Gift from May Memorial Fund Helps FSU Meet Funding Goal

The Fairmont State Foundation has announced that a donation from the Sgt. Todd May Memorial Fund Committee has provided the final funds needed for Fairmont State University’s matching grant from the West Virginia Research Trust Fund as part of the “Bucks for Brains” program.

The Sgt. Todd May Memorial Fund Committee recently donated more than $4,000 to support the FSU Open Source Intelligence Exchange (OSIX) program, adding to a previous contribution of $25,000. Including the matching funds from the West Virginia Research Trust Fund grant, the committee’s contributions have had an overall impact of $83,000 for FSU students.

“This most recent gift in memory of Sergeant Todd May will be used to enhance educational opportunities for students who gain valuable, hands-on experience working on intelligence products for real consumers,” said William B. Armistead, President of the Fairmont State Foundation. “With this gift and other previous contributions provided by the Todd May Memorial Fund and other donors, FSU has officially met its $100,000 fund-raising goal and will receive $100,000 in matching funds through the ‘Bucks for Brains’ program.”

In March 2013, FSU celebrated the first award of the Sgt. Todd May Memorial Scholarship, which the Memorial Fund Committee established through the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc. The Sgt. Todd May Memorial Scholarship is designed to benefit law enforcement officers in Monongalia County, their families or others pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at FSU. Tyler Hawkins of Buckhannon was announced as the first recipient of the May scholarship.

“As the Fairmont State family, we are so proud of our students and former students in the Criminal Justice program who dedicate themselves to serving and protecting others, knowing that they may one day be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Dr. Maria Rose, President of Fairmont State University. “Sergeant May’s legacy will continue at Fairmont State by helping other students pursue their educational and career goals.”

OSIX is the laboratory and applied research arm of the University’s National Security and Intelligence Program. Students working in the OSIX lab gather and analyze intelligence from open sources, including online discussion boards, social media and chatrooms, to identify and assess national security and law enforcement threats.

A graduate of Morgantown High School, May attended FSU, where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice. At Fairmont State, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He later graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy in Institute, W.Va.

After working briefly at the Eastern Regional Corrections facility and the Berkeley County Sherriff's Department, May began his career with the Monongalia County Sheriff's Department in Morgantown. In his role with the department, May was assigned as a leader on its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, was a shift supervisor and earned the rank of Sergeant. May died Feb. 18, 2012, in the line of duty while responding to a call to assist fellow officers in a police pursuit.

Contributions to the Sgt. Michael Todd May Memorial Fund can be made at any Clear Mountain Bank. Donations may be mailed to the Sgt. Michael Todd May Memorial Fund, Attn: Tammy White, 116 Walnut St., Morgantown, WV 26505.

Sgt. Todd May Memorial Fund CommitteeWilliam B. ArmisteadFairmont StateTammy WhiteTyler HawkinsCriminal JusticeCollege of Liberal ArtsOSIX