Story written by Sofia Wassick
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University has recently instituted the Martin “Mike” Arcure Memorial Impact Scholarship, an award honoring the late Mike Arcure.
This $1,000 annual scholarship will benefit full-time Fairmont State University undergraduates who are in need of financial aid and are former graduates of Marion County, West Virginia, high schools.
The scholarship was created by Mike’s wife, Beverly Arcure, and his four children, to honor the unforgettable legacy that Mike left behind within the Fairmont community.
Anne Bolyard, President of the Fairmont State University Foundation, joined WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” to further address the life of beloved, Mike Arcure, and the importance of the scholarship created in his honor.
“His son shared that he was always making sure student-athletes went to class, he would follow-up with their professors and he was knocking on doors Monday mornings,” Bolyard said. “He promised these student-athletes’ parents they would leave Fairmont State University with a degree, and most of them did because of his mentorship. Some of these student-athletes didn’t have a father figure, and Mike Arcure stepped in and built that role.”
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University and a master’s degree from West Virginia University, both in education, Mike taught history and political science and coached high school basketball.
Following his teaching career, Mike made a return to Fairmont State University in 1968, where he played an important part in the physical education staff and developed the university’s first intramural sports program. Nonetheless, far from being finished, Mike also volunteered as an assistant basketball coach and played a dynamic role in the university’s recruiting efforts, alongside head coach, Joe Retton.
Even after his career at Fairmont State had concluded, Mike, also referred to as “Mr. Fairmont”, continued to always show pride in the community in which he fostered.
“He was selling insurance, leading scholarship banquets and attending games into his 80’s,” Bolyard stated. “He always had a Fairmont State hat or shirt on.”
Exemplifying a lifelong legacy as an educator, coach and a champion of the Fairmont State University community and student success, Mike unfortunately passed away on Sept. 12, 2024.
More about the scholarship will appear on the scholarship information page of Fairmont State University.
“It will appear on the scholarship information page of Fairmont State University, which can be found if you go to fairmontstate.edu,” said Boylard. “And look for general scholarships, it will be listed there, it will be a $1,000 annual scholarship.”
If you are interested in the Fairmont State Foundation and ways in which you can contribute, please contact www.fsufoundation.org or 304-534-8786.
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