FS Reaches Endowment Challenge

Fairmont State has met the Strengthening Institutions Federal Endowment Challenge. This goal brings the institution closer to reaching its major goals for student success and institutional excellence.

The Strengthening Institutions Endowment Challenge provides a federal, one-to-one match of private funds raised by the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc., up to $300,000. Fairmont State has raised $300,000 and will receive the full $300,000 match. Interest earned through the endowment builds capacity to support scholarship, learning communities, faculty development and programs at Fairmont State.

"I am personally gratified that our generous donors have embraced our vision for the future at Fairmont State. It is our goal to continually increase the endowment of Fairmont State, ensuring a dynamic and academically sound institution for generations," said Fairmont State University President Daniel J. Bradley.

"The gifts of these individuals and the federal government signify their commitment to the continued importance of higher education in West Virginia and mark Fairmont State as a school of excellence."

A number of donors have chosen to establish endowed scholarship funds through the Endowment Challenge.

Eight donors have established Strengthening Institutions funds. The George W. Bowers Family Charitable Trust established The George W. Bowers Family Charitable Trust Scholarship in support of student scholarship. Dr. David J. and Sharon Moffa established The Dr. David and Sharon Moffa Endowed Scholarship in support of student scholarship. An anonymous donor established The George E. Lambert Family Endowed Fund for Education in support of students enrolled in the four-year accounting program. Gregory N. Brand and Donna Brand established The Dorothea Poling Brand Endowed Fund for Elementary Education in support of student scholarship. Robert H. and Nancy L. Thompson established The Robert H. "Buck" Thompson Family Endowed Scholarship in support of students with a major in the School of Business. The Fairmont State Alumni Association established The Fairmont State Alumni Scholarship in support of student scholarship. The Fantasia Family established The Nicola Fantasia Family Fund in support of student scholarship. An anonymous donor established the Woodrow A. Potesta Scholarship of Accounting.

"Strengthening Institutions donors are individuals and organizations of vision who understand the importance of a strong based of endowed support. They realize that continued progress and efficacy of programs can only be achieved with a solid and stable financial base," said K. Jean Ahwesh, Executive Director, Fairmont State Foundation, Inc.

The mission of the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc. is to support, through ethical stewardship, the mission of the Fairmont State University and the Fairmont State Community & Technical College. The Foundation will identify, establish and cultivate meaningful relationships with Fairmont State alumni and potential and existing funding consistencies to meet contributor needs while securing funds and supporters for priority objectives identified by the Board of Directors.

To create a personally named endowment fund at Fairmont State in honor of your family or a person dear to you, contact Kim Riggi, Director of Major Gifts, at (304) 367-4014 or toll-free at (866) 372-2586.