Fairmont State University works to be "Better Together" with United Way Campaign

Fairmont State University is proud to partner with the United Way of Marion and Taylor Counties again for its 2020 campaign and has set a goal of $30,000. 

This year’s campaign theme “Better Together” will resound through campus as faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to find a way to help be “Better Together.” 

Patrick Snively, Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach, and his wife, Amy, Academic Coach for the Accessibility Services Office, are serving as co-chairs for the campaign. Last year they co-coordinated the Fairmont State University United Way campaign and raised a record amount. 

"It is an honor to represent the United Way of Marion and Taylor Counties and Fairmont State University simultaneously. We are both very proud to be Fairmont State Alumni, and as employees of the University, had to opportunity to serve as Fairmont State’s Campus Coordinators last year,” Amy said. "It was exciting and heartwarming to see our colleagues and students participate in last year’s campaign and exceed the campus goal. The money raised on our campus resulted in the largest campaign contribution in Fairmont State’s history.”

She also noted that Maroon Madness, where the Student Government Association raised money by selling t-shirts, and Hardway Haunt were two new initiatives they were excited about last year. They look forward to those events continuing on campus. 

“We had many students play a part in the creation of both of those projects,” she said. "The opportunity to serve as Co-Coordinators certainly helped prepare us for the job of Campaign Chairs this year!”

Pat said this year’s campaign is especially near and dear to them as it represents the merging of two counties, Marion and Taylor, under one United Way. 

“Since we have strong ties to both counties, we want to see both thrive and prosper. Both counties have needs and the United Way helps to fulfill those needs with funding for programs at non-profit agencies,” he said. "We believe it is important that members of our community understand our United Way is local and volunteer-directed. Money raised in our community stays in our community to address needs in the areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability.”

All contributions for Fairmont State’s United Way campaign stay local, the money provides funding to support 33 programs at 26 local health and human service agencies in Marion and Taylor counties. These agencies, however, do not have the resources for large fundraising campaigns and rely on Fairmont State’s United Way campaign each year for additional funding.

Employees interested in contributing should complete their pledge form and return it to their department Team Captain. Employees can also visit www.fairmontstate.edu/unitedway for more information.

The entire campaign’s goal in Marion County is $500,000.

“Just like you’re known for doing across our region, Fairmont State University continues to step up for our community,” said Brett White, United Way Executive Director. “The dollars raised through this campaign are really changing lives. It is about helping our local neighbors, and no one does that better than Fairmont State.”

Students are also participating in this year’s campaign by selling limited edition Maroon Madness t-shirts for the new “Maroon Madness” football game, which will be held on October 12th against West Virginia State University. T-shirts, which are $10 each, are available on campus and from United Way campaigns. More information is available online at www.fairmontstate.edu/$10madness. 

“We are proud to join the University in supporting our local United Way again this year. We are hoping to continue this tradition as one that every Falcon fan and student can be proud of,” Tyler Keller, Student Government Association President said. “This is a great opportunity to help give back and another way to say ‘thank you’ to those in our community who support us.” 

Fairmont State University is the second largest contributor to the local United Way.

President Dr. Mirta Martin said the United Way plays a vital role in creating positive change within our communities. 

“Fairmont State University believes in working together to achieve results, but it takes each of us doing our part to bring about community change,” she said. "Fairmont State University thrives when our community thrives. Working together, we can make the future even brighter for all our neighbors."

There are many avenues to be involved with the United Way of Marion and Taylor Counties and make a difference. Visit to find out how you can get involved  www.volunteermtc.org.

United WayUnited Way of Marion and Taylor CountiesBrett WhitePresident Dr. Mirta MartinTyler KellerPat SnivelyAmy Snively