FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University now has a new group of Falcons that will call themselves alumni.
Students from seven programs walked the podium on Saturday in two separate ceremonies hosted at the Feaster Center. Families and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates from the College of Education, Health & Human Performance, the College of Nursing, the College of Science & Technology, the College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts with an appearance by the founder of Sqwire LLC, financial editor and Fairmont State alumni Danijel Velicki, who addressed graduates in both ceremonies.
“We celebrate not only your academic accomplishments but the profound personal growth each of you have had and undergone,” said Velicki during the keynote speech of the first ceremony.
Graduates from the College of Education, Health & Human Performance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Science & Technology walked the podium first as part of the Saturday morning ceremonies. Before the names of the students were announced, Velicki and Fairmont State President Michael Davis each addressed the graduates, acknowledging the hard work each soon-to-alum endured to get their college degree.
“Knowing full well that each and every one of you represents a story of success because you made it here today,” said Davis as part of his first commencement as President of Fairmont State University.
The Fairmont State University College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts, and Regents Bachelor of Arts each celebrated their graduates as part of the afternoon ceremony. A combination of in-state, out-of-state, and international students each walked the podium and greeted Fairmont State teachers and administrators who have guided them through their educational journey. Velicki, who graduated from Fairmont State after moving to the United States from Croatia, discussed the growth of graduates as part of his keynote speech.
“You’re not the same individuals who walk through the doors of Fairmont State University, you are now equipped with the skills, knowledge, and most importantly, the invincible spirit to face the challenges that are ahead,” said Velicki.
Among the graduates who walked the podium during commencement weekend were the second-ever graduating class from Fairmont State’s police training academy. The College of Nursing also recognized graduating nurses as part of the time-honored “pinning ceremony,” which took place Thursday. Students from all seven Fairmont State University colleges are expected to find work immediately within the Mountain State as part of collaborative programs between the university and private and public sector partners. As the new Falcon alumni prepare to move into the workforce, Fairmont State University staff, administrators, and fellow graduates are happy to celebrate the occasion.
“Remember that success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the positive impact you can have on the lives of others,” said Davis. “Be leaders who inspire, collaborators who empower, and individuals who embody principles of integrity and compassion,” he said.