Fairmont State University raises nearly $200,000 during First Day of Giving

During the inaugural Fairmont State University Day of Giving more than 370 donors helped to raise nearly $200,000 setting a record for the most gifts the University has ever received in one day. 

“We’re so proud of the Fairmont State University community of alumni and friends who came together to show the power of philanthropy,” Julie R. Cryser, president of the Fairmont State Foundation, said. The Foundation raises money on Fairmont State University’s behalf.

“Our goal was to bring awareness to the opportunities that exist to make real change in the lives of our Fairmont State University students, and we met and exceeded that goal,” she said.

Fairmont State University Athletics had the highest number of donors and received a little more than $80,000 to support scholarships and athletic teams. More than $22,000 was raised to support athletic scholarships alone.

“I would like to thank Julie Cryser and all Day of Giving ambassadors for their hard work during this year’s inaugural Day of Giving,” Chad Fowler, Director of Athletic, said. “Financial support is critical to our teams and student athletes and we are pleased with the overwhelming support we received during Day of Giving.”

On the academic side, the School of Business & Aviation raised nearly $30,000 to support students and faculty within the school. The College of Liberals Arts came in second on the academic side, raising nearly $18,000.

The Fairmont State Foundation raised more than $17,000 for overall academic scholarship support, which has been a focus for President Mirta M. Martin.

“When I talk about the impact of the Falcon Family, I mean it!” Dr. Martin said. “By raising nearly $200,000 in a single day, our friends, families, and alumni, here and around the world, are making it possible for Fairmont State to uphold its promise to provide an exceptional, affordable education and a one-of-a-kind college experience to our students.”
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A variety of individuals and local businesses helped with rallying support during the event by creating matches and challenges, creating a sense of competition between the various academic and athletic units.

“We can’t thank those who helped us along the way with matches and challenges enough,” said Cryser. “Without their support, we would never have been successful.”

The Day of Giving the final numbers are still being calculated. Donors who may have missed giving and wish to still give can go to fsufoundation.org.

Thanks to donors, the Fairmont State Foundation can give more than $1 million annually in scholarships to Fairmont State University students and support a variety of academic and athletic initiatives.