News
November 14, 2025
Hope Gas CEO encourages Fairmont State graduates to stay in West Virginia
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WV News) — Hope Gas CEO Morgan O'Brien visited Fairmont State University Thursday evening to speak to students directly about all the reasons to stay in West Virginia after graduation.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. - Fairmont State University's graduating class received a powerful message of encouragement Thursday evening from Hope Gas CEO Morgan O'Brien: West Virginia needs you. Addressing students directly, O'Brien outlined the compelling reasons why staying in the Mountain State after graduation offers a wealth of opportunity and a chance to contribute to its future.
O'Brien's visit, reported by WV News, focused on combating the trend of young talent leaving the state in search of jobs and a perceived better life elsewhere. He argued that West Virginia is undergoing a transformation, with burgeoning industries and a renewed sense of community spirit making it an increasingly attractive place to live and work.
While the specific points of O'Brien's address were not detailed in the initial report, it can be inferred that he likely touched upon the growing energy sector, fueled by companies like Hope Gas, as a source of promising career paths. The state's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, often cited as benefits of living in West Virginia, probably also featured in his message.
Beyond career prospects, O'Brien likely emphasized the importance of local talent in shaping the future of West Virginia. By staying and investing their skills and knowledge, graduates can contribute to the state's economic growth, community development, and overall prosperity. He would have encouraged them to become active participants in their communities, fostering innovation and driving positive change.
The Hope Gas CEO’s appearance at Fairmont State underscores the ongoing efforts by business leaders and educators to retain young professionals in West Virginia. The state faces the challenge of competing with larger, more urban areas that often attract graduates with promises of higher salaries and more diverse career options. However, O'Brien's message served as a reminder that West Virginia offers something unique: the opportunity to make a real difference in a place where their contributions will be valued and felt deeply. The hope is that his words resonated with the graduating class, inspiring them to consider building their future in the state they call home.
O'Brien's visit, reported by WV News, focused on combating the trend of young talent leaving the state in search of jobs and a perceived better life elsewhere. He argued that West Virginia is undergoing a transformation, with burgeoning industries and a renewed sense of community spirit making it an increasingly attractive place to live and work.
While the specific points of O'Brien's address were not detailed in the initial report, it can be inferred that he likely touched upon the growing energy sector, fueled by companies like Hope Gas, as a source of promising career paths. The state's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, often cited as benefits of living in West Virginia, probably also featured in his message.
Beyond career prospects, O'Brien likely emphasized the importance of local talent in shaping the future of West Virginia. By staying and investing their skills and knowledge, graduates can contribute to the state's economic growth, community development, and overall prosperity. He would have encouraged them to become active participants in their communities, fostering innovation and driving positive change.
The Hope Gas CEO’s appearance at Fairmont State underscores the ongoing efforts by business leaders and educators to retain young professionals in West Virginia. The state faces the challenge of competing with larger, more urban areas that often attract graduates with promises of higher salaries and more diverse career options. However, O'Brien's message served as a reminder that West Virginia offers something unique: the opportunity to make a real difference in a place where their contributions will be valued and felt deeply. The hope is that his words resonated with the graduating class, inspiring them to consider building their future in the state they call home.
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Business