11-03-2025
Day of Giving surpasses goal of raising $700K in a day for Fairmont State
FAIRMONT — Members of the community alumni and businesses came together Feb. 27 to raise $715,501 during Fairmont State University's sixth Day of Giving.
With a goal of raising $700,000 for programs, athletics and scholarships throughout campus,1,686 donors stepped forward to support the local university.
Donors had more than 60 different programs from which to choose when they made their gift during that 24-hour window last month.
Fairmont State Foundation President Anne Bolyard thanked Day of Giving donors for rising to the challenge.
'From the initial planning conversations to the present, the Fairmont State Foundation team has demonstrated unfailing commitment and dedication to exceeding the 2025 Day of Giving goal," Bolyard said. "Their dedication and unmatched professional expertise are deeply appreciated and embody the mission and success of our Foundation.'
Fairmont State's five colleges raised a combined total of $99,133 to help fund various academic programs and initiatives. An additional $197,558 was raised for academic scholarships.
The College of Education, Health & Human Performance earned the distinction of being the academic unit that raised the most money. The $43,443 raised will be used to fund such programs as the PRAXIS Test Support Fund, Outdoor Leadership, Exercise Science and the Autism Individualized Mentoring and Support Services program. The College of Business & Aviation had the most individual donors at 133. Of those, 95 made donation to help fund the aviation program.
In terms of athletics, 802 donations totaling $247,185 came in for the university's sports program. Falcons football came out No. 1 with $35,089 from 101 donors, while women's basketball raised $22,010 from 40 donors. Donors gave an additional $14,998 to help fund athletic scholarships. The women's volleyball team had the most donors of any athletic team this year with 143, and they earned an additional $2,250 in prizes for their program with this achievement.
'To be able to raise over $250,000 in one day is amazing, and the fact that it came from over 800 donors, just shows us how much our community cares about our Fighting Falcons. Thank you to all who were able show their support,' Fairmont State Athletic Director Greg Bamberger said. 'I also want to thank everyone who was responsible for the entire day. I know months of planning was put into it by members of the University and the Foundation.
"The coordination and organization required to pull this event off was top shelf. These resources will be used to aid athletic scholarship support for our student-athletes and let us occasionally do something special for our student-athletes that reminds them of the fact Fairmont State is a Great Place.'
Individual and corporate donors stepped up to provide 80 prizes and matching gifts. For example, William Laughlin and Lois Muto Laughlin provided matching gifts for each of the five colleges and athletics, totaling $15,000.
The Mike Ross Family Foundation matched a total of $13,000 split evenly between the College of Nursing and the Falcon Surveyors student organization.
Gary K. and Barbara Bennett matched a total of $11,000 in gifts, supporting the Student Veteran's Organization, the Aviation Center of Excellence, the Glenn A. Harman Accounting Excellence Award, PRAXIS Test Support Fund and University Bands.
The Thrasher Group provided $3,000 to the Architecture program and $3,000 to the Engineering Technology program after challenging 15 or more Thrasher employees to make a gift to any participating area on Day of Giving.
Fairmont State President Mike Davis and Alumni Association Board Chair Nick Fantasia each provided $1 to the Falcon Fund for every donor on Day of Giving.
Davis sponsored a final-hour challenge that awarded $1,000 to the giving area that hauled in the most donors from 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Omni Associates sponsored the Lunch Rush Challenge this year, which provided $1,000 to the giving area with the most donors between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
EMCOR Services Scalise Industries sponsored a Midnight Madness challenge, which offered $500 to the giving area with the most donations in the first hour of Day of Giving.
Campus community members were encouraged to stop by the Falcon Center throughout the day to make a gift, try their luck at the punch-a-bunch board for prizes, sign a thank you note, and watch livestream interviews with donors and representatives from featured programs.
'This year's Day of Giving once again demonstrated the incredible impact we can achieve together,' Davis said. 'Surpassing our $700,000 goal means more scholarships, enhanced student experiences, and stronger academic and athletic programs. We extend our deepest gratitude to every donor—your generosity helps make Fairmont State a truly Great Place to Learn, Work, and Call Home.'
