This edition of Foundation News highlights the powerful return on investment made possible through your generosity to Fairmont State University. Inside, you will see how access to education – paired with rigor, mentorship, and belief – transforms lives, from commencement celebrations honoring the Class of 2025 to stories of alumni and donors whose support is creating opportunity for generations of students. These pages reflect a shared commitment to preparing leaders, strengthening West Virginia, and ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of talent and determination.

You’ll also meet students whose trajectories have been changed by scholarships and donor-funded programs, learn how endowed gifts are building lasting legacies in fields like nursing and science, and preview a few of Fairmont State’s upcoming Day of Giving participating areas. Each story is a reminder that philanthropy is deeply personal and profoundly consequential. We invite you to explore how your partnership continues to open doors, empower ambition, and shape the future – ​one student at a time.

Fairmont State’s Day of Giving returns Feb. 26 with a goal of $800,000 ​

Fairmont State University will unite alumni, donors, and friends on February 26, 2026, for its annual Day of Giving – ​a 24-hour celebration of Falcon pride– ​with an ambitious $800,000 goal. The university-wide effort supports nearly 100 giving areas, from scholarships and academics to athletics and student life, ensuring critical resources for students across campus.

University celebrated most recent graduating class Dec. 13

Fairmont State University celebrated the Fall 2025 graduating class on December 13 with two commencement ceremonies honoring students across all colleges. President Mike Davis applauded graduates for their resilience and the community that supported them along the way. Alumni leaders Mitch Moore and Gia Deasy delivered keynote remarks, reflecting on the impact of a Fairmont State education and inspiring the newest class of Falcons as they step into their professions and communities.

John Norton Anderson’s Fairmont State story and his gift to future generations

First-generation graduate John Norton Anderson credits Fairmont State University with launching a lifetime of achievement – from a chemistry degree to a global career as a polymer chemist and business leader. Now retired, Dr. Anderson has established the John Norton Anderson Endowed Scholarship with a $25,000 gift to support North Marion High School graduates pursuing science and technology degrees, ensuring today’s students have the same access and opportunity that shaped his future.

How scholarships empower leaders like Riley Neal

Triple major Riley Neal has made the most of her Fairmont State experience, combining academic rigor, leadership, and global engagement – ​​made possible through scholarship support. Studying National Security and Intelligence, Criminal Justice, and Political Science, she has competed at the National Model United Nations Conference, served in Student Government, and connected peers with federal agency leaders through the National Security and Intelligence Student Association.

Endowed scholarship creates lasting support for Fairmont State nursing students

Fairmont State alumna Kim Toothman and her husband, Don, have established the Kimberly Lannan Toothman Endowed Nursing Scholarship to support future nursing students for generations to come. Rooted in gratitude and a lifelong commitment to healthcare, their gift eases financial barriers while encouraging students to pursue lives of compassion and service.

How Fairmont State student Gavin Nichols is learning to lead, teach, and give back

Elementary education major Gavin Nichols came to Fairmont State with a clear purpose – ​and scholarship support made it possible. A future special educator from rural West Virginia, Gavin has fully immersed himself in academics and campus life, including leadership in the Fairmont State University Bands, where he mentors fellow musicians and hones the skills he’ll carry into his own classroom.