Fairmont State’s next Day of Giving takes place on February 29

Fairmont State University will host its fifth Falcon Day of Giving on Thursday, February 29 with a fundraising goal of $375,000. This 24-hour campaign aims to inspire Falcons to come together, show pride in their alma mater, and provide essential funding to support current and future students. Over 50 programs across campus, including academic units, athletic teams, student organizations, and student support initiatives will benefit from funds raised during this event.

“Falcon Day of Giving is one of the most important events for Fairmont State. Our donor’s support helps Fairmont State University remain the best regional university in the state,” said Fairmont State President Dr. Mike Davis. “Every dollar given makes a difference. When you invest in Fairmont State, you’re investing in the dreams and aspirations of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the commitment of the University. You’re playing an active part in educating the next generation, so they can go on to strengthen our communities.”

New to this year’s event is the Falcon Day of Giving Livestream! Fairmont State will begin the livestream at midnight on Thursday, February 29 as President Davis goes live to kick off the Day of Giving. Throughout the day there will be live interviews from faculty, staff, coaches, and students, performances, and updates live from campus. You can tune into the live stream on the Falcon Day of Giving website at https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org or on Fairmont State’s Facebook and Instagram feeds @fairmontstate.

Day of Giving shines a spotlight on giving at Fairmont State and creates a sense of excitement around collective philanthropy. There are special events planned leading up to and during each Day of Giving to encourage participation from all segments of the University and the greater Fairmont community – from alumni and friends to students and faculty.

The Day of Giving dunk tank and punch board are both returning this year and are designed to engage those passing through the Falcon Center on their way to class or work throughout the day. Several members of faculty and staff will be courageously hopping in the dunk tank to raise funds for the areas and programs they are so passionate about, including Fairmont State University President Dr. Mike Davis. This year, each athletic team with at least 40 individual donors during Day of Giving gets to toss their coach in the pool, encouraging student-athletes to take part in raising funds for their programs.

“Since 2019, the Falcon Day of Giving has raised over $1.2 million to support a variety of scholarships as well as programmatic support for Fairmont State University students to realize their endless potential,” says Fairmont State Foundation President Dr. Anne Bolyard. “During this 24-hour giving event, we invite the friends and alumni of Fairmont State University to continue this legacy of support to our current and future Falcons.”

In the years since the first event, support and participation continues to grow. Each year, a small group of donors generously agree to match gifts to various scholarships, programs, teams, and colleges. When individual donors select a qualifying area to support on Day of Giving, these matches kick in, doubling or even tripling the impact of a single gift. Matches are a critical component of the overall goal.

William Laughlin and his wife Lois Muto Laughlin, an alumna of Fairmont State, are retired faculty members and have once again pledged $12,500 in matching gifts for Fairmont State’s five academic colleges, the Colleges of Nursing, Business and Aviation, Science and Technology, Liberal Arts, and Education Health and Human Performance. 

The Laughlin’s are also sponsoring The Rise and Shine Challenge for Athletics. Starting at 4 a.m. there is $2,500 in matching gifts up for grabs to all athletic teams. The matching dollars will be available on a first come first serve basis.

University President Dr. Mike Davis is sponsoring several matches and a donor challenge. This year, President Davis will donate $1 to the Falcon Fund for every donor that makes a gift for Falcon Day of Giving to any participating area. The Falcon Fund is for the university’s greatest needs and funds expenses such as scholarships, travel opportunities, classroom and lab equipment, and emergency aid.

Additional matches and challenges include:

• Student Veterans Organization Dollar for Dollar Match - Gary K. and Barbara Bennett will match gifts to the Student Veterans Organization up to $5,000.
• The Lunch Rush Challenge - The area receiving gifts from the most donors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will earn an additional $1,000 from Fairmont State Foundation President Anne Bolyard.
• Praxis Test Dollar for Dollar Match - An anonymous donor will match gifts to the Praxis Test initiative for education students, dollar for dollar up to $4,000.
• Athletics Power Hour Match - At 2 p.m. a $2,500 match will be unlocked for athletics. Jennifer and Scott Kinty will be matching gifts made to any athletic team starting at 2 p.m., dollar for dollar up to $2,500.

All matches and challenges for the day can be found by visiting https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org/prizes.

  The Falcon Day of Giving is an opportunity for the Fairmont State community to support the areas that matter most to them. Whether it is a scholarship fund, athletic team, student organization, academic department, the Academy for the Arts, or the Falcon Marching Band there are numerous opportunities to make an impact with your support. You can make your gift by visiting https://falconsgive.fsufoundation.org, by calling 304-534-8786, or by visiting the Fairmont State Foundation located in The Erickson Alumni Center at 1300 Locust Avenue.