Melva Hess to serve as Fairmont State Homecoming parade marshal

Fairmont State University alumna Melva Hess has been named the parade marshal for the 2018 homecoming parade on Oct. 20. This honor is given in recognition of her faithful service and dedication to Fairmont State and her local community. 

She received her undergraduate in biology and home economics in 1940. She was also the 1984 alumni award winner. 

The 100-year-old said she feels very close to the University and is honored to be able to represent it in this way. 

“I’m honored to be the parade marshal and pleased do it,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it quite a bit and I’m excited for October 20.” 

Hess has been active in the community for a number of years and taught for several years at the University. 

The parade is always a highlight of the Homecoming week. This year it has been moved from Thursday evening to Saturday morning to allow even more alumni to be involved. 

"We made this change to allow more of our alumni and community, including our alumni award winners, the opportunity to participate,” President Dr. Mirta Martin said. "“We are excited to bring our Homecoming celebration to the community surrounding the University and finishing the parade on our campus.”

This year’s parade will be held on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. It will begin at the East West Football Stadium, proceed to Fairmont Ave, where it will make a left on 8th St. and proceed to Fairmont Sr. High School. Participants will then march to Locust Ave, where they will make a left and march past the University. The route will end at the Squibb Wilson Blvd. entrance to campus.

More information about homecoming can be found by visiting www.fairmontstate.edu/homecoming. 

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