Fairmont State University will host its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies at the Feaster Center on May 9, according to an April 30 announcement. The event will feature addresses from Dr. Christina Lavorata and Ronda Colanero.
The university said the ceremonies are an important milestone for graduates and their families. President Mike Davis said, “Commencement is one of the best days of the year at Fairmont State because it reminds us why we do this work. 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.”
The first ceremony begins at 10 a.m., recognizing graduates from the College of Business & Aviation, College of Liberal Arts, and Regents Bachelor of Arts program with keynote speaker Dr. Christina Lavorata, Provost Emeritus. Lavorata graduated from Fairmont State in 1970 with a degree in elementary education before earning advanced degrees from West Virginia University. She taught in Marion County schools until joining Fairmont State’s Education Department faculty in 1998; she later served as Associate Provost before retiring as Provost in 2018.
At 2 p.m., another ceremony will honor graduates from the College of Education, Health & Human Performance; College of Nursing; and College of Science & Technology with alumna Ronda Bilotta Colanero delivering remarks. Colanero graduated cum laude from Fairmont State College in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education before starting her career teaching locally then working for over three decades with West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources.
Guests attending should note that tickets are not required but seating is limited due to other events happening nearby; advance planning for travel or accommodations is recommended by organizers. Temporary traffic patterns will be implemented on campus during Commencement Day—guests must enter via Squibb Wilson Boulevard—with staff managing parking arrangements.
For those unable to attend in person, both ceremonies will be livestreamed on Fairmont State University’s website.
