From Classroom to Community: Fairmont State Graduate Students bring Peace to the Park with new Zen Garden

Fairmont State University graduate students, in collaboration with the City of Fairmont, Fairmont Parks and Recreation, and Morris Park, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 22, to celebrate the completion of a new Zen Garden at Morris Park. 

The project was led by project management graduate students, Madison Corbin of Fairmont, WV, and Caden Moore of Bridgeport, WV. The Zen Garden marks the culmination of a two-semester community service initiative that gave both students the opportunity to apply project management skills in a real-world setting. 

“At Fairmont State, we believe a public university should serve the public — and that means working hand-in-hand with our community partners to complete projects that have real, lasting impact,” said Fairmont State President Mike Davis. “Initiatives like the Zen Garden at Morris Park reflect our commitment to service, collaboration, and regional progress. By connecting our students’ education with meaningful community engagement, we both enrich their learning experience and strengthen the region.” 

The event also exemplifies Fairmont State’s vision to be A Great Place to Learn and to Call Home. Through immersive educational opportunities and collaborative service projects, the university is advancing efforts to enhance both student success and community well-being. The Zen Garden stands as a testament to that vision — uniting learning, leadership, and local impact. 

Located next to the tennis courts at Morris Park, the Zen Garden offers a peaceful, thoughtfully designed space for reflection and relaxation. The addition enhances the park’s amenities and supports overall community wellness. 

“The Zen Garden at Morris Park stands as a living demonstration of the practical skills and collaborative experience students gain through this program,” said Dr. Rebecca Giorcelli, Chair of the Department of Marketing and Management Studies. “We are incredibly proud of Madison and Caden, who led this project with vision and determination. Their work is a powerful example of how learning can be transformative — for both students and the community they serve.” 

Fairmont State’s project management graduate certificate program is aligned with industry standards set by the Project Management Institute and prepares students for professional certification and leadership roles. The fully online program consists of three sequential courses — Project Management Essentials, Project Planning and Advanced Project Management — that guide students through the full project lifecycle, from initiation to completion. 

“This was our first major experience completing a capital project, and it was incredibly rewarding,” Corbin said. “We had the opportunity to oversee the project from concept to completion, gaining real-world insight into every phase of the process. We couldn’t be happier to see it come to life — and to provide this Zen Garden as a lasting resource for our community.” 

Corbin also emphasized the educational impact of the project. 

“The real-world, hands-on approach to learning project management was incredibly valuable,” she said. “It allowed us to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings, sharpen our problem-solving skills and navigate real challenges that teams face in the workplace. This experience not only built our confidence but also gave us a clearer understanding of leadership, communication and adaptability — skills we’ll carry into our careers.” 

For more information about Fairmont State’s Project Management Graduate Certificate program and other available certificates, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/PMcertificate.