Traditions

The Falcon Mascot

As the Fighting Teachers of Fairmont State Teachers College faded away in 1943 and the new Fairmont State College arose, the students of FSC were left without a key leader, the mascot. Just three years prior, the Fighting Teacher made his first appearance dressed in a long-tailed coat, wire-framed glasses and carrying a pile of books. The 1940s provided a unique campus environment with many men away fighting in World War II. With the end of the war in 1945 and the signing of the G.I. Bill of Rights for veterans, students began returning to campus in large numbers. By 1947 campus was booming again. As athletic schedules were made and events were planned, the brothers of Tau Beta Iota fraternity saw lack of a Fairmont State College mascot as an opportunity to “hatch” a plan.

On Saturday, September 27, 1947, pedestrians in downtown Fairmont were greeted with an interesting sight – a truck driving around town with an “egg” and signs advertising that evening’s football game against Glenville State. Hours later, during halftime, the mascot’s egg was “hatched” and the Falcon made his first appearance. Robert Barrett Hall (1923-1995) served as the first Falcon, and 65 years later the falcon spirit is still alive. Today, the fighting falcon stands as a symbol of the spirit of Fairmont State University. From the bravery of starting a new educational journey to the determination of finishing a degree, to the foresight of what career path choose, Fairmont State University Falcons Soar.

University Seal

In 2007, the current version of the University seal was unveiled featuring the words Scholarship, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. These are the core values of Fairmont State University first appeared in the 2005 Strategic Plan. These values represent every Falcon’s ability to SOAR. SCHOLARSHIP: To celebrate the joy and wonder of discovery. OPPORTUNITY: To grow, learn, engage, and contribute. ACHIEVEMENT: To reach personal and community goals. RESPONSIBILITY: To fulfill obligations to ourselves, the learning community, our society, and the future

The Victory Bell

In 1940, the Letterman's Association (now the Fairmont State Athletic Association) presented the college with a "Victory Bell" from a Monongahela oil barge. Nicknamed "Old Boaz" – in honor of Boaz Fleming, the founding father of Fairmont – students would ring the bell after athletic team victories.

During World War II, the Victory Bell was declared silent and was not rung again until Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) on May 8, 1945. It was rung for that victory and for the Americans still fighting in the South Pacific.

The exact date unknown (likely the late 1960s), the tradition shifted from ringing to painting the bell by various fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations – its clapper and handle removed.

Originally located adjacent to Hardway Hall, the bell now stands in front of the Education Building.

Fight Song

Fairmont State College we love you,
And to your colors, we'll e'er be true,
Your colors stand for fighting spirit,
And this is what they mean,
Rah Rah for Fairmont College
Maroon the color of fighters,
White is for sports pure and clean,
We fight to win and we love our fellows,
Fairmont State College team.

Alma Mater

Among the hills of time there,
Stands a school so fair as pure as the
Sky above and all the stars up there and when we,
Bow to thee, dear Fairmont State our hearts with rapture
Thrill. So here’s to the school we love, the college on the hill