FAIRMONT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Fairmont Federal Credit Union has established the Fairmont Federal Credit Union Finance Lab Enhancement Fund at Fairmont State University. This gift will support software, technology and educational resources in the newly named Fairmont Federal Credit Union Finance Lab within the College of Business and Aviation.
The gift also creates an annual monetary award for a senior majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance who maintains excellent grades and shows strong promise in the field.
Fairmont Federal Credit Union’s generosity was celebrated Tuesday, September 15, during a dedication ceremony for the Finance Lab. Representatives from the credit union joined faculty and students from the College of Business and Aviation for the event.
Foundation President Marissa Mauro said the gift is a meaningful example of how regional partners can directly shape the student experience at Fairmont State.
“This gift is a powerful representation of what’s possible when our community partners invest directly in student success,” Mauro said. “Gifts like this don’t just enhance a classroom. They open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to the tools and experiences that prepare them for the workforce.”
Cindy Dickey, CEO of Fairmont Federal Credit Union and a 1993 Fairmont State alumna, said the gift reflects the credit union’s mission to invest in the communities it serves.
“We want to foster an individually rewarding environment and provide unwavering support so every community we serve can thrive,” Dickey said. “Supporting Fairmont State is a meaningful way to invest in students, talent and the future of our region.”
Marion County is one of five counties served by the credit union, making the university a natural partner for community investment, Dickey said. She hopes the gift gives students practical, hands-on experience that builds their confidence and sharpens their financial analysis and decision-making skills before they enter the workforce.
“It should allow them to prepare for life beyond the classroom,” she said, adding that the fund can also ease the financial burden of specialized coursework tools like financial calculators that can cost more than $100 each. “It’s that practical side of things that I think is important, especially for students who are away from home and don’t always have the resources.”
“Fairmont Federal Credit Union is an essential part of the economic fabric of this region, making their investment especially meaningful,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “When employers support the educational experience in tangible ways, students benefit through enhanced learning opportunities, exposure to industry expertise, and stronger connections to potential career pathways. This gift strengthens our ability to provide hands-on, workforce-focused education while demonstrating what is possible when institutions and community partners work together to invest in the future of our students and our region.”
Dickey, who has worked at Fairmont Federal Credit Union for 32 years, began her career as a teller before being appointed the credit union’s first compliance officer and rising to CEO. She said her time at Fairmont State – including a shift from an accounting concentration to business administration – shaped her career in ways she didn’t expect.
“You learn things about yourself in college that you just never knew were possible,” she said. “That’s why this gift is so important to us. We want students to have the chance to discover those possibilities.”
