FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2025

Fairmont, WV — Pierpont Community & Technical College joined the nationwide #WhyApply Day campaign on Friday, Sept. 19, celebrating the personal stories that inspire students to pursue college.

Sponsored by the American College Application Campaign and College for West Virginia (CFWV), #WhyApply Day encourages students to take the first step toward higher education. Pierpont marked the occasion by collecting and sharing testimonials from students, faculty, and staff across Pierpont’s campuses.

From welding and aviation to culinary arts and health sciences, students shared heartfelt reasons for applying to Pierpont:

• “I came to college to set a good example for my children. I chose Pierpont because the instructor of the welding program has not only years of fieldwork but experience. He has been an awesome mentor and role model.”
• “I applied to Pierpont because I wanted more from an education. I am ambitious, and why work on cars when you could work on aircraft instead!!!”
• “Why? You get a community, friends, education, and experience. With Pierpont, when it’s time for your tests, you can do them here. I applied here to follow after my father of being an A&P.”
• “I joined Pierpont to become a better chef and learn what I was never taught.”
• “I applied to Pierpont to further my education and build foundational skills that will lead me into the workforce and my future. Take the change and apply today!”

Faculty and staff also joined in, sharing their own “why” and encouraging students to apply:

• “#Startheregofar Put your future within reach at Pierpont <3”
• “Invest in YOU. WV Invests Grant > Let the state pay your tuition!”
• “To be the 1st in your family! #FirstGen”

Throughout the week, Pierpont’s marketing team visited classrooms, hosted photo sessions, and encouraged students to complete #WhyApply sheets. The campaign concluded with a call to action for prospective students to share their own “why” and take the next step toward college.

“Authentic storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to reach prospective students,” said Stefanie Moore, Director of Marketing and Communications at Pierpont. “It also reminds our current students that their journey matters and that they belong here.”

To learn more about Pierpont’s programs or to apply, visit pierpont.edu.

View more photos.

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Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu