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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.
John wanted to do whatever he could to help others achieve advanced education so that they could help other less fortunate people. Being a frugal person, John, Jr. carefully managed his limited sources of income. Thus, a significant portion of this endowment consists of the money from his own savings account.
“I am thankful that we will be able to provide funds to teacher candidates pursuing special education,” said Julie Reneau Professor of Special Education and Executive Director of Autism Individualized Mentoring & Support Services. “There is a critical shortage of special educators in our region and skilled special educators are needed to help students with disabilities reach their long-term goals. I am so amazed and appreciative that the money for much of this endowment comes from John Jr.” The John Anthony Carbone, Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship will provide funds to students demonstrating financial need to cover tuition, fees, books, room, and board. Students who are residents of West Virginia or children of West Virginia residents are eligible for this award with preference given to graduates from high schools in Marion, Monongalia, Harrison, and Taylor Counties. Recipients must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better and be entering their junior year of studies as a special education major. On Friday, October 20, the Fairmont State Foundation and our guests celebrated the 2023 Scholarship & Stewardship Banquet. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact of our donors’ generosity and recognize many of this year’s deserving scholarship recipients. Additionally, the Foundation honored the 2023 inductees to both the 1865 Heritage Society and Column Society. Thank you to all who attended!
David Warren Harper, M.S., dedicated his career to safety, health, and loss control. He taught at East Fairmont High School and worked in industry and higher education, emphasizing the importance of safety in various settings. In his memory, the Occupational Safety Scholarship has been created to strengthen professionals and programs in businesses, organizations, and industries, with the goal of reducing accidents and fatalities.
“We extend heartfelt gratitude to David Warren Harper, M.S. and Nancy Valentine Harper, Ed. D. for their generous support of the Occupational Safety Scholarship at Fairmont State University, benefiting both our students and West Virginia natives,”” said Abby Chapman, Assistant Professor of Occupational Safety. “Their commitment equips future safety professionals to ensure workplaces are secure, incidents are minimized, and lives are saved. This scholarship not only empowers students but also addresses the growing demand for safety experts in various industries. David Warren Harper's dedication to Occupational Safety illuminates the path to a safer professional world, particularly for the people of West Virginia." “This scholarship will provide valuable financial assistance to students in our unique Occupational Safety program,” said Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Steve Roof. “Fairmont State is one of only twelve institutions in the country where graduates also earn the designation Graduate Safety Practitioner.” David’s parents understood the importance of education and encouraged Mr. Harper and his four siblings to pursue advanced degrees. He studied at West Virginia University, earning degrees in Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, and Secondary Education in 1970, followed by a master’s degree in industrial safety and safety education in 1972. David was a consummate safety professional and a selfless person who placed the needs of others ahead of his own. Nancy Valentine Harper, Ed.D., a Fairmont State alumna and David’s widow, began her career in music education at East Fairmont High School before transitioning to the Marion County 4-H youth development program, and later advancing to National 4-H Program Leader with the United States Department of Agriculture. By financially supporting scholarships in music education, her legacy will continue to support the programs that provided the foundation for a long and successful career. “The College of Education, Health and Human Performance extends our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors, Mr. and Dr. Harper, whose support is paving the way for a brighter future in arts education,” said Dr. Amanda Metcalf, Dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Performance. “We firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts and their role in providing a well-rounded education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and personal development. The creative arts offer a unique platform for students to explore their inner worlds, express their thoughts, and find their voices. They teach us to embrace diversity, to appreciate different perspectives, and to connect with the world on a deeper level.” Metcalf continues and describes how this gift will affect the outcomes of future arts educators at Fairmont State. “Thanks to the Harper's generosity, we can continue nurturing the next generation of artists, educators, and thinkers who will shape the lives of those in which they engage. Our deepest appreciation is extended to our Mr. and Dr. Harper for recognizing the transformative potential of art education. Through their support, they are aiding us in inspiring and preparing the next generation of educators who will, in turn, inspire countless others.” Nancy received a four-year scholarship to study music at Fairmont State, and she was the first in her family to attend college. She considers her time at the University to be some of the most enjoyable years of her life. She was involved in various student organizations, including Sigma Kappa Sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Honorary Fraternity, and performing as a piano accompanist for the Collegiate Choir. Nancy values her experiences at Fairmont State for setting her on a path to a successful career and she hopes that this scholarship will foster the same passion for learning and service in those receiving this financial assistance. The couple’s giving philosophy has been guided by the familiar proverb “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Nancy explained her hope that by providing scholarship assistance to young people, they will be “fed” for a lifetime by acquiring academic knowledge, skills, and abilities to improve their own lives, the lives of others, their communities, and the world. “My undergraduate degree from Fairmont State served as the foundation for a long and productive career,” said Nancy. “I would like other young people to have similar experiences on which to start their trajectories into productive, positive family members, employees, and citizens, some of whom may change the world.” The David Warren Harper, M.S., and Nancy Valentine Harper, Ed.D., Occupational Safety Scholarship, and the David Warren Harper, M.S., and Nancy Valentine Harper, Ed.D., Music Education and/or Education Scholarship will provide financial assistance to qualifying first-generation students living in West Virginia. Preference will be given to West Virginia 4-H and Future Farmers of America members from Randolph and Marion Counties, further emphasizing the commitment to supporting local students. If no music education students are available for the related scholarship, students in other education fields will be considered.
After completing her undergraduate degree at Fairmont State and earning a master’s degree in education, Lucille began a lifelong career as an educator and principal at various schools within the Harrison County School System.
Together, the Andersons served their community in various organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, American Association of University Women, Queen Esther Chapter of Eastern Star, Ladies Oriental Shrine, Order of Amaranth, Shinnston Women’s Club, Harrison County Association of Retired School Employees, Quiet Dell Garden Club and the First United Methodist of Quiet Dell. Their service to the community was not ignorant of future generations. “Seba and Lucille did not have any children, but they wanted to provide for the kids in Harrison County,” said David. Thus, Lucille entrusted Fairmont State University to provide Lincoln High School students a scholarship opportunity to pursue a four-year college degree. “They wanted Lincoln High School students to benefit because Lincoln High School, which used to be the Shinnston High School, is where they both graduated from,” said Rebecca Moore, a close family friend to the Andersons. The Seba T. and Lucille B. Anderson Endowed Scholarship will be available to graduates of Lincoln High School or students of Harrison County with a minimum grade point average of 2.8 or higher. “The Anderson’s generous gift will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of many students,” said Fairmont State Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Life Alicia Kalka, “Seba and Lucille’s commitment to education is admirable, and mirrors Fairmont State’s own institutional value of providing accessible higher education to students from all walks of life.” “Seba and Lucille clearly valued education and understood the impact higher education has on the trajectory of students’ lives. Many of the students at Fairmont State University share the same grit and determination to succeed as Lucille did working on her family’s farm. Through this scholarship, many hard-working students will receive much needed assistance to make their college degree a reality. We are incredibly grateful to steward this gift on behalf of Seba and Lucille Anderson,” said Rachel Rae Dyer, President of the Fairmont State Foundation.
The community of Fairmont State University, and greater Marion County, fostered Elliott’s career as a student-athlete, local high school coach, coach at Fairmont State, and Fairmont State’s Director of Athletics for 27 years. With the love and support of the community shown to Elliott and his family, it was the ability to reciprocate the support to future Fighting Falcons that inspired the creation of the scholarship.
“I loved every minute of it. It was an opportunity for me to fall in love with the school even more after all of those years,” said Elliott. “Mary Jo and I wanted to give back to help students graduate and better their lives, because Fairmont State bettered my life. It made me a better person and helped me provide for my family.” “With the rising costs of higher education combined with the desire to field competitive athletic teams, athletic scholarships are vital to the success of the teams and ultimately the success of the student-athletes at Fairmont State,” said Greg Bamberger, current Director of Athletics. “The passion that Rusty and Mary Jo have for students’ success is nothing short of inspirational,” said Rachel Rae Dyer, President of the Fairmont State Foundation. “Fairmont State University student-athletes can learn a great deal about leadership, commitment, and teamwork, as they represent the University in their chosen sport. As Rusty demonstrated throughout his life and career, these experiences will guide Fairmont State student-athletes as they complete their degrees and embark on their professional and personal journeys in West Virginia and beyond. Through this gift, the Elliotts are continuing their legacy of leadership in the Falcon Community. We have a deep gratitude for their continued generosity, and we appreciate their continued commitment to Fairmont State University.” The Mary Jo and Coach Rusty Elliott Endowed Athletic Scholarship will be available for full-time undergraduate student-athletes in a Fairmont State University Athletics program. Students must be a Junior or Senior, and a graduate of a Marion County, West Virginia High School. |
