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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. 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.
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.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Wooddell for their generous support of Fairmont State University students. Their investment is a powerful affirmation of the value of accessible education and the transformative impact it can have,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “Scholarships such as these are instrumental in improving student retention and degree completion, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic success. Fairmont State is a Great Place to Learn, and it is through the commitment of donors like the Wooddells that we are able to uphold that vision for more students. Their contribution will have a lasting influence on the lives of those they support and on the future of our institution.”
Born and raised in West Virginia, Mr. Wooddell attended Upshur County schools before earning a business degree from Fairmont State in 1971. Though he and Teresa now live in Florida, West Virginia is still home in spirit. “Teresa and I both grew up in families that didn’t have a lot,” Mr. Wooddell said. “One morning I woke up and thought if we can help somebody from a background like ours finish college, this is what we want to do.” Mr. Wooddell says he never made “big money,” but he lived responsibly and invested wisely. His financial success came from discipline and a lesson he never forgot. “A good friend once told me, if you make $25,000 and save $5,000, you’ll have something someday. But if you make $250,000 and spend $275,000, you’ll be broke. That stuck with me.” After serving in the Army during the Vietnam era, Mr.Wooddell returned home and eventually landed a job at a coal mine. When the mine closed, he leaned on his work ethic to start a lawn care business. That small operation turned into a 26-year career. “My business degree helped me figure out how to run the business side of things – taxes, expenses, and planning. I didn’t need a degree to cut grass, but it helped me grow something stable.” Mr. Wooddell eventually sold the business to his nephew and made good on a childhood dream: to live in Florida for the winters like the retirees he remembered admiring as a boy. By 2013, the Wooddells became full-time Florida residents. Still, the impact of their West Virginia upbringing remains central to their values. The couple has also established a planned gift, which they hope will last for generations. Mr. Wooddell made it clear that he didn’t give to see his name in lights. He simply wants to help others finish what they start. “When I started college, they told us only one in four of us would finish. I don’t know if that’s still the case, but I hope this helps somebody stay the course and complete a degree. That’s what I care about.” Fairmont State Foundation Director of Development Marissa Mauro expressed deep appreciation for the Wooddells’ generosity. “Mr. and Mrs. Wooddells’ gift reflects a profound commitment to education and community. Their story shows that anyone with a vision, regardless of how they started, can leave a lasting impact. Their legacy will support Fairmont State students for decades to come, and we are honored to help fulfill their vision.” Mr. Wooddell also hopes that sharing their story might encourage others to give. “If this inspires another couple to do something similar, it would all be worth it.” The couple has been together for more than 40 years. As Mr. Wooddell sees it, this scholarship is the legacy they leave behind. “For some people, their kids are their legacy. This scholarship is ours.” For more information about establishing a scholarship or planned gift at Fairmont State University, visit www.fsufoundation.org/create-scholarship or contact our office at 304-534-8786. 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 |
