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Nestled in the heart of north-central West Virginia, Fairmont State University has long been a beacon for students seeking a transformative education. At the core of that mission is the Honors Program, a dynamic and forward-thinking initiative led by Dr. Robin Payne, Professor of History and Director of the Honors Program. For donors, alumni, and friends of the university – especially those who recall their own college years through the lens of growth, discovery, and mentorship – the Honors Program represents not just a continuation of that tradition, but an elevated version of it. It is a place where academic excellence meets global awareness, where intellectual curiosity is channeled into leadership and service, and where students are encouraged to see themselves as citizens of the world. “The Honors Program is designed for high-achieving, academically gifted students who are eager to do more,” says Dr. Payne. “These are students who want to engage deeply, not just with the material in their majors, but with their peers, their communities, and the broader world.” Honors students at Fairmont State benefit from a robust curriculum that fosters independent thinking, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. From small seminar-style classes to collaborative research opportunities, the program cultivates a scholarly environment that is both rigorous and supportive. But academic excellence is just one part of the equation. “Our students have a strong service-oriented mentality,” Dr. Payne explains. “They want to make a difference. They want to be changemakers.” Each year, during the Day of Giving fundraising event, alumni and friends step up to support this transformative program, and the impact is immediate and profound. Thanks to donor support, the Honors Program can offer unique study and travel courses that take students far beyond the classroom walls. From international adventures in Europe to regional excursions within the United States, these experiences are designed to give students real-world perspectives and life-changing memories. “This year’s Day of Giving funds are helping cover costs for our 2025 trips to London and Detroit,” says Dr. Payne. “We work hard to keep student costs as low as possible, but travel is expensive. Every dollar we raise makes it more accessible.” Whether it’s assisting with airfare, lodging, or museum admission, donor support ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent deserving students from participating. It is a modern take on the age-old idea of a university as a launching pad, sending well-prepared, confident graduates into the world. This spring of 2025, the Honors Program returned to its roots with a trip to London, the very first destination of the program’s inaugural study and travel course in 2000. Over the course of a week, students toured Kensington Palace, explored the British Museum, and marveled at the engineering and mystery of Stonehenge. They soaked up history, art, and culture, and then had the unexpected chance to experience even more when airport challenges extended their trip by an additional week. “It was chaotic, but also magical,” recalls Dr. Payne. “Because of our donors, we were able to keep the students safe, engaged, and learning throughout that entire second week. They adapted beautifully and came home with not just stories, but lifelong memories.” As the Honors Program builds on its success, future travel opportunities are already taking shape. This fall, a select group will travel to Detroit, Michigan, to study public art and history. In 2026, students will embark on a new international journey to Rome, Italy, a city that offers a breathtaking blend of classical heritage and modern vibrancy. For many students, especially those from rural or underresourced backgrounds, these trips represent their first time on a plane, their first time in a major city, or their first international experience. “To everyone who has given to the Honors Program, thank you,” says Dr. Payne. “No matter the size of your gift, it’s helping to open doors for these exceptional students. You’re creating opportunities they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.”
These contributions provide meaningful experiences that extend far beyond training and matches. “The funds are huge for our program because they help us plan impactful opportunities for our student-athletes,” Coach Travis Hinkle shared.
This year’s donations are being directed toward areas that elevate the team’s competitiveness and overall educational experience, including travel, equipment upgrades, and scholarship support. These investments not only enhance the day-to-day operations for the program but also ensure that each athlete has the resources they need to succeed. One of the most exciting outcomes of this year’s Day of Giving is a team trip to San Antonio, Texas in September. Thanks to donor support, the team competed in a prestigious tournament hosted by St. Mary’s University, where they faced off against four of the top volleyball programs in the nation. “Donations were vital in helping cover the cost of flights and experiences during this trip. The student athletes created memories that will last a lifetime,” Coach Hinkle emphasized. In addition to high-level competition, the team had the opportunity to explore the rich history and beauty of San Antonio, including a visit to the iconic Alamo. This kind of trip represents more than just another tournament – it’s a bonding experience, a learning opportunity, and a moment of pride for the athletes and the entire Fairmont State community. Fairmont State Volleyball continues to raise the bar, athletically and academically. The team boasts a combined fall 2024 grade point average of 3.70, the highest in the athletic department, with athletes pursuing demanding majors like Nursing, Biology, Aviation, Business, Exercise Science, Education, Architecture, and Graphic Design. Their work ethic and leadership extend into the community, too. The team has dedicated time to service initiatives both on campus and in the greater Fairmont area, including volunteer efforts at the Marion County Humane Society. Competitive success is another point of pride:
As Coach Hinkle and the team embark on the 2025/2026 season, they are determined to capture the Mountain East Conference North Division Title and return to the NCAA Tournament. With eight seniors preparing for their final season in Maroon and White, the team’s drive and unity have never been stronger. To the donors who make these experiences possible, the message from Coach Hinkle and the team is simple and heartfelt: “We are so thankful for the love and support you provide in every way, from being in the stands at our matches to sending messages of luck or congratulations. We work so hard in everything we do, and we thank you for investing in us and giving opportunities for student-athletes to excel at their sport and their chosen fields of study. Thank you all for making us proud to be Fighting Falcons.” To support the Fairmont State Volleyball Fall 2025 Fundraising Campaign, click the button below and make a gift by October 6, 2025. At Fairmont State, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter is doing more than preparing students for exams. It is preparing them for meaningful careers in the field of civil engineering. Through hands-on learning, innovative competitions, and community-driven projects, the ASCE program transforms textbook theory into real-world engineering practice. Thanks to the generous support of donors, this dynamic program is thriving and changing lives. The ASCE Student Chapter serves as a bridge between academic knowledge and professional readiness. Students who participate in the program step beyond the classroom to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Whether they’re building canoes out of concrete or designing geotechnical solutions, students gain valuable experience in teamwork and problem-solving. These experiences help shape skilled civil engineers and thoughtful, capable leaders who are ready to make an impact in their field. For the ASCE program, Fairmont State’s annual Day of Giving is a lifeline. The funds raised cover everything from registration fees and construction materials to laboratory equipment and travel costs. “The dollars received during the Day of Giving event each year are a cornerstone of our success,” said Tabitha Lafferre, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Technology. “They lighten financial barriers and open the door to experiences that many students say are the highlight of their college careers. Donations ensure an environment where every student is able to participate fully, regardless of their financial situation.” This year, donor support allowed the ASCE chapter to reach new milestones. After a 15-year hiatus, the Steel Bridge team returned to competition, an exciting representation of progress for the program. In a particularly proud moment, the team successfully completed their competition structure in 32 minutes, passing the lateral load test without a rule violation. The chapter also expanded student participation in regional events and deepened its involvement in undergraduate research. Thanks to collaborations like the STaR SURE grant program, the Concrete Canoe team is actively conducting research on ultralightweight concrete: exploration that will enhance their competitive pursuits and contribute to ongoing industry conversations about sustainable construction practices. At the 2025 ASCE Student Symposium hosted by WVU Tech, Fairmont State’s ASCE teams delivered an impressive performance with first place in Geotechnical Design, first place in Mini Golf Aesthetics, second place in Concrete Canoe, second place in Balsa Wood Bridge, and third place in Steel-Crete Croquet. The 2024/2025 academic year has been a period of growth, exploration, and momentum. The chapter has not only expanded its team and projects but also strengthened ties with the community and industry partners. Behind the scenes, even more ambitious plans are in motion, with the potential to bring international recognition to the ASCE program. While those details are still under wraps, one thing is clear. The future is bright, and it is being built today by students whose passion and potential are fueled by the generosity of donors. “To our donors, thank you never seems like enough,” said Lafferre. “Your support empowers our students far beyond the classroom. You’re helping them develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to succeed, not just as engineers but as future leaders and innovators. We are deeply grateful for your belief in their potential and investment in their futures.” To support the ASCE program at Fairmont State, visit: https://www.fsufoundation.org/give-to-scitech.html
“Our student-athletes were excited to see the immediate changes,” shared Head Coach Luke Barker, noting that the updates were a morale booster and set the tone for further improvements. The goal is to continue enhancing the locker room area, ensuring that athletes have a space that reflects the pride and professionalism of the program.
Funds were also used to implement a new viewing station for in-game sideline replay, which will be used by both coaches and referees. The new system, which includes tablets for real-time video analysis, will allow coaches to review plays and adjust strategies on the fly. It will also enable referees to review penalties and other critical plays as needed. This upgrade is expected to improve the team’s in-game performance and allow for better decision-making throughout each game. The new system is expected to be in service this fall. The 2024 football season was an historic one. The team achieved a 7-4 record, including a 6-3 mark in conference play, marking the most wins ever for a first year staff at the university. This impressive achievement was made possible by standout performances from both the offense and defense. Nino Marzullo, who threw for over 2,300 yards in just 9 games, was named MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year. The team’s offense is ranked as the #1 red zone scoring offense in the country and finished in the top 25 nationally in both scoring and total yards. On the defensive side, the Falcons finished the season strong, shutting out opponents for the entire month of November – a testament to their conditioning, focus, and ability to follow through when it mattered most. Off the field, the team continued to show that they are more than just athletes. They are leaders, scholars, and community advocates. 17 student-athletes walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, many of them earning honors and accolades along the way. Josh Alt, with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA), was honored as the Feaster Award recipient at the Freddy Awards, an award given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA. The football team has also demonstrated their commitment to the community by completing nearly 1,000 hours of community service across Marion, Harrison, and Monongalia counties. From supporting campus events to volunteering across the region, players remained dedicated to giving back and serving as a positive influence both on and off the field. As the 2025 season approaches, the coaching staff and players are excited about the potential that lies ahead. “We have a great nucleus of players coming back,” according to Coach Barker. “We’re adding 40 new high school recruits to the roster, in addition to 18 transfers we’ve brought in at mid-year.” With a strong mix of returning players and new talent, Barker believes the team is poised to build on their success and growth. To all those who have supported the football program, Coach Barker and the team would like to say: “Thank you. All your support – whether financial, emotional, or by simply showing up – has a great impact on our student-athletes. We hope to make you proud in everything we do. We can’t wait to see you this fall.” To support Fairmont State Football, visit: https://www.fsufoundation.org/give-to-athletics.html At Fairmont State, aviation isn’t just an area of study, it’s a calling. Since its launch in 2017, the Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) has redefined flight education in West Virginia. Under the leadership of Joel Kirk, Director of the Aviation Center of Excellence, the program has not only brought collegiate flight training to the state for the first time – it has also emerged as a national model of quality, opportunity, and innovation. Aviation is one of the few industries with a federally mandated retirement age, creating a constant, built-in demand for new pilots. Add to that the ever-increasing \reliance on air travel. The result is a career field with unmatched stability, opportunity, and growth. Fairmont State is one of roughly 120 institutions nationwide offering CFR Part 141 flight training, placing it in an exclusive group among the country’s 4,312 degree-granting institutions. Kirk emphasizes the return on investment: “With around a $100,000 total investment, graduates face the potential of $17 million in lifetime earnings in a thriving and growing industry.” Not only is the aviation industry vital to the global economy, but it is a significant economic driver in West Virginia. Among all collegiate aviation programs in the state, Fairmont State leads the way in productivity, quality, and student success. While the end goal for students – a high-paying, high demand career – is promising, the journey to get there is often financially overwhelming. “Flying is expensive by nature,” Kirk explains, “and flight training scholarships are rare.” That’s where Day of Giving support proves essential. Donations help top-performing students, many of whom work multiple jobs just to afford their next flight hour. Contributions go directly toward scholarships, training costs, and expanding program capacity, addressing the financial and logistical barriers to enrollment. “Our single classroom and small hangar are no longer enough,” Kirk says. “We’ve outgrown our space, and we must turn away qualified students. Our goal and largest need currently is an additional hangar and classroom so we can meet demand and train more future aviators.” The impact of donor support reaches beyond flight hours. This year, contributions allowed students to attend key aviation conferences, network with industry leaders, and benefit from upgrades and scholarship aid. A highlight of the year was the participation of 15 female students in the Women in Aviation International (WAI) conference. In a field where women represent just five to six percent of the workforce, the conference gave these students the opportunity to explore career paths, meet mentors, and better understand where they fit into the larger aviation industry. Fairmont State’s aviation program is driven by a clear mission: to train holistic, exceptional aviation professionals, not just pilots who meet minimum requirements. As Kirk puts it, “We are not a pilot mill. We train individuals to excel in skill, ethics, integrity, and leadership.” The numbers highlight the program’s success. Nearly 300 students have trained or are currently enrolled with more than 25,000 flight hours logged. Over 600 FAA certifications have been earned, including commercial, multi-engine, and certified flight instructor ratings. These achievements reflect not just rigorous training, but also the resilience, dedication, and ambition of the students and those who train them. Kirk describes the program as a “Cinderella story,” built from scratch with passion, vision, and the support of a community that believed in the dream of flight. “I knew it would be a success,” Kirk says, “but I didn’t expect it to be wildly successful.” This year, the ACE had another exciting first for West Virginia. Through a partnership and lease with Griffin Aerospace Solutions, ACE became the first university to offer primary helicopter training, adding yet another amazing and rarely available dimension to the program. The level of talent and expertise teaching in the aviation program is unprecedented for a school this size. Program faculty this fall includes five retired career senior military instructor/evaluator pilots in rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, a career NASA aerospace engineer, a career US Navy test pilot engineer, and a career US Air Force UAS pilot senior instructor. Kirk views every donation as an investment with a lasting impact. “We build trainers who train trainers. That kind of investment has exponential value. One contribution today could launch hundreds of future aviators.” From its modest beginnings to its statewide and regional leadership, the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fairmont State is doing more than preparing students for takeoff. It is transforming lives and ensuring that the future of aviation is in highly skilled, well-prepared hands. To current and future donors, Kirk’s message is heartfelt and clear: “Help us make the dream of flight a reality for the next generation of aviation professionals.” To support the Aviation program at Fairmont State, visit: https://www.fsufoundation.org/give-to-coba.html |
