Author: Maureen Zambito

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 15, 2020 — The Helping Hilltoppers Scholarship Campaign has resulted in more than $50,000 to assist West Liberty University students affected by the pandemic during the 2020 – 2021 academic year.

“When we began this effort in May, the WLU Foundation wanted to help the university to continue to be able to provide the quality education that is our mission during this unprecedented time of national emergency. We turned to our donors, friends and alumni and were immediately rewarded with a matching gift. Then another large gift and another. I am so pleased with the response on this campaign. I know it will help many students,” said WLU Foundation Executive Director Angela Zambito-Hill.

The WLU Office of Financial Aid will determine the eligibility of students who will benefit from the donations and enrolled students are able to apply for funds by using a simple online form that asks less than 10 questions.

“We wanted to make this simple and to get help to as many students as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Director of Financial Aid Katie Cooper, who has been with WLU for 10 years.

Whether it’s used for books, childcare, transportation or tuition and fees, the amount of the award will not exceed $500.

“Just being able to alleviate a little bit of the financial stress caused by COVID-19 is a big thing to students. They deserve our help working through the unexpected. These funds allow us to help them reach their goals,” Cooper said.

The award will be reflected in the financial aid package of each student receiving the Helping Hilltopper Scholarship, being applied to their account at the beginning of the semester(s).

“It is especially important that students be able to focus on their studies and not worry about affording an education. Funds donated to the Helping Hilltoppers Campaign will help students facing extreme financial challenges due to COVID-19 remain enrolled at West Liberty University. We are very grateful to our donors for making this new scholarship possible,” said Zambito-Hill.

To donate to the Helping Hilltoppers Fund or to ask questions, please call the WLU Foundation office at 304-336-5635 or donate online at the secure website: wlufoundation.org/helpwlu.

To apply for the scholarship, please click here. Or you may contact Cooper at katie.cooper@westliberty.edu.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 1, 2020 — The West Liberty University Foundation has announced changes in its staff. Alexis Montes, formerly employed by West Liberty University, has been hired as Assistant Director of Alumni Giving.

Additionally, Nick Musgrave, who has been with the Foundation since September 2018, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Development.

“I am pleased to announce Nick’s promotion and Alexis’ hiring. Both are talented and enthusiastic supporters of our mission. I am certain they will only add to the Foundation’s success in the future,” said Executive Director of the Foundation Angela Zambito Hill.

Montes will begin her new position on July 6, 2020. Musgrave’s promotion is effective July 1, 2020.

A native of Glen Dale, Montes graduated from John Marshall High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s in education, with a concentration in athletic administration and coaching at WLU in 2016. She then earned a master’s in sports administration at Marshall University.

While a student at WLU, Montes was a standout in track and field and made history as WLU’s first, two-time NCAA Division II Track and Field All-American.

Originally from Parkersburg, W.Va., Musgrave earned a bachelor’s in history and political science at Hastings College, located in Hastings, Nebraska.

Formerly the Foundation’s development coordinator, his duties have been expanded and he will be responsible for more direct fundraising and donor outreach. He also will oversee some stewardship initiatives including the comprehensive Foundation Scholarship Donor Program.

A member of the Rotary Club of Wheeling, Musgrave resides in historic North Wheeling with his wife, McKenna.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., June 1, 2020 — The pandemic has caused anxiety for many college students and West Liberty University’s Foundation wants to help. Thanks to a matching donor, it has announced the Helping Hilltoppers Campaign to assist students right now, as they plan for fall 2020.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous pledge from donor William Brenner, to initiate this new fund. These emergency funds will be used specifically for students affected by COVID-19 at this time of global crisis,” said WLU Foundation Executive Director Angela Zambito-Hill.

Brenner, who resides in Chevy Chase, Md., will match the first $10,000 raised dollar for dollar, in memory of his wife WLU alumna Loretta “Lucky” Brenner.

“It is especially important that students be able to focus on their studies and not worry about affording an education. Funds donated to the Helping Hilltoppers Campaign will help students facing extreme financial challenges due to COVID-19 remain enrolled at West Liberty University. We are very grateful to Bill for his generosity.”

Lucky Wilson graduated from West Liberty in 1965 and the following year married Bill Brenner, an architect. She began her career as an English and art teacher, then went on to earn her Master of Social Work at Case-Western Reserve and spent the rest of her career as a social work professional in the Washington, D.C. area.

Thanks to her lifelong mentor Stanley Harrison, theatre director at West Liberty from 1962-1979, she maintained her involvement with theatre as a member of the Chevy Chase Players.

The Helping Hilltoppers fundraising effort kicked off on May 26 and the eligibility of students who will benefit from the donations will be determined by the WLU Office of Financial Aid. Funds will not be available until July.

To donate to the Helping Hilltoppers Fund or to ask questions, please call the WLU Foundation office at 304-336-5635 or you may donate online at the secure website: wlufoundation.org/helpwlu.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 29, 2020 — West Liberty University is propping up its International Educational program with the naming of the Rollie Williams International Center and an increase in funding thanks to a generous donor, alumna Kristina “Kris” Williams.

We are pleased to announce that former longtime faculty member Rollie Williams will be honored by this new naming of our international center, located in historic Shotwell Hall. We are grateful to Kris for her foresight and support,” said President Stephen Greiner.

Roland E. “Rollie” Williams taught for 37 years at West Liberty and was Kris Williams’ father. Kris Williams also is a member of WLU’s Board of Governors where she serves as vice chair.

“I have been working with Kris since last year to look at ways to create a resource for WLU’s international program. The Roland E. ‘Rollie’ Williams International Fund is an endowed fund that will support the international center in perpetuity,” said Executive Director of the WLU Foundation Angela Zambito-Hill.

“The Foundation is grateful for this gift that has given our faculty countless opportunities for educational travel and will continue to do so. We are especially pleased that Kris is now willing to fund our international center at a higher level and meet our growing needs in this area,” she added.

International faculty travel will continue to be funded and an additional amount of money, equal in dollar value, will now be designated for the general use of the International Program, which has doubled in student enrollment numbers since 2010.

The new gift will allow the Foundation to fund scholarships, equipment, student recruitment and other programmatic needs.

Kris Williams graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in accounting in 1986. She is now president and chief executive officer of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines, Iowa, a position she assumed on Jan. 20, 2020 after serving a 15-year career at FHLB Pittsburgh.

When she was a child, the Williams family lived in faculty housing on the West Liberty campus, where her father Rollie served as an associate professor of geography, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.

Professor Williams traveled throughout the world and took WLU students on many international trips. His faculty office was located in Shotwell Hall, making it even more appropriate that this center bears his name.

“My father was my biggest hero and I was extremely close to him until he passed in 2004. I am happy to support the international program in this way,” Kris Williams said.

The International Center moved to Shotwell Hall last fall because of its growth. It is led by Mia Szabo, who serves as director of international enrollment services and international student advisor. Szabo is assisted by Ryan Glanville, coordinator of international programs and recruiting.

“Ryan is an alumnus and was taught by Rollie Williams,” noted Szabo.

The Rollie Williams International Center includes offices for the staff, student lounges for relaxation and study, an international prayer room and a complete kitchen.

“Our international program here at West Liberty has grown by 24.4 percent over the past four years and we are grateful to have the Rollie Williams International Center as a dedicated space for our students,” said Szabo.

For more information on the Rollie Williams International Center or to contribute to the fund, please contact the WLU Foundation at 304.336.5635 or visit wlufoundation.org.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 20, 2019 — One of the most valuable books in the area returned home recently to West Liberty University’s Elbin Library after a restoration performed by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia.

The 15^th Century illuminated Book of Hours is a Dutch manuscript elegantly decorated with Gothic lettering and gold decorations on vellum. Devotional prayer books like these became popular in the Middle Ages and were considered a status symbol since only a rich person could hope to own one at the time.

“This is a complete book, donated by former professor Nelle Krise, who died in 1981, and we are proud to have it in our collection. The Book of Hours would have been made one at a time as a prayer book, completely by hand,” said Librarian Katy Zane, who has been with the Elbin Library for two years.

The restoration was initiated by former library director (now retired) Cheryl Harshman who was responsible for beginning the project last January.

An English professor for 40 years, Krise was a serious collector of books and a popular professor. Krise Residential Hall is named after her.

The valuable illuminated manuscript will be showcased and shared at a reception open to the public from 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 at the WLU Downtown Center, located at 1310 Market St.

“We are pleased to host this event and share this treasure with the public and we are grateful to donor Jeremy McCamic, who made the lead contribution to fund the restoration,” said Angela Zambito-Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation.

“What makes this copy so special is the gold and colorful pigments that were used and the fact that it’s a complete book that came through the Netherlands, rather than France,” Zane noted.

Other rarities from the Nelle Krise Rare Book Room will be on hand as well including an example of Justinian Code, an incunabula (printed rather than manuscript book prior to 1501) in framed glass and choir music from the 16^th century.

“These treasures from our rare book collection are amazing and I believe people will be surprised when they see them,” Zane added.

Zane drove to Philadelphia to retrieve the restored Book of Hours this past August. It had been with the experts since January and much of the work involved rebinding it with the original leather and binding materials that had deteriorated over the years.

The parchment leaves were lightly surface cleaned, and vulnerable spine folds were mended with mulberry paper and gelatin in a cold, mousse state. The sheets were resewn with unbleached linen thread. Once resewn, the boards were attached, the volume was rebacked with acrylic-toned cotton textile, and the original spine was readhered over the new cloth, according to a detailed description posted on the CCAHA website.

“The restoration was very successful. I drove very carefully with a seatbelt around the packing box that held the custom-sized clamshell box provided by the CCAHA to store the book,” she added. Zane recently earned a Certificate of Advance Study in archives and used the antique book and the rare book room for her practicum work.

WLU has purchased a new safe that will be mounted to the floor, to ensure its safety.

The Book of Hours will return to the Elbin Library after the Nov. 7 showing and will then be available for viewing by appointment only.

“Any visitor can ask at the desk if they can view the book and if at all possible, we will be happy to comply with the request,” Zane said.

The library collection features over 250,000 items in print, audio, and video formats, along with the Nelle M. Krise Rare Book Collection and The Henry Lash Sheet Music Collection.

For more information on attending the Book of Hours reception, please contact the WLU Foundation at 304.336.5635.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 13, 2019 — West Liberty University topped its Homecoming Weekend with a festive Opening and Dedication Ceremony for the West Family Athletic Complex and Tim Weaver Memorial Track today.

“We are grateful to our friend and major donor Gary and Flip West, who together with donors David and Ann Cuffaro, made this dream a reality. Our students benefit tremendously through their generosity and we look forward to many, many athletic competitions and practices here in this outstanding facility. It is a perfect addition to the Hilltop,” said President Stephen Greiner.

Scheduled in conjunction with the Hilltoppers’ men’s and women’s soccer doubleheader against Charleston, the dedication also honored former WLU Track and Cross Country Coach Tim Weaver. Donors David K. and Ann Coffaro made a major contribution to the project in Tim Weaver’s memory.

The newest member of West Liberty’s athletic facilities lineup made its debut this fall as the state-of-the-art home for WLU’s men’s and women’s soccer, track and cross-country squads. Featuring a fully-lighted artificial turf soccer field surrounded by a full 8-lane all-weather track built to NCAA specifications, the sparkling green jewel immediately took its place among the top multi-purpose venues in the region.

The event got under way with a private donor VIP event, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The public dedication ceremony for the new complex took place at 12:30 p.m. with the soccer doubleheader following.

Coach Sean Regan’s WLU men’s soccer team kicked off its Mountain East Conference match against the nationally-ranked Golden Eagles at 1 p.m. The Hilltopper women’s team, coached by Barry Christmas, took on the UC women at 3:30 p.m. To stay on top all sports news, please visit hilltoppersports.com.

by Maureen Zambito

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Sept. 24, 2019 — West Liberty University is relocating its Downtown Center to 1310 Market St. later this week.

“This new space offers a more dynamic space that works well with all we do and it continues our support of the ongoing revitalization evident in downtown Wheeling,” said Dr. Stephen Greiner, WLU president.

WLU’s Downtown Center is home to the WLU Foundation, WLU’s broadcasting platform known as Topper Station and other community outreach. It also acts as an off-campus site for prospective students and transfer students to visit and pick up enrollment information.

“Our new location is much larger and is a more appropriate space for all we do. For example, we’ll have our own boardroom for foundation meetings and other amenities like a kitchenette. We will also have additional space to allow Topper Station its own studio,” said Angie Zambito Hill, who is executive director of WLU’s Foundation. “It’s also a better space for community events that we are planning.”

The move will take place over the next week.

Formerly located on the first floor of the RED Building, 1100 Main Street, the WLU Downtown Center has been operating in the downtown area since January 2018.

“We have enjoyed being a tenant in the RED Building and we are grateful to the Regional Economic Development partnership for working with us over the past few years,” she added.

The new location is in a building more than 100 years old that formerly housed the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce and Crones men’s clothing store. Perry and Associates (CPAs) are now located on the third floor of the building.

Established in 1837, West Liberty University maintains a 290-acre main campus, known as the Hilltop, a satellite campus, located at the Highlands retail park and the Downtown Center.

With more than 70 undergraduate majors, plus a growing number of graduate programs, both online and on campus, students are rewarded with an excellent return on their investment.

Hours for the WLU Downtown Center are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, please call the WLU Foundation office at 304.336.5635.

by Maureen Zambito

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 14, 2019 — West Liberty University alumnus and former basketball standout Al Roszczyk ’80 will be honored for his recent $25,000 gift at the Saturday, Feb. 16 men’s basketball game when the Hilltoppers take on the Charleston Golden Eagles at 4 p.m. in the Academic, Sport and Recreation Complex (ASRC).

“We are very grateful to Al for his leadership and vision. This endowment fund will support the future of our highly successful men’s basketball program for years to come,” said President Stephen Greiner.

Roszczyk’s gift consists of $25,000, earmarked for the needs of the men’s basketball program. Income from the fund will be used to provide scholarships, equipment, recruitment expenses, team meals and other needs.

“Al’s generosity is inspiring and the WLU Foundation will work toward a goal to build the Men’s Basketball Endowment Fund to $100,000 by the end of the current fiscal year. If you would like to get involved, please contact me,” said Executive Director of the WLU Foundation Angela Zambito Hill.

“President Greiner and the whole WLU family is very grateful to Al for his leadership and support. Thank you Al!” she added.

Also inducted into WLU’s Alumni Wall of Honor in 2017, Roszczyk is a Steubenville native and All-West Virginia Conference honoree. He will be attending the game with his daughter Erin Laswell.

He and his wife, Susan, reside in Columbus, Ind., where he is Regional President for First Financial Bank. He has a second daughter, Sara, who also resides with her family in Columbus.

WLU is a member of the NCAA and MEC and offers a wide range of intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division II level, including men’s football, cross country, basketball, wrestling, track, tennis, baseball, soccer and golf; women’s softball, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, tennis, golf, acrobatics and tumbling and soccer.

The WLU Foundation recently underwent a strategic planning process led by the Board of Directors. The board recognized the declining state funds as a challenge to WLU and committed to growing the endowment to $25 million in the next 3-5 years. The newly established fund for Men’s Basketball is part of that overall strategy to enhance current programming and secure WLU’s future.

For more information on the WLU Foundation or to make a gift, please visit wlufoundation.org or call 304.336.5635.