Editorial: Homecoming - Celebrating our region
I love autumn in West Virginia: The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the
Fairmont State University campus is bustling with activity.
I want to share some of these events and reinforce to all our friends in the region
that you are invited.
Fairmont State is proud to call North Central West Virginia home—we feel a strong “stewardship of place.” This means we actively contribute to the preservation and celebration of regional history and culture. We also strive to contribute to residents’ upward mobility, prosperity, and civic wellbeing. That’s why when we schedule events, we do so with the community in mind.
For example, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Falcon Center at Fairmont State, and everybody is invited to join the celebration. If you’ve seen the building, you know it is a stunning piece of architecture. And if you’ve gone inside, you know it is the hub of campus activity. The Falcon Center houses many student services including the health clinic, the dining hall, and the recreation center, which offers affordable community memberships. It is also home to Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, so come grab a latte and some waffle fries.
While you’re in the Falcon Center, check out the new mural above the pool, painted by Professor Joel Dugan and his students. It’s filled with visual references to Fairmont, conveying the University’s close relationship with our hometown. Finally, stop by The Soar Store, your new one-stop shop for all things Fairmont State. The grand opening will be at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 22. However, it is already packed with new merch and apparel—with more items arriving daily—so you’ll be ready to cheer on the Falcons!
Speaking of which, Homecoming is here! This year’s theme is “Falcon Frenzy,” and we have a full week of activities, many open to the public. For instance, on Thursday, Oct. 9, we’ll have our annual Homecoming Parade that runs through Historic Downtown Fairmont. That will be immediately followed by “Thursday Night Lights,” held in the gravel parking lot next to Duvall-Rosier Field. There will be food, music, a bonfire, and lots of fun for community members, alumni, and students alike.
And don’t forget about the big game, when the Falcons take on West Virginia Wesleyan College on Saturday, Oct. 11. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. To learn about more events, check out our campus calendar at https://fairmontstate.libcal.com.
Homecoming isn’t just for current Fairmont State students or alumni—it’s for everyone who calls this region home. And we’re not just celebrating Fairmont State—we’re celebrating you, the people and communities who support the University every day. We’re serious when we say to the region, “Fairmont State is YOUR school.”
We could not do what we do without your support, and we strive every day to show our appreciation to everybody who supports our vision. Working together, Fairmont State and local communities can transform this region, creating a renewed economic vigor, a spirit of optimism, and a shared feeling of pride. I hope you’ll join us for Homecoming and throughout the year!
