Retired Bridgeport (West Virginia) educator Vicki Huffman honored by alma mater

“I was shocked,” Huffman said. “Very pleased, honored and blessed.”

In an August letter sent to Huffman announcing the award, University Director of Alumni Relations Amy Snively wrote that the alumni award is presented to an “alumni who displays loyalty to Fairmont State, is successful in chosen career, serves community and exhibits ethical behavior and exemplary character.”

Huffman has returned for Falcon football or basketball games periodically, as well as alumni activities — especially as a part of the university Hall of Fame due to being a record-holding women’s basketball player.

“I love seeing my friends and people who have supported me over the years, but it’s also nice to see the new generation of girls watch them play,” Huffman said. “It’s nice to go back and let them know that I support what they do, support women’s athletics.”

Snively, who graduated from Fairmont State University with both an undergraduate degree in 1997 and master’s degree in 2015, said this year’s award winners were selected before she began three months ago. She was assisted by Alumni Association President Nick Fantasia as well as Susan Rodriguez, senior director of career services and civic engagement.

“But, I got to talk to them all quite a bit actually, especially leading up to Homecoming Weekend, by letters, emails and telephone calls. That was actually one of my favorite parts of planning Homecoming, Snively said.

“As an alumna of Fairmont State, Homecoming is an event that I look forward to every year. It is always meaningful to reconnect with friends and make new memories each fall. So many alumni returned to campus for Homecoming this year and everyone seemed so happy. There were a lot of hugs, smiles, and laughter. It was definitely an enjoyable and memorable experience for me and I hope for everyone who attended.”

Huffman, who Snively called “delightful and very deserving of the Outstanding Alumna honor,” has also ridden through Bridgeport High School’s homecoming parade in 2013 with son Tyler and attended to support local elementary and high school students.

Huffman still lives within Bridgeport but enjoys now being able to travel with family, such as to Hawaii to visit Tyler while he is stationed at Pearl Harbor-Hickham Air Force Base. Huffman has also substituted as needed at Johnson Elementary School and leads the weekly after school program.

“It’s great to be back with the kids, without all the administrative responsibilities,” Huffman said, wishing former assistant and now Principal Heather Holbert success. “It’s always bittersweet when you retire because it was almost 40 years, a great career. You always miss your work family as well as the kids.”

A luncheon preceded Homecoming weekend and Huffman also rode in the Homecoming parade — which she called “a lot of fun” passing out candy out the window of a convertible despite the rain — Sept. 28. She was also introduced during pregame festivities Sept. 30 when Homecoming Royalty winners Luke Elam and Kaden Suplita were selected by their peers and crowned during halftime by President Mike Davis on Duvall-Rosier Field.