Fairmont State University has been awarded $5,975 through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Diversity for Equity grant program to enhance the university’s annual International Women’s Day Celebration.

This grant will be used to build upon the successful events offered during last year’s inaugural celebration, hosted by Fairmont State’s Brickstreet Career Development Center.

The second annual celebration will be held on Thursday, March 7 in observance of the official International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8.  Proposed activities  will include food, music, entertainment, cultural art exhibits, networking through engaging with professional women, inspirational presentation from key-note speaker, panel discussions, and student dialogue.

“Hosting this campus-wide and community event will give us the opportunity to acknowledge women’s political, social and especially economic achievements and raise a level of consciousness to the existing inequities that women in underrepresented industries are confronted with daily,” said Ja-Rhonda Staples, Career Counselor at Fairmont State University. “It is our goal to help enhance our student’s awareness and appreciation where they envision themselves as a part of a global market of cultural and diverse experiences that will enrich their lives and open up unique career paths and opportunities for their future.  We look forward to hosting another successful year!”    

WVHEPC’s Diversity for Equity grant program purposes to help students not only enter into programs of higher education but also to successfully complete those programs regardless of their demographic characteristics. This celebration helps fulfill that mission by recognizing the accomplishments of women globally and supporting the next generation of women leaders.

Fairmont State University’s Brickstreet Career Development Center, located in 222 Turley Center, is dedicated to helping the students of Fairmont State University gain the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong career and professional development.