Fairmont State to honor 2020 graduates at virtual Winter Commencement

Fairmont State University’s 2020 Winter Commencement is set to take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22.

“These graduates persevered under most unprecedented circumstances and demonstrated extraordinary adaptability and resolve,” Mirta M. Martin, president of Fairmont State University, said. “Through their strength and resiliency, they remind each of us what it means to be a Falcon, and it’s vital that we celebrate their achievements.”

The ceremony will be held virtually in an effort to maximize safety and reduce potential spread of COVID-19. A total of 306 students are candidates to be honored as fall semester graduates this weekend. Additionally, all August graduates, and select spring graduates will be honored.

Mirta M. Martin, president of Fairmont State University, invites all students, family, friends and members of the campus community to view the event at www.fairmontstate.edu/celebrate. The ceremony link will not be active until Sunday, November 22 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will remain available until the start of the spring semester for those unable to join virtually over the weekend.

Although the event will be held virtually, President Martin said that every effort is being made to create an event that still highlights the importance of this day for the graduates.

“Even though graduates won’t spend their day strolling around campus, proudly showing off their caps to family and friends, we still want this important day to resonate,” Martin said. “For instance, faculty and staff are recording personal messages to the graduates that will be played during the ceremony, and we’ll still get to see the smiling faces of those graduates who have supplied a photo. Just  because the ceremony will be taking place on the smaller screens of cell phones and laptops, doesn’t mean this day is anything but monumental for an exceptional group of graduates.” 

Graduates from the University’s School of Nursing will also be celebrated during Pinning Ceremonies on Friday, November 20. The program will graduate 70 students this fall, including both associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree earners. A total of three ceremonies will be held on Friday in order to safely adhere with public gathering guidelines. The ceremonies are scheduled for 9 – 10:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; and 1 – 2:30 p.m. Each will be available for live streaming at www.fairmontstate.edu/Pinning.

“Special times call for special people, and I can think of none more special than our nursing graduates,” Martin said. “These students are answering a call to serve at a special time in history. They are entering a world that is different from the one of just a year ago, and we’re thankful for their passion and commitment.”