One Day, One Goal, One Falcon Family

With a goal of raising $250,000 in one day, alumni and friends will once again have the chance to double their contribution to Fairmont State University on the second Falcon Day of Giving on Thursday, October 29. 

Fairmont State Foundation is encouraging those who want to take advantage of this opportunity to create a donation strategy, from deciding the best times to give and what programs they would like to support to encouraging friends, family and fellow alumni to participate.  

“On just one day last year, we were able to raise nearly $200,000 from more than 160 loyal donors who wanted to make a difference at Fairmont State University,” said Julie Cryser, president of the Fairmont State Foundation. “The most successful fund raising came from departments, schools and athletic teams that developed strong strategies to make the most of the day.” 

Last year, the Fairmont State baseball team took full advantage of the program and was able to raise more than $10,000 to support the Friends of Baseball account, which funds team travel and other expenses. Baseball players rallied alumni, friends and parents to log in at 12:01 a.m. on the Day of Giving to capture matches and encouraged people to give during a lunch-time challenge. 

“We raised as much money for the Friends of Baseball account in one day as we do with several of our events,” said Fairmont State Baseball Coach Phil Caruso. “We plan to develop a strategy again this year to take advantage of the matches and challenges and raise as much money as possible. We will reach out to donors ahead of time and on October 29 through social media and letters to encourage them to give.” 

The matches and challenges and work put into gathering support ahead of the day paid off for many academic units, programs and projects last year. 

Kestrel: A Journal of Literature & Art, a juried literary publication, is produced twice a year at Fairmont State University. Kestrel publishes fiction, poetry, poetry in translation, creative non-fiction, book reviews, and visual art by established and emerging writers and artists, and is especially pleased to publish work by West Virginian and Appalachian writers and artists.  

Last year, with the assistance of the Fairmont State Foundation, a graduate student sent a letter to those who had supported the publication in the past prior to the Day of Giving. Professors and supporters encouraged donors to give and raised more than $3,000 for the publication. They took advantage of matches and challenges to increase support and funding. The money raised represents about a year's budget for the production of the publication.  

“Kestrel's commitment to publishing high quality work from around the world and bringing contributors to Fairmont State's campus for biannual celebrations supports the University's outreach and provides students with opportunities to network with working writers and artists,” said Donna Long, who is a Fairmont State University professor and editor-in-chief of the publication. “The funds raised through the Foundation's Day of Giving have truly wide-ranging impact on Kestrel's mission.” 

Fairmont State faculty, alumni and friends can also sign up to be social media ambassadors for the day. A complete toolkit and suggested posts will be provided to volunteers who want to share and encourage others to give.  

Jessica Sharps served as a social media ambassador last year, sending social media posts leading up the event and on that day to encourage people to give. She reached hundreds of friends and alumni to encourage them to log in and take advantage of the matches and challenges. 

“I’ve been a member of the Falcon Family for nearly 15 years and know that the Falcon spirit runs deep within our local region, as well as throughout the state, nation and even the world,” Sharps said. “Being a social media ambassador allows us to share in the energy and passion of our alumni and friends. I encourage anyone who loves to use the power of social media to share information and encourage others to participate in this year’s Day of Giving as an ambassador.” 

Donors have contributed more than $140,000 to the Fairmont State Foundation in advance of October  29 to create matches and challenges for various programs, schools and athletics, some of which include the Academic Dollar for Dollar Match, Athletic Scholarship Match, Academic Scholarship Match, Falcon Fund Greatest Needs Dollar for Dollar Match, Board of Governors Chairmain’s Challenge, Foundation Board Chair’s Match and more. To view a full list of challenges and matches visit https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org/prizes.  

“The Day of Giving is not only a great and fun fundraising event, but it also highlights the importance of partnerships and the power of sharing a mission,” Mirta M. Martin, president of Fairmont State University, said. “The funds raised when donors, the Foundation, and the University team together enable us to honor our commitment to providing transformative educational experiences. In a year that has become defined by uncertainty, there’s one thing I know we can count on: The generous heart of the Falcon Family.” 

Established in 1960, the Fairmont State Foundation identifies, establishes and cultivates meaningful relationships with Fairmont State alumni and friends to further the mission and purpose of Fairmont State University. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization guided by a board of directors to steward contributions from our donors and maximize the impact of financial support for the students, faculty and staff of the University.  For more information about our organization and ways that you can provide support, visit www.fsufoundation.org or call 304.534.8786.

Fairmont State FoundationFalcon Day of Giving