day of Giving. Year after year, we hear stories from our university partners about the effect this event has on their programs, and every dollar truly transforms Fairmont State. Your support each year means that students at Fairmont State are given every opportunity to thrive in their chosen areas of study, sport, and extracurricular activities,” said Dr. Anne Bolyard, Fairmont State Foundation President. “We invite everyone to continue to support Fairmont State University this year with a gift on Day of Giving.” Day of Giving shines a spotlight on fundraising at Fairmont State and creates a sense of excitement around collective philanthropy. There are special events planned leading up to and during each Day of Giving to encourage participation from all segments of the University and the greater Fairmont community – from alumni and friends to students and faculty. "Day of Giving highlights the profound impact we can achieve together," said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. "Thanks to the generosity of donors, this annual event expands support for scholarships, student organizations, athletics, academic programs, and student success. Every gift makes a difference, no matter how small. We are especially thankful to those who amplify our fundraising efforts through matching gifts and challenges. Surpassing our $700,000 goal will create more opportunities and transformative experiences for our students, helping us make Fairmont State a truly Great Place to Learn, Work, and Call Home."
All matches and challenges for the day can be found by visiting https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org/matches. The University will again be hosting a 24-hour livestream event in tandem with Day of Giving to discuss the fundraising event, highlight giving areas across campus, and provide updates on progress toward this year’s Day of Giving goal of $700,000. During the evening hours, Fairmont State Athletics will be hosting a Coaches Panel beginning at 5 p.m., followed by dinner. Registration is required, and seats are limited for this exclusive event. Fairmont State University Day of Giving is an opportunity for the Fairmont State community to support the areas that matter most to them. Whether it is a scholarship fund, athletic team, student organization, academic department, the Academy for the Arts, or the Falcon Marching Band there are numerous opportunities to make an impact with your support. You can make your gift by visiting https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org, by calling 304-534-8786, or by visiting the Fairmont State Foundation at 1300 Locust Avenue.
These need-based scholarships will make the camp more accessible to any families who currently find the cost of attendance prohibitive. Similarly, $2,000 of the grant funding will support the Career Closet, a donation-based program where students can pick out interview-appropriate attire at no cost. The Career Closet aims to provide students in need with clothing to look their best and project confidence while working toward their career goals.
“Our goal is to share our campus with as many people in the community as possible. These funds have afforded us the ability to offer scholarships to our camp and give children the chance to have an experience on our campus they may not have gotten otherwise,” stated Spencer Flanagan, Director of Falcon Center & Campus Recreation. According to Prof. M.E. Yancosek Gamble, Associate Professor in the College of Business and Aviation, “My vision is to eliminate the stigma around borrowing professional clothing, so the students see the Career Closet as just another added resource that FSU provides.” The vision of FirstEnergy’s Foundation Grant program is to invest in transformative causes that improve the vitality, sustainability, and diversity of the communities FirstEnergy serves. Both funded projects aim to offer meaningful, unique opportunities that will improve Fairmont State’s community. The Falcon Day Camp provides educational and recreational experiences to local youth, seeking to increase their self-esteem, respect for different cultures, teamwork, and social communication. The Career Closet intends to mitigate the stress of students who feel discouraged or ill-equipped for job interviews. Moving forward, the Career Closet will continue to be sustained by Prof. M.E. Yancosek Gamble and Susan Rodriguez, Senior Director of Career Development and Civic Engagement. One initiative they plan to pursue is an upcoming donation drive with a focus on gently used business attire to further stock the closet. Falcon Day Camp will continue to provide worthwhile activities for children within the surrounding community. Anne Bolyard, President of the Fairmont State Foundation, added, “Fairmont State University and the FirstEnergy Foundation share a unified commitment to empowering the communities they serve through educational initiatives. The continued collaboration and support between the Fairmont State Foundation and the FirstEnergy Foundation makes key initiatives such as this possible.” Fairmont State University receives grant through EQT Foundation to nourish student success8/23/2024
This grant will fund the purchase of food and hygiene products to restock the Nest and Freddie’s Pantry with quality supplies for students, including the ability to source fresh produce at more regular intervals. This grant will also be used to purchase reusable tote bags and utility carts. The reusable tote bags will allow students to utilize the food bank in a more sustainable way by returning their bags to the Nest once finished with them. The utility carts will serve as portable food carts placed at varying locations to make supplies within the Nest more accessible.
Additionally, this project will foster collaboration between these campus services and the Fairmont State University Newman Center. The Newman Center is a Catholic student center serving the Fairmont State community which offers various religious and secular activities for all students during the school year, including at least two free meals per week. This grant will help to coordinate the free meal events. According to Caitlin Jividen, University Social Worker at Fairmont State and project lead for the grant, “This grant will make a significant difference not only for our students here at Fairmont State, but for the surrounding community. It allows us to alleviate the food and basic need insecurities that many individuals are facing. Addressing these needs allows our students to reduce stress and enjoy their time being college students.” By improving the selection of food and hygiene products available, the Office of Social Work and the Office of Student Success intend to minimize some of the reluctance or resistance students might feel toward using food banks. Similarly, by increasing the accessibility and availability of these resources, Jividen and her project team hope to encourage those who need these services to utilize them. The EQT Foundation aims to fund projects that help communities thrive and develop into healthier, more sustainable regions. Jividen continues, “Our project goes hand in hand with EQT’s mission. Our goal is to enhance community health by ensuring that students have access to essential resources so they can focus on their education and personal development. By supporting students’ basic needs, the grant helps ensure a more resilient community.”
Financial literacy is crucial as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage personal finances effectively, leading to informed decision-making, responsible budgeting, and debt management. It helps people save for the future, avoid financial scams, and invest wisely, contributing to both personal financial stability and broader economic health. By empowering individuals with financial knowledge, financial literacy promotes independence, reduces stress, and enhances overall quality of life.
The grant will fund seminars on topics such as banking, credit cards, housing loans and leases, budgeting, tax preparation, health and financial benefits, and insurance choices. The goal of the project is to educate participants so they can make good financial decisions. The financial literacy seminars will be organized by the Office of Financial Aid and the College of Business & Aviation, both of whom intend to expand current financial literacy programming. These offices plan to collect and utilize data and feedback from these seminars to improve and refine the program as it continues to grow. “Financial literacy is key focus area of the Truist West Virginia Foundation. All people and communities should have an equal opportunity to thrive. Through our partnership with innovative organizations like Fairmont State Foundation, and a refined focus on supporting key areas, the communities we serve have a chance for a better quality of life,” said Courtney Pack, Executive Director of the Truist West Virginia Foundation. “The Truist West Virginia Foundation is pleased to support this financial literacy initiative. We believe the Truist West Virginia Foundation contribution to Fairmont State Foundation will help make a difference in the lives of many.”
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.
New to this year’s event is the Falcon Day of Giving Livestream! Fairmont State will begin the livestream at midnight on Thursday, February 29 as President Davis goes live to kick off the Day of Giving. Throughout the day there will be live interviews from faculty, staff, coaches, and students, performances, and updates live from campus. You can tune into the live stream on the Falcon Day of Giving website at https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org or on Fairmont State’s Facebook and Instagram feeds @fairmontstate.
Day of Giving shines a spotlight on giving at Fairmont State and creates a sense of excitement around collective philanthropy. There are special events planned leading up to and during each Day of Giving to encourage participation from all segments of the University and the greater Fairmont community – from alumni and friends to students and faculty. The Day of Giving dunk tank and punch board are both returning this year and are designed to engage those passing through the Falcon Center on their way to class or work throughout the day. Several members of faculty and staff will be courageously hopping in the dunk tank to raise funds for the areas and programs they are so passionate about, including Fairmont State University President Dr. Mike Davis. This year, each athletic team with at least 40 individual donors during Day of Giving gets to toss their coach in the pool, encouraging student-athletes to take part in raising funds for their programs. “Since 2019, the Falcon Day of Giving has raised over $1.2 million to support a variety of scholarships as well as programmatic support for Fairmont State University students to realize their endless potential,” says Fairmont State Foundation President Dr. Anne Bolyard. “During this 24-hour giving event, we invite the friends and alumni of Fairmont State University to continue this legacy of support to our current and future Falcons.” In the years since the first event, support and participation continues to grow. Each year, a small group of donors generously agree to match gifts to various scholarships, programs, teams, and colleges. When individual donors select a qualifying area to support on Day of Giving, these matches kick in, doubling or even tripling the impact of a single gift. Matches are a critical component of the overall goal. William Laughlin and his wife Lois Muto Laughlin, an alumna of Fairmont State, are retired faculty members and have once again pledged $12,500 in matching gifts for Fairmont State’s five academic colleges, the Colleges of Nursing, Business and Aviation, Science and Technology, Liberal Arts, and Education Health and Human Performance. The Laughlin’s are also sponsoring The Rise and Shine Challenge for Athletics. Starting at 4 a.m. there is $2,500 in matching gifts up for grabs to all athletic teams. The matching dollars will be available on a first come first serve basis. University President Dr. Mike Davis is sponsoring several matches and a donor challenge. This year, President Davis will donate $1 to the Falcon Fund for every donor that makes a gift for Falcon Day of Giving to any participating area. The Falcon Fund is for the university’s greatest needs and funds expenses such as scholarships, travel opportunities, classroom and lab equipment, and emergency aid. Additional matches and challenges include: - Student Veterans Organization Dollar for Dollar Match - Gary K. and Barbara Bennett will match gifts to the Student Veterans Organization up to $5,000. - The Lunch Rush Challenge - The area receiving gifts from the most donors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will earn an additional $1,000 from Fairmont State Foundation President Anne Bolyard. - Praxis Test Dollar for Dollar Match - An anonymous donor will match gifts to the Praxis Test initiative for education students, dollar for dollar up to $4,000. - Athletics Power Hour Match - At 2 p.m. a $2,500 match will be unlocked for athletics. Jennifer and Scott Kinty will be matching gifts made to any athletic team starting at 2 p.m., dollar for dollar up to $2,500. All matches and challenges for the day can be found by visiting https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org/prizes. The Falcon Day of Giving is an opportunity for the Fairmont State community to support the areas that matter most to them. Whether it is a scholarship fund, athletic team, student organization, academic department, the Academy for the Arts, or the Falcon Marching Band there are numerous opportunities to make an impact with your support. You can make your gift by visiting https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org, by calling 304-534-8786, or by visiting the Fairmont State Foundation located in The Erickson Alumni Center at 1300 Locust Avenue.
Dr. Errol Reese started his pursuit of higher education at Fairmont State and after completing his undergraduate degree in two years, he went on to earn a degree in dentistry. Errol’s mother attended the Fairmont State Normal School, and his father was very supportive of Fairmont State. Both he and Dr. Patricia Reese had lifetime careers as dental professors and university administrators. Both Errol and Patricia have always believed in the great importance of higher education. They both have children and grandchildren with doctoral degrees. Both have spent a great deal of time in higher education in their own careers. Patricia serves on the Council of Regents at Loyola University and has been for 21 years. Her daughter is about to join her on the council, something she is very excited about experiencing together.
Errol and Patricia have established a similar fund at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and they are excited to provide this opportunity for faculty and staff at Fairmont State through the Falcon Mini-Grant Program. Errol has a history of leading and supporting faculty development throughout his career. During his time as the Dean of the College of Dentistry at UMB, he realized faculty would benefit from learning about preparing grant proposals, coordinating projects, and reporting on the outcomes – skills that are essential for faculty, especially at a small schools like Fairmont State. The Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs at Fairmont State University administers the Falcon Mini-Grant Program offering competitive grant awards to faculty and staff each academic year for the purpose of supporting institutional needs and providing opportunities to advance the mission of Fairmont State University. “The generosity of the Reese family will provide long-term support for the Falcon Mini-Grant program,” said Christy Burner, Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs at Fairmont State. “This program helps our faculty and staff develop skills and gain confidence in grant writing, which increases our capacity as a campus to secure more external funding for special projects and initiatives.” Grant proposals are reviewed by a selection committee to assess significance of need, alignment with Fairmont State University’s mission, innovation and creativity, and cost effectiveness. Any faculty or staff member is eligible to apply for a Falcon Mini-Grant ranging from $500 to $3,000 Awarded funds may be used for a variety of purposes including research projects, special programs, lab equipment, or professional development.
Fellowships differ from scholarships as they provide long-term support, rather than one-time financial dispersals. Students in the Datha and Gene Smith Fellowship & Summer Bridge Program are bolstered throughout their college careers.
Once selected, fellows begin their program with a mandatory bridge program, a five-day stay at Fairmont State during the summer. This bridge program gives fellows an indispensable link from high school to college with the aim to reduce the anxiety that comes with the transition. It gives these students a positive jump-start to college life. A fellowship coordinator ensures that students receive ongoing support, which includes time to socialize with other fellows. Throughout the five-day summer bridge, fellows live on campus, which helps them gain familiarity with the university’s layout. They have the opportunity to talk with advisors, meet other students and learn about academic studies—all in a relaxed setting. Next year’s summer bridge program runs July 6-11, 2024. “Bridge week happens over the summer, so the fellows get to know each other before classes start,” said Marissa Mauro, Fairmont State Foundation Director of Development for Annual Giving and Stewardship. “They develop new friendships and build a community of camaraderie.” While bridge programs vary at different universities, Fairmont State’s main goal is to reduce the barriers that intimidate high school students from going to college. In past generations, a post-secondary degree didn’t always matter. Young people attained fulfilling work and stayed with one company for their entire working lives. On the job training was common, and it gave promising employees opportunities for advancement. Today’s job market is different. According to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, income disparity between college graduates and high school graduates starts early. While still in their 20s, college graduates can expect to earn on average $20,000 more per year than high school graduates. Those numbers add up. Over the course of a lifetime, college graduates earn $1 million more than those without a degree. West Virginia’s goal is to have 60 percent of its adult population attain a college degree or other type of credentialed education by 2030. Right now, fewer than one-third of West Virginians have any of these credentials. Fairmont State’s commitment to first generation students is evident in its numbers. Since 2012, nearly 40 percent of the university’s graduates have been first generation students. Forty-three percent of Fairmont State’s current freshmen are first generation students. “As a first-generation West Virginia college student, I understand the challenges of being the first in your family to attend college,” Interim Vice President of Student Success Alicia Kalka said. “My family was highly supportive of me going to college and planted that seed into me at a very young age. We had to learn together the process of enrolling and all the resources that I needed to be successful. If I had attended a summer bridge program like this, I think my transition would have been easier. I am so proud of our Datha and Gene program because we are providing a true bridge for first generation students from West Virginia and access into post-secondary education.” Although neither Gene nor Datha Smith pursued a post-secondary education, they saw its value. In 2005, the Smiths established a foundation to help first generation students. Since then, the Smiths have passed, but their children have carried on their parents’ legacy by founding this recent fellowship. “Fairmont State is here to ensure that our first-generation students know there is a way, and we are here to help them reach their dream of going to college,” Kalka said. “As a university, we are mission driven to educate and prepare people for the workforce. When we achieve this, we’re contributing to West Virginia as a whole.” It is through this fellowship that students are able to achieve their goals of a four-year degree. Because the fellowship covers many of the costs to attend Fairmont State, fellows are able to focus on academics rather than a future with inordinate student debt. “I’ve watched the students gain confidence as they make the transition to college life,” said Erin Hohl, Coordinator of the Datha and Gene Smith Fellowship. “The fellows know they are showing their potential to do something life-changing for themselves after going through the fellowship.” Fellows Accepted into the 2024 Summer Bridge Program will:
Requirements to Apply for the Datha and Gene Smith Fellowship:
You can apply for the The Datha and Gene Smith Fellowship online. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. |
