Fairmont State to honor graduates at the 154th Fall Commencement

Fairmont State University will celebrate its 154th Fall Commencement at the Feaster Center on Saturday, December 9. Commencement will be split into two ceremonies beginning with the College of Education, Health & Human Performance, the College of Nursing and the College of Science & Technology at 10 a.m. After the 10 a.m. ceremony, graduates from the College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts and Regents Bachelor of Arts graduates will be recognized at 2 p.m.

The ceremonies are public and open to all guests. Tickets will not be used and seating is limited. The event will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

“I am excited to honor our newest graduates during the Fall 2023 Commencement ceremonies. Obtaining a college degree is no easy feat, and these students deserve to have their accomplishments celebrated,” said President Mike Davis. “This will be my first Commencement as Fairmont State’s President, and I look forward to attending many more and seeing generations of Falcons walk across the stage.”

Fairmont State alumni and entrepreneur Danjiel Velicki will present the keynote address for each Commencement ceremony.

Financial educator and founder of Sqwire, LLC, Danijel Velicki, is fiercely committed to equipping and empowering every single person he encounters with the information and resources to confidently thrive across all facets of life.

Arriving in the United States in 1995 with just $40 in his pocket and an unwavering commitment to building a life that awarded him the freedom to dream big while also providing the best for his family, Velicki is living proof that the “American Dream” is well within reach for those who remain steadfastly committed to implementing the fundamental resolves and professional habits that mark seasoned leaders from all walks of life.

The rapid growth of his professional ventures continue to reflect his proficiency and passion for his craft, awarding him the ability to pivot and evolve as an agile, innovative leader in business and beyond.

After over 17 years in the financial and insurance services arena, Velicki grew frustrated with the lack of trustworthy financial education available to everyday Americans. He committed his resources and expertise towards developing a financial education platform that delivers online lessons and personalized support to help individuals and their families develop healthy spending habits and informed financial decisions that fuel their long-term sustainability and success.

Grounded in life skills, one-on-one guidance, and a thorough understanding of the complex issues that individuals, companies, military personnel, and families are facing across today’s financial climate, Sqwire is staged to completely eradicate financial illiteracy nationwide.

In addition to Saturday’s customs, the College of Nursing will hold its traditional pinning ceremony the evening before on Friday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Feaster Center. The Police Academy will also be holding a graduation ceremony, which will take place on Friday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the Feaster Center. Governor Jim Justice is set to give the keynote speech to the second graduating class of police cadets.

Commencement Traffic Pattern

The Department of Public Safety and Physical Plant will re-route traffic on the day of Commencement and will only be allowing vehicles to enter campus only from the Squibb Wilson Boulevard entrance to ensure smooth traffic patterns. Officers and other attendants will be on hand to direct traffic and answer parking questions. Shuttle services will be available on campus to take guests to the Feaster Center. Shuttle pick-ups will begin one hour before each ceremony.

All graduates, university guests and community members should expect traffic pattern and parking changes on campus and surrounding areas. Those attending Commencement exercises are asked to remain patient when arriving on campus, as multiple ceremonies will be occurring on Saturday. Guests and graduates should consider carpooling when possible.

Celebration Flowers

Celebration flowers will be available for purchase before each ceremony next to the Feaster Center’s guest entrance. Items can also be pre-ordered before Commencement. Proceeds from flower purchases will benefit the Staff Council Scholarship Fund.