FAIRMONT, W.Va. – As the holiday season unfolded across North Central West Virginia, Pierpont Community and Technical College celebrated with a series of community events and charitable initiatives that reflected its mission of service and connection.
From parades to charitable programs, Pierpont showed up — not just with holiday cheer, but with a commitment to making a difference.
Lighting Up Local Communities
Pierpont joined some of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions, bringing its presence to parades and community gatherings. The College proudly joined the Clarksburg Winterfest Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, the Bridgeport Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, and the White Hall Christmas Parade on Dec. 11. At each parade, Pierpont’s decorated truck led the way as staff and volunteers distributed candy and Pierpont sticker sheets to families along the route. In addition to the parades, Pierpont leadership and staff attended Bridgeport’s Light Up Night, a kickoff to the holiday season that brings neighbors together.
The College also hosted the Marion County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Dec. 3 at the Advanced Technology Center, welcoming local business leaders and partners for an evening of networking and holiday cheer.
“Participating in these holiday events is about more than celebration; it is about connection,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “When our faculty, staff and students participate in these events, it reinforces that Pierpont is here to serve, support and grow with our community. These moments remind us that education does not stop at the classroom door; it lives in the relationships we build every day.”
Commitment to Giving Back
Pierpont’s holiday season was also about showing compassion in action. Through several initiatives, the College demonstrated its commitment to supporting those in need and creating moments of joy.
An Angel Tree project brought together faculty and staff to fulfill the wishes of a 12-year-old girl. The Wishlist included a bicycle, Elvis-themed bedding, clothing and winter shoes. Thanks to generous contributions, the team ensured every item was delivered. This act of kindness reflected Pierpont’s heart for community and its willingness to go above and beyond.
The WV WORKS Holiday Giving Initiative marked its first year as a new tradition at Pierpont. Designed to support students identified as low-income, the program allowed participants to sign up anonymously for holiday assistance. Through the generosity of faculty and staff, six students and their families received gifts, including $25 gift cards for each student, multiple presents for every child, and an additional $50 gift card per family. Volunteers wrapped and distributed the gifts on December 12, and the gratitude expressed by recipients underscored the profound impact of this effort.
“For anyone who was unable to participate this year, we are excited to share that this initiative will continue next year,” said Jama Marshall Roy, DoHS Student Services Coordinator for TANF/WV WORKS. “The WV WORKS Holiday Giving Initiative was a tremendous success in its first year, and we look forward to growing it as a new Pierpont tradition.”
Pierpont also extended its outreach beyond campus through a volunteer day at the Union Rescue Mission on December 1. Members of the College community spent time wrapping presents for families in need, reinforcing Pierpont’s commitment to service and its role as a partner in regional efforts to spread holiday cheer.
Celebrating Together
On December 10, faculty, staff and board members gathered at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen for Pierpont’s annual Employee Holiday Wrap-Up Dinner. Interim President Dr. Michael Waide reflected on the year’s progress and the people who made it possible:
“This evening is not about charts or reports. It is about people. It is about the work that happens where learning really lives — in classrooms, in labs, in offices, in hallways, in early mornings and long evenings, and in conversations that solve problems one step at a time.”
The evening was filled with gratitude, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose as Pierpont looked ahead to a new year of opportunity. Guests also enjoyed a festive Ugly Sweater Contest, competing for the tackiest sweater, cutest sweater and ugliest sweater ever.
Looking Ahead
Pierpont’s commitment to service doesn’t end with the holiday season. Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Holiday Gift Wrapping Volunteer Event in partnership with United Way of Harrison County. Volunteers will help wrap gifts at Meadowbrook Mall, spreading cheer while supporting a great cause. Students can also earn community service hours for their participation.
The event will take place at Meadowbrook Mall on Dec. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with volunteers welcome to choose any time during the available window.
As Dr. Waide shared during the holiday dinner, “Momentum does not come from slogans. It comes from people who care enough to improve the work one day, one decision, one student at a time. Pierpont has momentum because you created it.” That spirit of giving and growth will carry into the new year, creating opportunities for students and strengthening the communities Pierpont calls home.
Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.
Visit our SmugMug Photo Gallery to download more photos from the holiday events.
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