Author: wlufoundation

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., August 4, 2025 – West Liberty University and the West Liberty University Foundation are proud to announce the receipt of a grant from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation™. This funding will support the University’s Student Success Center, which provides academic support and career development services for WLU students.

The Enterprise Mobility Foundation grant aligns with WLU’s commitment to educational excellence and student success, providing valuable resources to strengthen its mission in the region.

“We are grateful for the support of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, President of West Liberty University. “This grant helps advance our efforts to prepare our students for careers in the Ohio Valley and beyond.”

The Enterprise Mobility Foundation™ is dedicated to strengthening the communities where Enterprise Mobility team members live and work by actively supporting a range of charitable causes, including education, health and human services, the environment, military support, and disaster relief. The Foundation has contributed more than half a billion dollars to thousands of local nonprofits in the United States and made wide-reaching commitments—from global philanthropic initiatives to community-focused projects.

This investment from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation will allow WLU to continue improving the educational experience for students and support them in their career development.  

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.

Enterprise Mobility is a leading provider of mobility solutions, including car rental, fleet management, flexible vehicle hire, carsharing, vanpooling, truck rental, luxury rental, retail car sales, and vehicle subscription, as well as other transportation technology services and solutions, to make travel easier and more convenient for customers. Enterprise Mobility, inclusive of its subsidiaries and franchisees, and affiliate, Enterprise Fleet Management, manage a diverse fleet of more than 2.4 million vehicles through an integrated network of over 9,500 fully staffed neighborhood and airport rental locations in more than 90 countries and territories. Privately held by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Enterprise Mobility manages the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo brands.

John Craig (1972), a former Hilltopper wrestler and NAIA National Runner-Up, brings decades of experience in education and leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Liberty and a master’s in School Administration from the University of Dayton.

Now retired, John served as principal and coach at Indian Creek High School and taught at Steubenville High School. He resides in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina.

Gregory T. Lawrence, Esq. (1994) is a partner at the international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, working from offices in Baltimore, D.C., and New York. A former WLU Student Body President and wrestling team captain, Greg also teaches Securities Regulations at the University of Baltimore School of Law.

He serves as Chair of the Business Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. Greg and his wife Jennifer (1995) live in Maryland.

James Mull (2016) is President & CEO of The Mull Group, an international manufacturing and real estate company headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia. Founded in 1961 by his grandfather, The Mull Group has grown to encompass heavy steel mill equipment manufacturing, commercial real estate, and galvanized steel production.

A proud West Liberty alumnus, James recently established a scholarship through the Gary E. West College of Business in honor of his late father, W. Quay Mull II, to support the next generation of business leaders. He remains actively involved in community and workforce development, serving on the board of the MAMC (Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, formerly RCBI) and leading initiatives that promote skilled trades and American manufacturing.

Mike Sherman (2000) is Of Counsel in the Structured Credit practice at Paul Hastings LLP in Washington, D.C. His legal practice focuses on complex structured financings and securitizations across various asset classes, which has included first of its kind securitizations for Sotheby’s Financial Services and DSD Renewables.

Mike earned his accounting degree from WLU, followed by an M.S. in Accountancy from Wheeling Jesuit University (2001), becoming a certified public accountant (non-active currently), an M.B.A. from Capital University, and a J.D. from Duquesne University. Mike, a native of McMechen, WV, and his wife Jill, a native of Moundsville, WV, now reside in Washington, DC with their dog Wilford.

“We are thrilled to welcome these five outstanding individuals to the Foundation Board,” said Jeremey West, Chairman of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and a shared passion for supporting the students and mission of West Liberty University. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow our philanthropic impact.”

The WLU Foundation Board of Directors supports fundraising and stewardship efforts for West Liberty University, helping to advance the institution’s mission and create opportunities for students of all backgrounds. The Board’s current officers are: Jeremy West, Chair; Anissa Anderson, Vice Chair; David Croft, Treasurer; and Todd Cover, Secretary.

For more information about the WLU Foundation or to support its work, please visit westliberty.edu/foundation.

Audrey Ciripompa was a familiar and beloved figure within the West Liberty theatre community. Her enthusiasm for the performing arts and her consistent presence in the audience made her an enduring part of the university’s cultural life. Over the years, Audrey not only attended countless productions but also provided financial support to help the Theatre Department thrive.

In recognition of her generosity and unwavering commitment to the arts at West Liberty, Audrey Ciripompa will be honored as the Patron Spotlight in the 2026–27 season Playbill. This tribute will celebrate her legacy and highlight the lasting impact of philanthropic support on WLU’s vibrant theatre program.

“Audrey’s dedication to West Liberty’s Theatre Department has left a profound impression on our students and faculty,” said Michael Aulick, Chair of the WLU Theatre Department. “Her bequest reflects the kind of vision and support that sustains the arts and allows us to inspire future performers.”

For more information about supporting the WLU Theatre Department or making a planned gift, please contact the WLU Foundation at 304-336-5635 or visit wlufoundation.org.

The Blangor, Bunch, Hudson and Spinner Scholarship will be available to award for the 2026-27 academic year.

Similarly, the Jessica ’03 and Kenith ‘02 Britt Scholarship was established in 2022 to support future West Liberty University Education majors. Jessica (Barr) Britt, a 2003 WLU graduate from Moundsville, WV, and Kenith Britt, a 2002 graduate, both earned degrees in Elementary Education and shared a passion for the arts, participating in Hilltop Players productions. The couple met in Kelly Theatre, married in 2003, and have since dedicated their careers to Catholic education.

Ken, a first-generation college student, credits WLU as a pivotal influence in his personal and professional growth. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree from Marshall University and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, eventually advancing to senior leadership in higher education. He now serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor at Marian University in Indianapolis. He is also a member of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors. Jessica, a dedicated educator, homeschools their four children.

“We believe in the power of education and the responsibility to give back,” said Kenith Britt. “West Liberty provided us with invaluable experiences, and we want to ensure that future educators have access to the same great opportunities that shaped our lives.”

In late 2024, the Britt scholarship reached the $25,000 level of permanent endowment and the Britts have recently renewed their commitment to WLU and its students with an additional pledge of $20,000. The inaugural award of the scholarship will be made for the Fall 2025 semester.

Through continued contributions to these scholarship funds since their inception, both are now permanently endowed and will provide annual financial support to WLU students, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.

For more information about these scholarships or to contribute, please visit wlufoundation.org or contact Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director at 304-336-8847.

About the West Liberty University Foundation
The WLU Foundation is dedicated to enhancing student success by securing and stewarding private support for West Liberty University. Through scholarships, endowments, and strategic initiatives, the Foundation empowers students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

“The Aspire Fund is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovative learning experiences and supporting both faculty and students in their academic and professional pursuits,” said WLU Foundation Executive Director Betsy Delk. “We are thrilled to support these exceptional projects that align with our mission to advance West Liberty University’s impact on education and community engagement.”

Applications to the Aspire Fund are solicited twice annually and reviewed by a committee of faculty members led by Dr. Ann Saurbier, Dean of the Gary E. West College of Business.

The Aspire Fund is made possible through generous contributions from donors who believe in the power of education and experiential learning. Contributions to the Aspire Fund can be made at wlufoundation.org or by contacting the Foundation at 304-336-8847.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 14, 2025 – West Liberty University (WLU) and the WLU Foundation are proud to announce that The Health Plan will once again serve as the Title Sponsor for Topper Day of Giving, demonstrating its continued dedication to higher education and student success.

Topper Day of Giving, set for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, is a 24-hour online fundraising campaign that unites alumni, faculty, students, and friends of WLU in a shared mission to support the university. This annual giving day has a significant impact on scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and student experiences, ensuring that West Liberty University remains a place of opportunity and excellence.

“We are grateful to have The Health Plan renew their commitment as title sponsor for our 9^th annual Topper Day of Giving,” said Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation. “Their support reinforces the power of community investment in higher education and amplifies the impact of our giving day.”

“We are proud to support West Liberty University and its students through Topper Day of Giving,” said Jeff Knight, President and CEO of the Health Plan. “Education is vital to the success of our region, and we believe in investing in opportunities that empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals.”

The growth of Topper Day of Giving has been fueled by the addition of “micro-campaigns” which allow donors to earmark their gifts for the Annual Fund or for the program or initiative that matters most to them. Engaged faculty, students and athletes have been encouraging gifts to their respective programs through creative social media campaigns, mailings, emails and phone calls.

Throughout the day on March 26, donors will have the chance to maximize their contributions through matching gifts and challenges, making every donation even more impactful. For a complete list of micro-campaigns and matching gifts, please visit wlufoundation.org/dayofgiving

Additional support for Topper Day of Giving is provided by Alex and Valerie Paris, CMTA, Liberty Distributors, Gellner Law Offices, Wheeling Volkswagen Subaru and Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration.

How to Give:

Gifts can be made from now through March 26, 2025:

• Online at wlufoundation.org/dayofgiving
• By phone at 304-336-8847
• In-person at the WLU Foundation Office
• Via check, mailed to the WLU Foundation at 208 University Drive, CUB 126, West Liberty, WV 26074

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., February 25, 2025 – West Liberty University (WLU) proudly announces the establishment of the Mull Business Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of W. Quay Mull II.

Established in memory of W. Quay Mull, this scholarship will provide financial support to students in the Gary E. West College of Business who demonstrate a strong work ethic, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a lasting impact in their communities. The $7,500 renewable scholarship will be available for the Fall semester of 2025.

The scholarship was created through a gift to the WLU Foundation from James Mull, a 2016 graduate of West Liberty University and President & CEO of the Mull Group. He hopes the scholarship will encourage future business leaders to pursue their goals with the same dedication and entrepreneurial spirit that his father embodied.

“West Liberty University played a key role in my education and personal development, and I’m honored to give back in a way that continues my father’s legacy,” said James Mull. “He believed in the power of hard work, leadership, and community, and this scholarship is a way to support students who embody those same values. I hope it inspires young business professionals to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.”

Dr. Ann Saurbier, Dean of the Gary E. West College of Business, expressed her gratitude for the scholarship and its impact on students.

“We are grateful to James Mull for his generosity and commitment to supporting our business students,” said Saurbier. “This scholarship provides an opportunity for aspiring business leaders to gain the education and experiences necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic business world.”

WEST LIBERTY, W. Va., February 11, 2025 – West Liberty University (WLU) is proud to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, short story writer, and West Virginia native Jayne Anne Phillips, 4 p.m. Thursday, March 27, as part of the University’s ongoing Hughes Lecture Series.

Phillips will read from her novel, Night Watch, the 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction. She’ll also speak about her life as an author and W. Va. native, and share a presentation of research images from the novel. Special guest, West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman, will introduce Phillips. A Q&A and book sale/signing will follow her keynote speech.

An epic and enthralling portrait of family endurance set in West Virginia, Night Watch is the story of Eliza and her twelve-year-old daughter ConaLee, who seek refuge in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War. Their journey takes them to the historic Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum where they try to reclaim their lives. Here, they get swept up in the life of the facility—the mysterious man they call the Night Watch; the orphan child called Weed; the fearsome woman who runs the kitchen; and the remarkable doctor at the head of the institution.

“The Department of English and Modern Languages, as well as the entire campus community, is very excited for Jayne Anne Phillips’ visit to our campus,” remarks WLU Professor of English Dr. Scott Hanna.
“We are honored to add her name to the long and distinguished list of Hughes Lecturers,” he adds.

The event takes place in the Kelly Theater, Hall of Fine Arts. Admission is free. Those who wish to learn more about the event or pre-register (which is not required) can visit westliberty.edu/hugheslecture.

More about Jayne Anne Phillips:
Jayne Anne Phillips is also the author of Black Tickets, Machine Dreams, Fast Lanes, Shelter, MotherKind, Lark and Termite, and Quiet Dell. She is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Bunting Fellowship, and two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. Winner of an Arts and Letters Award and the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, she was inducted into the Academy in 2018.  A National Book Award finalist, and twice a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, she lives in New York and Boston.

About the Hughes Lecture Series:
The Hughes Lecture Series is named for Dr. Raymond Grove Hughes, a beloved professor of English who joined the West Liberty Faculty in 1931. His generous bequest to the University established the Hughes Lecture Series Endowed Fund which is managed today by the West Liberty University Foundation.