Fairmont State University will unite alumni, donors, friends, faculty, staff, and students for its annual Day of Giving campaign on Thursday, February 26, 2026, for a 24-hour celebration of Falcon pride and collective philanthropy. This year’s ambitious fundraising goal is $800,000, which will provide critical support for students and programs across campus.
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is pleased to announce two public events this February, marking the start of its spring semester programming. Both events are free and open to campus and community members of all ages and experience levels.
Storytelling is a traditional art grounded in live performance, oral learning, and tales both old and new. On Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the West Virginia Storytelling Guild will offer a workshop for adults on how to find, craft, and tell stories. The workshop is open to everyone 18 and older—from experienced teachers and performers to those simply interested in finding their voice. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required by February 21. Participants can register on the Folklife Center’s website: www.fairmontstate.edu/folklife.
Fairmont State University is kicking off the new year with an exciting announcement: the Spring 2026 Presidential Speaker Series has a new closer, Chelsea Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism! The series brings thought leaders from diverse fields such as politics, business, education, art and more to campus to foster meaningful conversations and intellectual engagement. This semester the series will also feature Dr. Mike Lee, Professor and Director of the Civility Initiative, College of Charleston (SC) and Annick Odom 2025-2026 Artist in Residence, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Folk Singer, Crankie Maker, Storyteller, and Square Dance Caller.
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State University has two upcoming holiday events featuring festive songs, stories, and dancing. Both events are free of charge and open to the public.
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will soon feature a new exhibition, Interwoven: The Fiber Arts Legacy of Arthurdale, in partnership with Arthurdale Heritage.
From eerie shadows in the hills to glowing eyes in the night, West Virginia’s legendary creatures have captured imaginations for generations. Are these monsters real, or just spooky campfire stories passed down through the years?
Fairmont State University’s Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center, in partnership with Dr. Tadashi Kato, Professor of Psychology, will host Dance Meditation with Eastern European Folk Music on Wednesday, September 24, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Folklife Center.
Fairmont State University has received funding from Mid Atlantic Arts to launch Accessing the Archives: New Works and Old Traditions at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center. This initiative will commission new creative works inspired by the Folklife Center’s archival collections and is open to artists, musicians, scholars, and community members.
Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is home to a rich and distinctive culture shaped by the ancient Appalachian Mountains—some of the oldest in the world, dating back nearly 480 million years to the Ordovician Period. These mountains, older than trees themselves, have long influenced the traditions and stories of the region.
Two Fairmont State University students have been awarded summer fellowships from the Department of Humanities to pursue original research projects.
Fairmont State University proudly announces that the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center has been named Institution of the Year by the West Virginia Association of Museums (WVAM). This distinguished honor recognizes the Center’s outstanding contributions to preserving and celebrating Appalachian culture and heritage. The award also includes a $500 prize in support of the Center’s ongoing programming.
On February 13, Fairmont State University took center stage at the West Virginia State Capitol, demonstrating its significant contributions to the state’s economy, workforce, and communities. Students, faculty, and staff engaged with lawmakers, shared innovative programs, and underscored how Fairmont State is making North-Central West Virginia a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.
Spring has sprung at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center and members of the campus and community have literary gatherings, storytelling concerts, and exhibitions to look forward to. These events are open to all ages and all members of the community at no cost, and each event showcases a different folklife tradition integral to our area. The first event is the Kestrel Celebration, a twice-yearly event that highlights contributors to Fairmont State’s Kestrel literary and art journal, on Friday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m. Presenters will read their works of poetry and creative writing.
Fairmont State University held its sixth Day of Giving event on Thursday, February 27 with a goal of raising $700,000 for programs, teams, and scholarships throughout campus. During this 24-hour giving marathon, 1,686 generous donors participated with a total of $715,501 in funds raised.
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