FAIRMONT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Fairmont State University has expressed its commitment to preserving the history and culture of the local area and North Central West Virginia region, accomplished in part through volunteerism toward the maintenance of the historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
Dr. Raymond Alvarez, Professor of Healthcare Management at Fairmont, is a frequent collaborator with university students, staff, and faculty on projects which serve to support and enhance the historic cemetery.
“A group of dedicated volunteers reorganized the nonprofit cemetery board in 2016 to maintain this 42-acre site,” Alvarez says. “We’ve used Fairmont State students in various roles since 2019 to assist in identifying historic graves and telling the stories of the 12,000 burials here. Many projects have brought history to life.
Under the continued guidance of Alvarez, Fairmont State University students have assisted in the identification of GPS locations for over one hundred historic burials.
“Woodlawn [Cemetery] is attracting people from all over the country, which was our cultural tourism goal,” Alvarez said. “Visitors come to this well-maintained historical site where West Virginia history begins. Fairmont was home to leaders in statehood, industry, education, and more. History starts here.”
Fairmont Students from various programs have provided support for Woodlawn since 2018 through storytelling, marketing, and technical assistance.
“Fairmont State has always been involved in community organization and development,” Alvarez continues. “I hope this continues as we invite the community and schools to see how much has been accomplished by this grassroots effort.”
Woodlawn Cemetery was first established in 1876 and has since become home to many prominent citizens from throughout the area. These include Rev. William White, the very first principal at Fairmont Normal School, and Francis Pierpont, a key figure in the establishment of the school. International Thespian Society and Alpha Psi Omega founder, Dr. Paul Opp is also among those laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetary.
