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FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Through a series of impact scholarships, endowed scholarships and planned gifts, a Fairmont State alumna and her husband continue to invest in first-generation college students at Fairmont State University.
Beth Jarrett-Reaser and Mark Reaser have established educational opportunities for first-generation students through a collection of scholarships — four in their names, two honoring Beth’s parents for making significant sacrifices to provide her with a college education at Fairmont State and two in memory of the couple’s beloved chihuahua, Chico, who was a source of love and joy for the Jarrett-Reasers for 17 years. These scholarships will provide $8,000 in financial support to qualifying students each academic year.
“We are incredibly grateful to Beth and Mark for their generosity and their heart for helping others succeed,” said Marissa Mauro, interim president of the Fairmont State Foundation. “Their commitment to giving back through Impact Scholarships that provide immediate support, endowed scholarships that grow over time, and a planned gift that will serve students for years to come. This ensures that first-generation students have access to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. This is the kind of generosity that defines the Fairmont State experience.”
“Beth and Mark’s generosity exemplifies what it means to meaningfully invest in both people and place,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “As a first-generation college graduate myself, I understand the uncertainty, financial pressure, and self-doubt that many first-generation students experience as they pursue a degree. These scholarships go beyond easing financial burdens – they build confidence and send a powerful message to our students that their community believes in them and in the transformative impact of a Fairmont State education.”
The Jarrett-Reasers believe that Fairmont State is a growing institution that offers diverse educational opportunities in north-central West Virginia. By establishing these scholarships, they want to help students attend college who might not otherwise have the opportunity. They hope that scholarship support will allow students to focus on their studies and the college experience and lessen their concerns about how to pay for their education. They also hope that students who receive support will one day want to do the same for other deserving students by giving back to the university.
Mark noted that higher education is one of many career paths available to today’s youth. He and Beth both had the opportunity to earn college degrees, which they used throughout their careers and credit with opening many doors in their lives. They believe the knowledge and experiences gained during time at Fairmont State can have a lasting impact on students and ultimately shape their futures. Through these scholarships, they want to provide meaningful support in a way that helps reduce financial barriers and contributes to students’ long-term success.
When asked why they chose to support first-generation undergraduate students, Mark stated that “many first-generation students have overcome life obstacles to be in position to even consider college. Since Beth was a first-gen student, we want to help remove some of the financial obstacles and give these scholarship recipients a better chance of realizing their career and life dreams. We feel very blessed to be able to give back in a way that creates a lasting legacy at Fairmont State. By planning ahead, we can help ensure these scholarships grow into permanent endowments and continue supporting students for generations to come.”
The Mary Elizabeth Jarrett-Reaser and Mark D. Reaser Scholarships, the Mary Helen & Kenneth Fleming Jarrett Memorial Scholarships and the Chico Tiny Dancer Willowcroft Memorial Scholarships are available to first-generation undergraduate college students at Fairmont State. First consideration will be given to students graduating from South Harrison High School in Lost Creek, West Virginia. Second preference will be given to students from Lewis County High School in Weston, West Virginia. In lieu of applicants from these schools, any first-generation student from West Virginia may qualify.
