Fairmont State Celebrates Spring Commencement on May 9; Will Hear Addresses from Dr. Christina Lavorata and Ronda Colanero

The Feaster Center will come alive with celebration and Falcon pride on Saturday, May 9, as Fairmont State University hosts its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.

"Commencement is one of the best days of the year at Fairmont State because it reminds us why we do this work," said President Mike Davis. "It is a day to celebrate our graduates' hard work, the people who supported them along the way, and the bright futures they are now stepping into. Each graduate has a story of persistence, growth, and accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud to recognize this important milestone with them and their families. We are also honored to welcome Dr. Christina Lavorata and Ronda Colanero as our commencement speakers. Both are outstanding examples of what it means to be a Falcon. Their lives and careers reflect a deep commitment to learning, leadership, and service, and I know their words will offer our graduates a meaningful perspective as they begin this next chapter."

MORNING CEREMONY

The first ceremony begins at 10 a.m., honoring graduates from the College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts program. This event's keynote speaker will be Dr. Christina Lavorata, Provost Emeritus.

Lavorata is a 1970 graduate of Fairmont State with a degree in elementary education. She also holds an MA and an Ed.D. from West Virginia University. Lavorata taught in Marion County schools from 1971 through 1998, before joining the faculty in the Education Department at Fairmont State. In 2004, she transitioned from teaching to administrative roles, serving first as Associate Provost, and ultimately as Provost of Fairmont State until her retirement in 2018.

Now retired in Hickory, N.C. with partner Dr. Bob Mild, both remain active in the arts and community service. The two also were honored as Fairmont State's 2025 Homecoming Parade Marshals.

AFTERNOON CEREMONY

Later that day, at 2 p.m., the University will celebrate the College of Education, Health & Human Performance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Science & Technology. Lifelong Falcon supporter, alumna, and education expert Ronda Bilotta Colanero will address the graduates.

Colanero is a 1972 cum laude graduate of Fairmont State College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. As a student, she was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and the cheerleading squad. She has remained a loyal supporter of Fairmont State athletics and currently serves as a board member of the Fairmont State Alumni Association.

Ronda began her career teaching in Marion County for two years before embarking on a distinguished 35-year career with the Department of Health and Human Resources. Throughout her tenure, she served in a variety of roles across multiple counties in the state. Prior to her retirement, she held the position of Regional Director, one of four in the state, overseeing 15 counties and more than 500 employees. She has also contributed her time and leadership to numerous boards, most recently including CASA of Marion County and Youth Academy Programs.

In her free time, Ronda enjoys reading, knitting, traveling, and exercising at the Falcon Center. She is the proud mother of two children, Troy and Gia, and grandmother to Claudia.

Commencement Day Information

Tickets are not required for the ceremonies; however, seating is limited. With other events happening in the area, guests are encouraged to plan their travel and book hotel accommodations in advance.

Guests attending Commencement should enter and exit the Feaster Center through the top floor. Graduates will enter on the first floor and exit on the second floor, where they will reunite with family and friends after the ceremony. Graduates should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony.

Please note that a temporary traffic pattern will be in place on Commencement Day. To ensure a smooth flow of vehicles, all traffic must enter campus via the Squibb Wilson Boulevard entrance. Staff from the Department of Public Safety and the Physical Plant will be on-site to manage traffic and parking.

University Police Officers and parking attendants will be available throughout campus to assist with directions and answer any questions. Shuttle service will begin one hour before each ceremony to transport guests to the Feaster Center.

Graduates, guests, and community members should prepare for changes to traffic and parking both on campus and in the surrounding area. With multiple ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, we appreciate your patience and cooperation during arrival and departure. Carpooling is strongly encouraged to help minimize congestion.

For those unable to attend in person, each ceremony will be livestreamed on For those unable to attend in person, each ceremony will be livestreamed on our website.

For full Commencement details, visit the Registrar's page.