Fairmont State University celebrated the achievements of the Fall 2025 graduating class during commencement ceremonies held on Saturday, December 13, in the Feaster Center. Two ceremonies took place: a morning ceremony honoring graduates from the College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts program, followed by an afternoon ceremony recognizing graduates from the College of Education, Health and Human Performance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Science & Technology. University President Mike Davis praised the graduates’ determination and resilience, as well as the families, faculty, and staff who supported them along the way.
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The morning ceremony featured a keynote address by Mitch Moore, a 2016 Fairmont State graduate in Accounting and Business Administration and a fourth-generation alumnus. A former Student Government President, Moore went on to graduate first in his class from West Virginia University’s College of Law and now practices with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. He continues to serve Fairmont State and the legal community through leadership roles with the Alumni Association and the West Virginia State Bar.

​The afternoon ceremony included remarks from Gia Deasy, a distinguished alumna and recently retired Special Education Director for Marion County Schools. With more than 40 years of experience in special education, Deasy remains active as an adjunct faculty member at Fairmont State and a statewide education consultant. She was honored this year with several awards, including Fairmont State’s Alumna of Achievement, and she has accepted a nomination to join the Fairmont State Foundation Board of Directors.

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