“Laura was a good kid, and music was a big part of her life, just like it was for me,” said Smith. “She went to East Fairmont, played in the band, and graduated from Fairmont State with a business degree. I always wanted to do something in her name because she meant so much to me. I hope this scholarship helps keep her memory alive in a meaningful way.”

“I am moved by Lawrence Smith’s generosity with the creation of this memorial scholarship,” said Dr. Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State University. “It’s a reminder that when we speak about Fairmont State as a place of transformation, that often goes both ways. Yes, a Fairmont State education transforms our students, and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a rewarding career. But the campus community is also transformed by our students’ presence, and we will be forever changed by Laura’s time at Fairmont State. This scholarship helps us celebrate Laura’s memory and her love for East Fairmont High School, Fairmont State University, and music.”

The Smith family’s connection to Fairmont State stretches back nearly a century. Mr. Smith’s grandmother was a graduate of the Fairmont Normal School, which was Fairmont State’s name from 1867 to 1931. His father, Dr. G. Wayne Smith, served as head of the history department beginning in 1954, and Mr. Smith himself graduated in 1971, followed by his brother in 1972. 

In addition to working full-time jobs in a machine shop and later for the Department of Corrections, Smith completed his degree at Fairmont State by taking 12 credit hours at a time. His persistence and passion for learning, paired with his enduring love for music, are values he hopes will inspire the recipients of this scholarship.

“Mr. Smith’s gift is not just impactful, it’s transformative. This endowment will allow us to honor Laura’s family legacy and invest in students who embody the spirit and history of Fairmont State,” according to Marissa Mauro, Director of Development at the Fairmont State Foundation. “The Laura R. Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship is a beautiful testament to how personal stories and heartfelt generosity can create lasting opportunities.”

Smith’s reflections on Fairmont State go beyond the classroom. He recalls sledding down campus hills, swimming in the campus pool thanks to his father’s faculty status, and celebrating championship-winning football and basketball games as a student. For Smith, Fairmont State isn’t just a school, but a family legacy.

“Fairmont State has been part of my life since I was 12. I’ve always had a fondness for this place,” he said. “It gave me and my family opportunity, and now I hope this scholarship gives that same opportunity to someone who loves music, just like Laura did.”

As Fairmont State continues to grow and adapt, gifts like Mr. Smith’s ensure that tradition, talent, and love
for the arts remain part of the University’s vibrant future.

The Laura R. Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming or current Fairmont State student who graduated from East Fairmont High School, participated in the high school band, and intends to pursue a minor in musical arts. In the event no eligible student from East Fairmont High is identified, the scholarship may be awarded to another qualifying student.

For more information about establishing a scholarship at Fairmont State University, 
visit www.fsufoundation.org/create-scholarship or contact our office at 304-534-8786.

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 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.

• William Laughlin and Lois Muto Laughlin provided matching gifts for each of the five colleges and Athletics, totaling $15,000.
• The Mike Ross Family Foundation matched a total of $13,000 split evenly between the College of Nursing and the Falcon Surveyors student organization.
• The Thrasher Group provided $3,000 to the Architecture program and $3,000 to the Engineering Technology program after challenging 15 or more Thrasher employees to make a gift to any participating area on Day of Giving.
• Dr. Mike Davis and Alumni Association Board Chair Nick Fantasia each provided $1 to the Falcon Fund for every donor on Day of Giving.
• Dr. Mike Davis sponsored a final-hour challenge, awarding $1,000 to the giving area with the most donors from 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Omni Associates sponsored the Lunch Rush Challenge this year, providing $1,000 to the giving area with the most donors between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• EMCOR Services Scalise Industries sponsored a Midnight Madness challenge, offering $500 to the giving area with the most donations in the first hour of Day of Giving.

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." 

• Veritas will match a total of $40,000 in gifts supporting each of the Fairmont State Athletics teams.
• William Laughlin and his wife Lois Muto Laughlin, an alumna of Fairmont State, are retired faculty members, and have once again pledged a total of $15,000 in matching gifts distributed among each of the five Fairmont State University colleges and Fairmont State Athletics. 
• The Mike Ross Family Foundation will match a total of $13,000 in gifts – up to $6,500 for the College of Nursing, and up to $6,500 for the Falcon Surveyors student organization.
• Dwight and Tina Moore will match up to $10,000 in support for Performing Arts at Fairmont State.
• Kevin and Donna Wilfong will match up to $5,000 for Criminal Justice scholarships, and up to $5,000 for the College of Nursing.
• The Thrasher Group will provide $6,000 in support for Architecture and Engineering Technology programs at Fairmont State if 15 or more Thrasher employees make a gift on Day of Giving.
• An Anonymous donor will match up to $5,000 in gifts supporting the Datha & Gene Smith Learning Enrichment and Academic Development (LEAD) Center, which provides peer and professional tutoring, workshops, peer mentoring, study groups, and success workshops.
• White Hall Spirits will match up to $2,500 in gifts to Fairmont State Football.
• Robert Kozul, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, will match gifts to Academic Scholarships up to $2,000.

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.”