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 will travel to Charleston on Friday, January 23, for its annual Day at the Capitol, highlighting the University’s transformational impact on West Virginia’s economy, workforce, and communities. During the event, students, faculty, and staff will engage with lawmakers, present top-notch programs, and demonstrate how Fairmont State’s Vision goes beyond campus to help make all of West Virginia a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.
Fairmont State and its partners, West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), have come together to plan Foster Care and Child Welfare Day at the Capitol on January 14, which also marks the opening day of the 2026 legislative session.
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 Fairmont State’s Board of Governors met Thursday, December 18, in the Falcon Center Board Room to advance the University’s status as an affordable, accessible, and innovative regional institution. The session highlighted strategic initiatives aimed at advancing academic excellence, supporting student success, and driving economic growth throughout West Virginia. From celebrating recent achievements to approving measures that promote transparency and affordability, the Board reaffirmed Fairmont State’s steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality education and serving as a trusted partner in shaping the state’s future.
Fairmont State University will honor the Fall 2025 graduating class during Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Feaster Center. The morning ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will recognize graduates from the College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts program. The afternoon ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., will honor graduates from the College of Education, Health and Human Performance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Science & Technology.
Fairmont State University hosted the U.S. premiere of A Day to Remember, a powerful documentary exploring the 1968 Farmington No. 9 Mine disaster and its lasting impact on safety regulations worldwide. Originally debuting in Brazil in Portuguese, the film was presented in English for its first U.S. screening.
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.
Fairmont State University wrapped up the Fall installment of its 2025-2026 Presidential Speaker Series on Nov. 13 with Morgan O’Brien, CEO of Hope Gas. The Presidential Speaker Series welcomes distinguished leaders to campus to explore politics, economics, civics, the arts, and culture—sparking meaningful dialogue and strengthening intellectual engagement across the Falcon community.
Fairmont State University will host the U.S. premiere of A Day to Remember, a powerful documentary that explores the 1968 Farmington No. 9 Mine disaster and its enduring impact on safety regulations and practices around the world. Originally debuting in Brazil in Portuguese, the film will now be presented in English for its first screening in the U.S.
Fairmont State University’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), the collegiate dramatics honorary fraternity, celebrated the life and birthday of Dr. Paul Opp on Oct. 2. Opp was a Fairmont State College Professor of Speech and one of the original founders of APO. The current Alpha Psi Omega members planned this celebration of life on Dr. Paul’s birthday and also commemorated the 100-year anniversary of APO’s founding by Dr. Opp.
October 22 was a busy day for Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors and senior leadership as they held their bi-monthly board meeting, then joined in the grand opening of the campus’ new spirit store.
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.
Fairmont State University’s 2025-26 Presidential Speaker Series is now underway, continuing its mission to bring distinguished leaders to campus to explore topics shaping today’s world, including politics, economics, civics, the arts and culture. Since its launch last fall, the series has sparked meaningful dialogue and fostered intellectual engagement throughout the Falcon community.
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