All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State University sets 2021 Homecoming schedule

Fairmont State University is looking forward to hosting its 2021 Homecoming celebration October 7 – 9. Activities are scheduled throughout the weekend to be enjoyed by campus and surrounding communities, along with the University’s alumni.

“We are so excited to once again celebrate Homecoming this year,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “Homecoming is all about community and friendship – the foundations of the Falcon Family’s strength. We invite everyone – not just our Fairmont State campus community, but also our dear friends in the surrounding communities – to be a part of this celebration. Whether it’s the Locust Avenue cleanup, the bonfire, the Homecoming Parade, or cheering on the Falcons at one of the sporting events, we can’t wait to see our family back together again.”

A dedication ceremony celebrating the completion of the 2019 Senior Campaign will kick off the festivities at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 7 on the Education Quad. The ceremony will recognize the successful efforts of the Class of 2019 to “Beautify to the Bell.” Thanks to the campaign, the bell, which has long been an iconic feature on Fairmont State’s campus, is now surrounded by a seating area where students can congregate. Later that evening, at 7 p.m., the campus community is invited to attend a bonfire, complete with complimentary food and entertainment, in the gravel lot near the University’s tennis courts.

On Friday, October 8, members of the Falcon Family will participate in a “Falcons Helping Falcons” community service event. From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., participants will pick up litter along Locust Avenue. Snacks and supplies will be provided. To register, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/falcons-helping-falcons.

Also on Friday, an Alumni Celebration honoring the University’s 2020 and 2021 Alumni Award Winners, Hall of Fame Inductees and the Emeritus Classes of 1970 and 1971 will take place at 4 p.m. in the Falcon Center. A full list of honorees will be released later this week.

A pair of athletic events will cap off the evening, with the women’s volleyball team set to take on Alderson Broaddus University at 7 p.m. at Joe Retton Arena and an Alumni Baseball Game scheduled for 7 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier Field.

The celebration will continue Saturday, October 9 with an Alumni Continental Breakfast from 8 – 11 a.m. in the Erickson Alumni Center. The annual Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m., making its way from Palatine Park to Locust Avenue.

At noon, an Alumni Tailgate sponsored by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Fairmont State Alumni Association will get underway, as fans anticipate the Fighting Falcons football team taking Duvall-Rosier Field against Alderson Broaddus at 2 p.m. During halftime, Fairmont State will crown this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.

All on campus events will follow the University’s health and safety protocols including being masked at all indoor and outdoor events. For more information about the 2021 Homecoming celebration, including a full schedule of events, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/homecoming.

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