Chad Riley One in all Two Visitor Audio system Lined Up for Fairmont State Graduation Ceremonies

The Feaster Middle will come alive with celebration and Falcon satisfaction on Saturday, Could 17, as Fairmont State College hosts its Spring 2025 Graduation ceremonies. 

?”Graduation is a symbolic second within the lifetime of Fairmont State,” stated President Mike Davis. “It is a time to reflect on the remarkable journey our students have taken and to celebrate their accomplishments with their families, faculty, and community. I look forward to honoring graduates’ hard work and the bright futures that await them.” 

The primary ceremony begins at 10 a.m., honoring graduates from the School of Schooling, Well being & Human Efficiency, the School of Nursing, and the School of Science & Know-how. Later that day, at 3 p.m., the College will acknowledge graduates from the School of Enterprise & Aviation, the School of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts program. 

This yr’s keynote audio system are Chad M. Riley, P.E., who will tackle the morning ceremony, and J. Robert Baker, Ph.D., who will communicate on the afternoon ceremony. 

Chad M. Riley, a proud third-generation graduate of Fairmont State College, exemplifies dedication to each his alma mater and the state of West Virginia. Whereas pursuing his bachelor’s diploma in civil engineering know-how, Riley commuted to campus and labored his manner by way of school. At the moment, he serves as Vice President and government chief at The Thrasher Group, the place he started his profession as a building inspector. 

With practically three a long time of expertise, Riley has led transformative infrastructure initiatives throughout West Virginia—a lot of which have impacted Fairmont State’s campus instantly. He’s a powerful advocate for native expertise, incessantly hiring Fairmont State graduates, and has served on each the Fairmont State Alumni Affiliation and Basis boards. Riley lives in Harrison County close to Shinnston along with his spouse, Shelley. Collectively, they’re the proud dad and mom of Chase and his spouse Hanna, Alyssa, Ashlyn, and Addison. 

Throughout the afternoon ceremony, attendees will hear from Dr. J. Robert Baker, whose legacy at Fairmont State is rooted in a long time of educational management and pupil mentorship. He devoted practically 30 years of service to Fairmont State College, shaping generations of scholars by way of educating, scholarship, and repair. After early training with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Phrase, Dr. Baker earned each his bachelor’s and grasp’s levels in English and theology on the College of Notre Dame, later returning to finish his Ph.D. in 1993. 

Dr. Baker joined the Fairmont State school in 1994 and held quite a few management roles, together with Director of the Honors Program (2000–2020) and Chair of the Division of Language and Literature (2008–2016). He twice served as Dean of the Governor’s Honors Academy throughout his time at Fairmont State. His influence prolonged nationally by way of roles with the Nationwide Collegiate Honors Council and editorial boards, and he has been honored with quite a few awards for educating, advising, and innovation. Past the classroom, Dr. Baker volunteered with the Soup Opera in Fairmont for greater than 20 years and stays an energetic member of the Iris Murdoch Society. 

“We are honored to welcome Chad Riley and Robert Baker as our Spring Commencement speakers,” stated President Davis. “Mr. Riley’s professional success and commitment to West Virginia reflect the values we strive to instill in every Falcon. Likewise, Dr. Baker’s legacy as a teacher, mentor, and scholar continues to inspire our campus. Their messages will resonate deeply with our graduates as they take their next steps.” 

Graduation Day Data

Tickets aren’t required for the ceremonies; nevertheless, seating is restricted. With different occasions taking place within the space, company are inspired to plan their journey and e book lodge lodging prematurely. 

Visitors attending Graduation ought to enter and exit the Feaster Middle by way of the highest flooring. Graduates will enter on the primary flooring and exit on the second flooring, the place they’ll reunite with household and pals after the ceremony. Graduates ought to arrive a minimum of 45 minutes previous to the beginning of their ceremony. 

Please notice {that a} momentary site visitors sample might be in place on Graduation Day. To make sure a easy circulation of automobiles, all site visitors should enter campus by way of the Squibb Wilson Boulevard entrance. Workers from the Division of Public Security and the Bodily Plant might be on-site to handle site visitors and parking. 

Public Security officers and parking attendants might be out there all through campus to help with instructions and reply any questions. Shuttle service will start one hour earlier than every ceremony to move company to the Feaster Middle. 

Graduates, company, and group members ought to put together for modifications to site visitors and parking each on campus and within the surrounding space. With a number of ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, we recognize your endurance and cooperation throughout arrival and departure. Carpooling is strongly inspired to assist reduce congestion. 

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For full Graduation particulars, go to: 

Editor’s Observe: High photograph of Riley and backside photograph of Baker courtesy of FSU.