Fairmont State University Announces 2025 Homecoming Festivities

Fairmont State University has announced the schedule for its 2025 Homecoming, October 6 - 11. This year's theme, "Falcon Frenzy: Falcons Unleashed," will bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community for a week filled with traditions and celebrations, including the parade, bonfire, alumni reunions, and Falcon football.

"Homecoming is one of the most special times of the year at Fairmont State," said President Mike Davis. "It's a time when our campus and community come alive with tradition, pride, and celebration. We look forward to welcoming alumni back home, engaging our students in the festivities, and honoring the many individuals whose contributions have shaped Fairmont State into the remarkable institution it is today."

Homecoming Schedule Highlights:

Thursday, Oct. 9

• Emeritus Luncheon honoring the Class of 1975 - Noon, Falcon Center Conference Rooms, 3rd Floor. Tickets are required and can be purchased at https://www.fsufoundation.org/alumni-luncheon.
• Alumni Social - 4 p.m., The Joe in Downtown Fairmont
• Homecoming Parade - 6 p.m., Downtown Fairmont
• "Thursday Night Lights" Bonfire - 7 p.m., Tennis Court Gravel Lot. Free to attend and open to the community.

Friday, Oct. 10

• Alumni Awards Luncheon - Noon, Falcon Center Gym. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at https://www.fsufoundation.org/alumni-luncheon.
• Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Social hour at 5 p.m., dinner & program at 6 p.m. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at https://www.fsufoundation.org/hof-dinner.

Saturday, Oct. 11

• Alumni Tailgate - 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Duvall-Rosier Field White Lot
• Homecoming Football Game: Fairmont State vs. WV Wesleyan - 2 p.m., Duvall-Rosier Field. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at https://www.fightingfalcons.com/tickets. Fairmont State faculty, staff, students, and K-12 students receive free admission.

The full Homecoming week schedule can be viewed at https://www.fairmontstate.edu/homecoming.

Honoring Alumni Excellence

Fairmont State will recognize its 2025 Alumni Award recipients during the Alumni Awards Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 10.

"These alumni exemplify the excellence of Fairmont State. We are proud of our vibrant and distinguished alumni community and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments," said Amy Snively, Director of Alumni Relations.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Cassady Rodriguez • Erika Utt-Ushendibaba '18 • Isaac Lambert '17 • Jared Rogers '08

Outstanding Alumni Award

Barbara Bennett '76 • Julie Sole '01 • Robert Brookover '65 • Steven Cain '92 • Dwight & Tina Moore '86 & '87

Alumni of Achievement Award

Belinda Biafore '77 • Gia Deasy '83 • Jonathan Board '05 • Warren Doles '92 • Andy- Neptune '89 • LD Skarzinski '87

Lifetime Achievement Award

Mary Jo Thomas '66

2025 Parade Marshals

Dr. Chris Lavorata '70 & Dr. Bob Mild

This year's parade will honor Drs. Chris Lavorata and Bob Mild as Parade Marshals, recognizing their decades of service and dedication to Fairmont State and the community.

"We're thrilled to honor Dr. Chris Lavorata aand &Dr. Bob Mild as this year's Homecoming Parade Marshals. Their unwavering support of Fairmont State and the community is truly remarkable, so we are excited to celebrate them this Homecoming," said Snively.

Dr. Chris Lavorata: A Fairmont State alumna and lifelong educator who served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, shaping policy, supporting faculty, and advancing student success.

Dr. Bob Mild: Former Professor of Communication, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, and beloved announcer for Falcon athletics for 26 years.

Now retired in Hickory, N.C., both remain active in the arts and community service.

The Alumni Award winners and Parade Marshals will be recognized during the Homecoming Parade on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. in Downtown Fairmont and again prior to kickoff of the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1:45 p.m.