Last week hundreds of Fairmont State University Falcon students moved into their new homes for the next several months with the help of faculty, staff, and students.

President Dr. Mirta Martin was out working alongside them as they all meet the newest cast of Falcons with big smiles, Welcome Home tents, and a lot of help. Students, faculty, and staff worked diligently to unload cars and transport supplies to students’ rooms.

“This is a time when parents, students, grandparents and family members pile into cars to move-in,” President Martin said. “It’s important for me to be able to say ‘Welcome Home’ because this is their home and I want to be up front and present.”

President Martin said the way move-in and Welcome Weekend was set up to help remind students and families about how Fairmont State is a true family.

“We are large enough to offer everything but small enough that you’re never a number. This is evidence that these students, these families are never a number,” she said. “We provide them with a personalized touch that they deserve and can expect for the remainder of the year.”

Corey Hunt, director of strategic initiatives, said it was important to have the students involved in the move-in process. Not only were they working to get students settled in and prepared for the upcoming school year, they were building relationships.

“Freshman year of college is a big transition for students, so familiarity and that feeling of welcome is huge in helping students feel like they made the right choice to come to Fairmont State,” he said. “This was about building a peer network, so when they walk across campus or get into a class, they recognize someone or see a familiar face.”

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tim Koenig noted that move-in was a great event. He said he’d never seen anything like the day, even after working at a few other universities.

“We wanted our athletes to be a part of this and to help make the Fairmont community a better place,” he said. “It’s also a great way to meet other people, meet new kids coming in, other groups, and teams. I’m so happy we were able to do it.”

Welcome Weekend continued with Convocation for the Class of 2023 on Friday afternoon followed by the Candlelight Ceremony to represent the passing on of knowledge. Students were invited to attend the Welcome Home Community Picnic and Resource Fair as well as the Back to School Bash, Up All Night, and ending the weekend at the West Virginia Black Bear’s baseball game on Sunday.