Riley Neal did not come to Fairmont State University to blend into the background. From the moment she arrived, she began building a collegiate experience defined by academic rigor, leadership, and service – made possible through scholarship support that freed her to fully engage in campus life.
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A triple major in National Security and Intelligence, Criminal Justice, and Political Science, Riley exemplifies the kind of interdisciplinary, high-impact student Fairmont State is positioned to cultivate. Her academic path is demanding but intentional. She chose Fairmont State specifically for its National Security and Intelligence program, which is unique to Fairmont State and emphasizes applied learning taught by faculty with real-world experience.

Riley points to professors such as Dr. Todd Clark, a former Defense Intelligence Agency professional, whose career in federal intelligence provides students with firsthand insight into national security work beyond textbooks and theory. In small classes, Riley and her peers are not anonymous; they are mentored and challenged as individuals. These close relationships have proven invaluable as she prepares for graduation and her next step toward law school.

One of the defining experiences of Riley’s time at Fairmont State has been her involvement in Model United Nations, an organization that brings global policy and diplomacy into sharp focus. Each year, the team travels to New York City to compete at the National Model United Nations Conference, representing a designated country and engaging with students from around the world.

In these competitions, Riley has represented nations such as Bahrain and Guatemala, spending months researching political systems, foreign policy, and international priorities. Her work has included position papers and committee assignments focused on international crime and cooperation, allowing her to merge her interests in criminal justice and global security. At the conference, students engage in rigorous debate, public speaking, and coalition building alongside peers from across the globe.

The experience is transformative. Model UN builds confidence, sharpens communication skills, and exposes students to perspectives far beyond their own classrooms. It is also a clear example of how donor-supported programs extend the boundaries of Fairmont State’s campus, preparing students for leadership in an interconnected world.

Riley’s leadership extends well beyond Model UN. She has been deeply involved in Student Government, serving on the executive board and acting as a student representative to the Fairmont State Board of Governors. In this role, she worked directly with university leadership, faculty, and staff, gaining experience in governance, policy, and advocacy that few undergraduates encounter.

She is also an active member of the National Security and Intelligence Student Association (NSISA), which brings career-focused opportunities directly to campus. Through this organization, Riley has helped host representatives from the CIA, FBI, and other federal agencies, as well as elected officials and policy leaders. These events provide students with access to professional pathways that might otherwise feel distant or inaccessible.

Riley is candid about the role scholarships have played in her success. With her tuition covered, she can focus on academics, leadership, and service rather than financial stress. That support has also allowed her to work on campus as an admissions ambassador, guiding prospective students and their families through the same college decisions she once faced.

For donors, Riley’s story illustrates the direct and lasting impact of philanthropic support. Scholarships do more than reduce tuition costs. They create leaders. They open doors to global experiences. They empower students to serve their communities and prepare for careers that shape public life.

Riley Neal is not just a student success story – she is a return on investment that continues to grow.

When it came time to choose a university, Gavin looked closely at several institutions in West Virginia. Ultimately, Fairmont State stood out. Its education program offered a clear, well-structured pathway that felt realistic and attainable, and for him, that mattered. He wanted a program that balanced rigor with support, one that would prepare him not only to graduate but to succeed in the classroom.

Affordability was also a factor, and the cost of higher education posed a significant barrier. Scholarship support made the difference between aspiration and reality. Without this financial assistance, attending Fairmont State would not have been possible. It has given him the freedom to fully engage in campus life, academics, and enrichment opportunities.

A skilled woodwind musician, Gavin arrived at Fairmont State with his alto saxophone in hand and a willingness to contribute wherever needed. Band quickly became more than an extracurricular activity. It became a community and a training ground for building leadership skills and sharing knowledge with his peers.

He speaks with pride about watching first-year students grow more confident and capable over time. Teaching did not feel like an obligation. It felt natural. Many members of the band arrive with varying levels of musical experience, which creates opportunities for peer instruction and mentorship. Gavin embraces these moments. Each rehearsal and performance becomes another chance to practice the very skills he hopes to use as a future educator.

Looking ahead, Gavin envisions himself remaining in the Fairmont area after graduation. Long-term, he hopes to complete a master’s degree and become a school counselor, continuing his work with young students.

For now, he is focused on finishing strong and making the most of every opportunity. When asked what experiences at Fairmont State he is most proud of, Gavin points to leadership, connection, and growth. Leading a section. Mentoring younger students. Building relationships with fellow education majors and faculty. These are the moments that define his college experience.

Gavin’s story is a reminder that philanthropy is not abstract. A gift does not simply fund a line item or sustain a program. It changes a student’s daily reality. It allows a future educator to step confidently into classrooms and rehearsal halls, carrying forward both skill and gratitude.

Gavin Nichols is one student, but his journey reflects the broader impact of investing in music and education programs at Fairmont State University. Through scholarship support, donors are not only helping students earn degrees. They are helping shape teachers, mentors, and leaders who will, in turn, shape countless lives across West Virginia and beyond.

At Fairmont State University, stories of student success are deeply tied to the generosity of those who believe in the power of education. One such story is that of Harmonie Molnar, a first-year student in the College of Nursing whose path has been shaped by dedication, purpose, and the critical support of scholarships made possible through donor contributions.

Harmonie, a Fairmont resident originally from Morgantown, chose Fairmont State not only for its academic offerings but also for its affordability and accessibility. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” she shared. “Fairmont State allows me to stay close to the community I care about, while also giving me the chance to grow into who I want to become.”

Her decision to pursue a degree in nursing came after exploring social work and realizing with her mother’s guidance that her desire to make a meaningful impact on others could also align with a healthcare career. As she pursues her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and plans for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Harmonie is laying the groundwork for a successful career in healthcare – a field where compassionate care can change lives.

Like many Fairmont State students, Harmonie’s ability to focus on her education without being overwhelmed by financial stress is directly tied to donor-funded scholarships. “I never imagined how important scholarship support would be,” she said. “The scholarships I’ve been awarded don’t just help me pay for school. They give me confidence. Knowing someone believes in my future enough to invest in my success motivates me every day.”

Her gratitude is deep and personal. “To every donor who supports students like me, I want to say thank you. Your gift is not just helping me go to college. You are helping shape my future and I am grateful for
your support.”

Harmonie has also found purpose and connection through involvement in campus life. She is an active member of the Black Student Union and the sorority Zeta Phi Beta, two organizations that have provided friendship, leadership opportunities, and a strong support system as she navigates her first year of college. Through events like Fairmont State’s Day of Giving, Harmonie has also experienced the power of philanthropy on campus. 

“The Black Student Union doesn’t have a lot of funding, so when donors contribute, it allows us to plan events that build community and a sense of belonging,” she said. “It means a lot to us and the students who come after us.”

Harmonie’s long-term vision includes becoming a traveling nurse, gaining experience across the country, and ultimately advancing her education through a master’s degree. After completing her BSN at Fairmont State, she hopes to continue her studies online while working in hospitals to gain the clinical hours required for travel nursing. 

Harmonie Molnar’s story is just one of many at Fairmont State – a story that illustrates how donor generosity changes lives in real, lasting ways. Each scholarship, each contribution to student organizations, and each investment in university resources builds a foundation for students who are prepared to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

For those considering establishing a scholarship at Fairmont State, Harmonie is a compelling reminder of the impact your support can have. She represents the future of healthcare and the tangible return on investments in education.

For more information, visit www.fsufoundation.org/create-scholarship or contact our office at 304-534-8786.

Fairmont State’s Ruth Ann Musick Library hosted its first writing contest this March in which Fairmont State University students submitted work based on the American Library Association’s National Library Week theme, “There’s More to the Story.”

Students were encouraged to write either a short story or a poetry submission inspired by the theme of “There’s More to the Story” and the prompt “Photo and/or Diary." Nineteen submissions were received: eight short story submissions and eleven poetry submissions. The selected winners for the short story category include Avary King (first place), Sydney Brooks (second place), and Natalie Clingenpeel (third place). The selected winners of the poetry category include Molly Simpson (first place), Alexandra Mellott (second place), and Vetra Foster (third place).

Reilly Crow, a junior Graphic Design Technology major from Glendale, West Virginia, established the contest in partnership with the Ruth Ann Musick Library staff . “People need a way to express themselves,” he said. “When people share stories, there are always some left-out details. With the theme “There’s More to the Story,” we see what reading stories are for.”

Each first place winner received a $250 cash prize and publication in next year’s edition of Whetstone, Fairmont State University’s undergraduate literary and art journal.

“We have a lot of creative, amazing young people on this campus that are growing, changing, and always doing awesome things,” said Jacquelynn Sherman, Assistant Library Director.“Their accomplishments are just one example, one little piece of the whole that makes Fairmont State such a great place to learn.”

“Fairmont State was wonderful for me,” said Dr. Jude Black, President of the Appalachian Life Enrichment Counseling Center in Fairmont. “It was big enough that I could get lost in, but small enough that I could stay grounded when I needed to.”

Dr. Black, 1990 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts with a degree in Criminal Justice, presented career advice and career optimization to students in psychology courses and the Student Veterans Organization. She credits Fairmont State as the birthplace of her independence and confidence as an entrepreneur of a prominent local business.

“I loved the foundation that I got through Fairmont State. It’s where learning clicked for me,” said Black. “I really had to learn how to apply myself and that helped me with a lot of my business decisions. I never knew I could fail because it wasn’t something I considered.”

Dr. Mitch Sokolosky, a 1988 graduate with a degree in Biology from the College of Science and Technology and the Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, presented biology and healthcare management to students in biology courses and the Tri-Beta Biology Honors Association. He attributes the experiences he had as a Falcon in shaping his career in emergency medicine.

“I took an emergency medical technician elective. It wasn’t required for my degree, but it allowed me the opportunity to volunteer in a local ambulance service and later become a paramedic in Fairmont,” said Sokoloksy. “Fairmont State is the reason I became an emergency physician.”

Bill Black, 1989 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts and Vice President of Operations at Appalachian Life Enrichment Counseling Center, presented leadership lessons and career advice to students in the National Security and Intelligence program, the Student Government Association and the Student Veterans Organization.

Danijel Velicki, 2000 graduate of the College of Business and Aviation and Founder and CEO of Sqwire, a company which conducts financial wellness courses, presented on financial literacy and business leadership with the men’s basketball team and students in business ethics courses.

Ryan Weld, 2003 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts with a degree in Political Science and West Virginia State Senate Majority Whip, presented leadership lessons and career advice to students in the National Security and Intelligence program and the Student Government Association. Weld, a former member of the Men’s Swimming team also took time to meet with members of the current Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams to share experiences from his time as a student athlete.

Gerard Schmidt, 1971 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts with a degree in Psychology and Chief Operations Officer of Valley Healthcare System, an institution designed to treat patients facing addiction, mental illness, and disabilities, presented leadership lessons and shared advice on mental health nursing to students in the Nursing program.

Robert Hawkins, 1970 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Retired Director of Faculty Professional Education at Defense Acquisition University, presented to students on the value of a degree in education. He also gave his presentation “Elements of Change: How Learning is Being Redefined” to faculty in the College of Education Health and Human Performance.

Roberta Stronsider, 1967 graduate of the College of Education, Health, and Human Performance and Professor Emerita in Special Education at Towson University and Co-Director of the Institute on Executive Functioning, presented to education faculty and students on accelerating students’ executive growth the utilizing explicit instruction of metacognitive strategies.

“It’s difficult to express how much we appreciate the investment of each of these alumni making time to come back and pour into our students. The value that they provided with their years of insight and experience has been incalculable,” said Tim Liebrecht, Director of Development. “We are so proud to be able to help connect alumni back to our current students and faculty and we look forward to more of these events in the future.”