FAIRMONT — Doddridge County natives and Fairmont State alumni, Dwight and Tina Moore, have donated $26,000 for the establishment of a new scholarship at Fairmont State University.

“It is through the generosity of the Moore family that future students will be able to attend Fairmont State. They truly understand the importance of education in becoming productive citizens,” said Fairmont State Foundation President, Gary K. Bennett.

The Moore Family Endowed Scholarship will provide financial support for students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Moores are first generation college graduates, and both completed their studies at Fairmont State to prepare them for STEM related careers.

“Mr. and Mrs. Moore attribute their success to the education they received at Fairmont State and understand that scholarships are vital to student success,” according to Fairmont State Foundation Director of Development, Tori Anselene. “Establishing the Moore Family Endowed Scholarship will provide opportunities for STEM students to further develop their academic careers and make a great impact in their lives. We are so appreciative of the Moores for their support and generosity.”

Dwight, class of 1986, and Tina, class of 1987, have a keen understanding of the value of a college education, the importance of STEM professionals in the workforce and the demand for new grads in these fields.

“Fairmont State served us very well,” Dwight said. “My wife taught several scientific disciplines at the high school level for both Doddridge and Harrison County schools, including biology and chemistry. I taught drafting and industrial arts before serving as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Doddridge County. We’ve both had fulfilling careers and we raised four successful children as well.”

Dwight credits the success that he and Tina have had to their choices to pursue higher education.

“Our lives have been so much fuller because we decided to attend Fairmont State. We understand the need for higher education and how this pursuit can change lives. By establishing this scholarship, we hope to share this with other students in STEM,” he added.

The Moore Family Endowed Scholarship will be available to Fairmont State University students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, studying science, technology, engineering or math.

“There is great demand for STEM professionals in this region and across the nation,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “Luckily, our region also has an abundance of potential STEM talent. The Moore Family Endowed Scholarship will help Fairmont State nurture and train that potential, provide unrivaled opportunity and support to those students, and graduate STEM professionals into the talent pipeline, keeping some of that homegrown talent right here in this great region. I’m so grateful to the Moores for their vision and their generosity.”