Fairmont State University’s Feaster Center was alive with excitement on Dec. 14 as the newest class of Falcons crossed the stage during Commencement.

The day featured two ceremonies to honor graduates. At 10 a.m., Regents Bachelor of Arts graduates, along with graduates from the College of Business & Aviation and the College of Liberal Arts, were recognized. The 2 p.m. ceremony celebrated graduates from the College of Education, Health & Human Performance, the College of Science & Technology, and the College of Nursing.

President Mike Davis opened both ceremonies with words of encouragement and pride for the graduates.

“There were times when I’m sure the challenges in front of you made this day seem far away or even impossible. But you made it! You took on those challenges and continued to work towards this day,” said Davis. “Your experiences here have given you a blueprint for the challenges you will face once you leave campus. You are ready for the challenges ahead of you because you were able to conquer everything that was thrown in your way during your studies.”

During the 2 p.m. ceremony, Fairmont State also bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Humanities to Dixie Yann in recognition of her distinguished services to the university, the community and the State of West Virginia.

“When I arrived here in Fairmont, I was a stranger in a new place, and getting to know the community was a key priority for me,” Davis said. “I relied heavily on the kindness of those who had built their lives here and were willing to trust me to help lead a Fairmont State that would truly serve the community. No one embodied that support more than Dixie Yann.”

Yann’s extensive service includes leadership roles on the Fairmont State University Board of Governors and the Fairmont State Foundation, where she played a crucial role in initiatives such as raising scholarship funds, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and leading a presidential search. Beyond the university, Yann has been a champion for youth and education through organizations like United Way of Marion County, Marion Meals on Wheels, and the Girl Scouts. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Governor’s Service Award for Lifetime Achievement.

“I want to thank Fairmont State for allowing me the opportunity to have been a volunteer for nearly twenty years,” Yann said during her acceptance speech. “The chance to meet and work with the administration, the faculty, the alumni, and so many students over the years has greatly enriched my life.”

Commencement attendees were also inspired by the keynote address delivered by Jonathan Board, a December 2004 graduate of Fairmont State. Board shared his journey of resilience, highlighting how Fairmont State played a pivotal role in shaping his future.

Board recounted his early struggles with autism which manifested itself as severe dyslexia, recalling how letters appeared to “float like they were in a shallow vat of water” and how forming words seemed impossible. Diagnosed later in life, Board had to approach learning differently than his peers.

His journey to higher education was challenging, as many institutions couldn’t accommodate his needs. Encouraged by his parents, both Fairmont State alumni, he sought assistance from the university.

“I recall meeting with one administrator, and after explaining my situation, he pushed back from his desk, shook his head, and said, ‘I’m not sure how we’ll make this work,’ but then, with the warmest smile, said, ‘But we are going to try.’ And try they did,” Board said.

Fairmont State developed alternate learning resources, ensuring Board could thrive academically without compromising academic rigor. Board graduated at the top of his class and later attended law school, before going on to serve in roles within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Attorney General’s Office, and most recently as the Executive Director of the West Virginia First Foundation.

Board closed his address with heartfelt advice: “Fairmont State University changed the trajectory of my life, just as I am sure it has yours. Don’t fight against this trajectory, embrace it, you’ve earned it. And we, the previous generation, may all rest a little easier knowing that our future is in your capable hands.”

Commencement is a testament to Fairmont State’s Vision: A Great Place to Learn to Work and to Call Home. It’s a moment when students’ dedication and achievements shine faculty and staff witness the fruits of their efforts and families and community members celebrate the shared success of Fairmont State and its graduates.