The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has selected Fairmont State University to host the 2026 Civil Engineering Student Championships, marking the first time this prestigious international competition will be held in West Virginia. The multi-day championship is expected to draw hundreds of students, faculty, judges, and spectators to campus, offering a unique opportunity for engagement and visibility.
The announcement was made during the 2025 ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships, hosted by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Fairmont State was chosen following a competitive bid process and site visit conducted by ASCE’s student services team.
Fairmont State is proud to partner with ASCE and bring this prestigious competition to West Virginia, strengthening the university’s role not only as a local educator but also as a regional leader by offering students from across the globe a place to test their skills and gain hands-on experience.
“Hosting the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships is a tremendous honor and a testament to Fairmont State’s strong academic program, dedicated faculty, and talented students,” said President Dr. Mike Davis. “It also highlights our vibrant campus and top-notch facilities. This global event will put our University and West Virginia on the map in a powerful way—highlighting our commitment to innovation, hands-on learning, and shaping the next generation of engineers.”
The 2026 competition will welcome student teams from around the globe to compete in cornerstone events such as the Concrete Canoe, Surveying, and Sustainable Solutions competitions. Participants will be challenged to apply technical knowledge, creativity, and collaboration in ways that reflect the real-world demands of civil engineering.
“We are honored to bring the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships to West Virginia for the very first time,” said Tabitha Lafferre, P.E., faculty advisor to Fairmont State’s ASCE Student Chapter. “This is more than a competition—it’s a chance to showcase the talent, resilience, and professionalism of future engineers, and we are proud to welcome the world to our campus and our community.”
Fairmont State’s ASCE chapter will have the chance to compete on their home turf, building on an already impressive legacy. The team holds the record for the most consecutive national appearances in ASCE history, is a two-time recipient of the Zone IV Governor’s Award, and has placed in the top third at four Concrete Canoe national competitions.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and our state,” Lafferre added. “I want to stress that this is not the annual regional symposium. We’ve gone up a tier to the global level, and we’re calling on our alumni, partners, and industry leaders to help us make it a success. With your support, we can give students from across the globe an unforgettable experience in Fairmont—and show them what West Virginia has to offer.”
Fairmont State has launched an official fundraising site to support the event at www.fsufoundation.org/asce-cesc-2026.html. Please contact Tabitha Lafferre if you are interested in sponsoring and paying via check instead of online at tabitha.lafferre@fairmontstate.edu or 304-367-4631. Additional event details and the schedule will be announced by Fairmont State at a later date.
