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.
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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:

• Five consecutive winning seasons
• On track to receive the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the 10th year in a row
• Four All-Mountain East Conference Honorees
• Josie Skinn, Joey Borelle named First Team All-Atlantic Region, Honorable Mention All-Americans
• Baylie Ostvig named US Strength and Conditioning All-American

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

Tucked away on the second floor of the Ruth Ann Musick Library, there is a place that many students describe as their “second home” on campus. The Learning Enrichment and Academic Development (LEAD) Center, under the leadership of Coordinator Bri DiBacco, is not just a tutoring space. It is a hub of support, encouragement, and transformation for students navigating the challenges of higher education.

With a mission to serve every Falcon, the LEAD Center provides comprehensive academic support through a wide array of services. From free planners and school supplies to one-on-one tutoring, study groups, peer mentoring, and workshops focused on study strategies and academic transitions, the LEAD Center is designed to meet students where they are.

“There are a million benefits to using our services,” says DiBacco, whose energy and passion for student success are contagious. “Of course, we provide academic support and help with course material, but we are also just a great place to be. There’s always going to be a smiling face and usually some snacks in the
LEAD Center.”

In an era when students are balancing coursework, jobs, family responsibilities, and more, spaces like the LEAD Center provide a lifeline. Beyond academic support, the Center offers a sense of belonging and encouragement, helping students persist when challenges arise. This approach is making a measurable difference. During the 2024/2025 academic year, the LEAD Center held over 4,000 tutoring and academic support appointments, serving more than 400 individual students – more than double the engagement from the prior year.

Much of the LEAD Center’s success is made possible through generous contributions from donors. DiBacco is candid about the critical role philanthropy plays in fueling the Center’s impact.

“These funds mean everything to my staff and me,” she says. “Dollars directly benefit the students we serve.”

The math is simple, and the effect, profound. A donation of $1,000 funds a tutor for an entire semester. A $10,000 gift funds five tutors for a year. These tutors are often students themselves, building their own skills while supporting their peers. In addition to personnel, donor dollars help provide academic planners, school supplies, and upgrades to the Center’s tutoring and study spaces, making the environment even more effective and welcoming.

This past year, a generous donation allowed the LEAD Center to refresh its resources and deepen its impact. The result was a visible, tangible improvement in the student experience. “Students now know that when they ask us for something, we’ll make it happen,” says DiBacco. “They trust us to be a supportive place that knows them by name and meets their needs.”

For alumni and friends of Fairmont State who are looking for meaningful ways to give back, the LEAD Center offers a clear and compelling opportunity. A gift to the Center is not an abstract investment; it is a direct contribution to student success. It’s a vote of confidence in the potential of today’s Falcons, and it fuels the kind of personal, one-on-one support that changes lives.

“If I could say one thing to our donors, it would be thank you,” says DiBacco. “Thank you for your support and your belief in us. Every dollar you send to us is a dollar given right back to all our Falcons.”

As the University continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of an evolving student body, the LEAD Center stands as a beacon of what student-centered support can look like when it is powered by passion, grounded in community, and strengthened by the generosity of those who believe in the mission.

​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

Fairmont State’s American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter swept the concrete canoe competition at the ASCE Virginias Regionals Symposium hosted by Marshall University on April 14.
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In addition to taking home the overall team title, Fairmont also earned first-place in each of five races as well as the following categories: technical proposal, project presentation and final product.

“This has been an exceptional weekend for the student chapter,” said Tabitha Lafferre, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Technology and ASCE Student Chapter Faculty Advisor. “The students truly put their heart, blood, sweat and tears in to this year-long project.”

The ASCE Virginias Regionals Symposium provides students from schools across West Virginia and Virginia a chance to gain valuable hands-on experience by competing in many engineering-related competitions. For the concrete canoe competition in particular, students must follow strict rules that dictate the contents of the concrete matrix in building the canoe and, of course, the vessel must float, to be eligible to compete in the races. The canoe entered in this year’s competition, named “Black Diamond,” is a tribute to coal miners and West Virginia’s status as a top coal producer in the country.

According to Lafferre, this marks the 18th regional level win for Fairmont State. The team will now move on to the national concrete canoe competition at the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championship hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from June 10 to 12.

“The team always has a goal of placing in the top 10 overall,” said Lafferre. “Even though the regional symposium is over, they’ll continue practicing paddling until the last day of the spring semester.”

To help fund the trip, the Fairmont State ASCE student chapter held an elimination dinner at the Knights of Columbus on May 5th. The dinner included a buffet-style meal, historical presentation, keynote address, canoe display, gift basket raffles and a $1,000 cash prize.

The Fairmont State University Forensic Science Program hosted the second annual ‘Kickin’ it for Katy’ 5K run and walk on Saturday, April 29, on the University’s campus. All proceeds from the race go to the Kaitlynn Towson Forensic Memorial Award to raise awareness around suicide prevention, benefiting Fairmont State Forensic Science students.
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“We are pleased to see the outpouring of support from this community, and we are excited to watch Kickin’ it for Katy grow,” said Gina Dixon, the grandmother of Kaitlynn Towson. “Our family is proud that Katy’s name and story will be remembered and that we are spreading awareness.”

After the race, participants and spectators were invited to the ‘Stomp Out the Stigma’ celebration hosted by Falcon Wellness and Mental Health Services on the Falcon Center Quad for race awards, live music, food vendors, raffle prizes, a dunk tank and more.

“These two events are a natural fit together as they both support the mission of suicide awareness and prevention, which is especially important in our college-age students,” said Forensic Science Program Coordinator Mark Flood. “The scholarship money being raised is in memory and support of Katy’s legacy and will mean that these collaborative short-term events will have a longer-lasting impact.”

“We want students to know that their mental health is our priority here at Fairmont State University,” said Director of Student Health Chelsea Collins. “All supporters of mental wellness are invited to come and promote mental well-being. Students are not alone, we want them here with us to enjoy life.”

Spies like us: Fairmont State University's National Intelligence Program

Four intelligence analysts are hunched over a computer screen. On the wall behind them are various maps of the world and three clocks that show the hour in different times zones. They have tracked everything from the Russian military’s involvement in the Ukraine to vulnerabilities with NASA’s Hubble Telescope.

But on this particular Tuesday afternoon, with the lights off and computer screens bright, they are diving into the nefarious underworld of email scams. The project’s codename is Operation Trident.

The lab is known as OSIX, short for Open Source Intelligence Exchange, and it’s run by the cream of the crop from the school’s National Security and Intelligence (NSI) program. Out of the department’s approximately 200 students, only 16 are currently working in the lab. “We take our best and brightest and put them in that environment,” explains Professor David Abruzzino.

Students in the OSIX lab sift through court records, public databases and, now more than ever, social media posts. When the devastating floods ravaged West Virginia towns in the summer of 2016, a group of FSU students were monitoring Facebook and Twitter for people in need. “OSIX was instrumental in identifying somebody who had a need for police assistance and then notifying the state authorities,” says Professor Todd Clark, who mentors the students in the lab. “Social media monitoring really paid off. It’s a key to a lot of what we do.” The advantage these students have, he says, is that they grew up with these technologies. “They have a sixth sense of where to look on social media. They have a fresh perspective.”

Nick Oliveto, a 29-year-old native of Fairmont, was one of the first students to partake in the OSIX lab before graduating FSU in 2012. After school, he got a job with Lockheed Martin before moving on to law school. He’s now working as a counter-terrorism analyst in the Maryland suburbs. “The program gave me the professional foundation needed to pursue my career,” he says. “I use what I learned at Fairmont every day.”

Oliveto credits his success to teachers like Abruzzino who, before arriving at FSU a decade ago, was in the CIA where his area of expertise was the heroin trade in Afghanistan. “In many cases when we’re talking about concepts that are expressed in their textbooks, I can bring up a real-world experience I had where I faced that situation and can explain to them how it played out in a real-world scenario,” Abruzzino says.

Students have come from across the country – as far away as Oregon – to enroll in Fairmont’s NSI department. The school’s proximity to the national security community in D.C. makes having guest speakers easy. And the FBI office in Clarksburg comes to campus to recruit students for internships.

Alumni have landed gigs at dozens of national agencies – including the CIA, FBI and NASA. Many have opted to stay in the region and work for the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and the West Virginia Army National Guard. An NSI master’s program is in the works for those students who want to further their education even more.

Back in the lab, the team of students are prepping a presentation they will be giving at the state capitol in Charleston. There, they will meet state delegates and senators and show them the latest project they are working on. It may not be the CIA, but it’s a step in the right direction. As a sign on the wall declares: “You don’t have to start out as an expert. You just have to start.”