As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt, Fairmont State University has seen an influx of students rethinking their college plans and choosing to attend a regional institution like Fairmont State that is smaller or closer to home. Because these students were not able to take advantage of the University’s SOAR scholarship award events this winter, a special one-time virtual SOAR Award event will be held to provide first-time, incoming freshmen who have not yet accepted a SOAR scholarship, the opportunity to do so. The event will be held on May 29 at 6 p.m. and provide a renewable $500 scholarship to all first-time incoming freshmen in attendance. 

The University understands that the pandemic has changed much about the world around us, including plans for education and college attendance. As a result, we are offering students who may have missed earlier events and deadlines a one-time opportunity to learn more about Fairmont State, Join the Falcon Family, and receive a scholarship for making the commitment. 

“At so few points in history has an event created such rapid change in our society,” said Sr. Director of Recruitment Chris Sharps. “We wanted to provide the opportunity for students to be recognized for their commitment to the University’s values of Scholarship, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. Whether it is the smaller and safer campus atmosphere that brings students to Fairmont State, one of our nationally recognized programs, or the teacher-mentor relationship that students develop with their professors – there has never been a better time to join the Falcon Family.”

Only first-time college students who have applied and have been admitted prior to the event are eligible to receive the SOAR Scholarship. If a student has not applied for admission they may do so at fairmontstate.edu/apply. If a student has applied but has not completed their application file, they can reach out to the Admissions & Recruitment Office at recruit@fairmontstate.edu. 

To RSVP for the event, please visit www.fairmontstate.edu/vsoar. Only students who attend a SOAR event will receive the SOAR Scholarship. This will be the final SOAR Award event prior to the start of the fall semester. 

Students and their parents who attend the online event can expect to hear from representatives from the Office of Admissions & Recruitment to answer questions about admissions and life at Fairmont State. President Mirta Martin will also be speaking with students about her experience as a first-generation college student.