Author: wlufoundation

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.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., January 14, 2025 — The West Liberty University Baseball Team is excited to announce its annual Lead Off Dinner fundraiser, set to take place on Saturday, January 25 at River City Restaurant in downtown Wheeling. This highly anticipated event will feature an evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and support for the Hilltopper baseball program.

Event Highlights Include:

• Dinner and Open Bar: Enjoy delicious food and beverages while connecting with coaches, players and other Hilltopper fans.
• Night at the Races: Get in on the interactive betting action.
• Meet the Team: Get to know your 2025 Hilltoppers.
• Online Auction: Bid on exclusive items, including a 1964 National Championship Team jacket, through the LiveSource App! Access the auction at http://bit.ly/WLUBSB or by downloading the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
• Free Raffle: Claim a free raffle ticket under the “raffles” section of the auction site for a chance to win a wooden bat signed by the 2025 WLU Baseball Team.
• WLU Gear:  All attendees will receive a complimentary WLU Baseball t-shirt as a token of appreciation.

Schedule of Events:

• Cocktail Hour: Begins at 5:30 PM
• Dinner and Program: 7:00 PM

New This Year: Sponsor a Player!
Support the team by participating in the new “Sponsor a Player” program, which helps cover the cost of players attending the dinner and contributes to essential expenses throughout the season. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a direct impact on the success of the WLU Baseball Team.

To purchase event tickets or sponsor the event, visit: wlufoundation.org/wlubaseball.

Join us for a night of fun and philanthropy as we celebrate and support Hilltopper Baseball!

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., January 7, 2025 – The West Liberty University (WLU) Foundation is pleased to announce a generous $20,000 grant from the AEP Foundation to support the creation of the Aviation Active Learning Space/Collaborative Classroom in Main Hall on the WLU campus. This state-of-the-art connected classroom will provide advanced technology to seamlessly link West Liberty University with the Bill Noe Flight School at Marshall University, facilitating innovative and experiential learning opportunities for aviation students.

The new Aviation Center Connected Classroom will serve as a critical component of WLU’s partnership with Marshall University and the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. This collaboration establishes WLU as a joint degree program with Marshall University and the Bill Noe Flight School, addressing the growing demand for professional pilots and creating unique opportunities for students in the region to pursue flight training.

“The AEP Foundation’s generous support helps us provide students with the advanced facilities and technology they need to succeed in high-demand fields like aviation,” said WLU President Dr. Tim Borchers. “This project will not only support our aviation students but will also enhance the experiential learning opportunities that are at the core of our mission. By offering a connected classroom, we are ensuring that our students can have a complete college experience while participating in a cutting-edge program.”

This project aligns with WLU’s strategic goals by addressing workforce needs in high-demand professions and upgrading campus technology and facilities. By providing a seamless connection between on-campus instruction and the expertise of the flight school, WLU ensures that students receive a comprehensive and high-quality educational experience while pursuing their aviation dreams.

The West Liberty University Foundation expresses its gratitude to the AEP Foundation for its commitment to advancing education and workforce development in the region.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., January 2, 2025 – The West Liberty University Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of two new permanently endowed scholarships, generously funded by Peggie Mueller in loving memory of her mother, Doris Waddell Dalrymple, and her brother, Robert “Bob” Theodore Dalrymple. These scholarships celebrate the Dalrymple family’s lifelong dedication to education and their profound impact on students and communities.

The Doris Waddell Dalrymple Memorial Scholarship

Born in 1921 in Bethany Pike, West Virginia, Doris Waddell Dalrymple was a trailblazer in education and athletics. A graduate of Wellsburg High School and West Liberty State College, Doris dedicated her career to teaching physical education and health in schools across West Virginia, Ohio, and New York. Known fondly as “Coach D,” she inspired countless students to overcome challenges, build confidence, and discover their strengths, while also coaching basketball, volleyball, and track.

This scholarship will support undergraduate students in the College of Education and Human Performance who are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, with preference given to those in the Health and Physical Education track.

The Robert “Bob” Theodore Dalrymple Memorial Scholarship

Bob Dalrymple, a West Liberty University alumnus who earned his bachelor’s degree in 1974 and a Master of Education from the University of Dayton in 1981, dedicated nearly three decades to teaching in the Buckeye Local School District in Ohio. Known affectionately as “Mr. D.,” Bob was a trusted mentor and advocate for his students, understanding their emotional, social, and intellectual needs. His legacy as an educator and mentor continues to resonate with those whose lives he touched.

This scholarship will support undergraduate students in the College of Education and Human Performance who are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

“These memorial scholarships embody my family’s dedication to education by supporting the next generation of educators, “ said Peggie Mueller. “Through their work, these future teachers will inspire their students to realize their full potential and develop the skills needed to navigate and shape their futures.”

Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation noted, “We are deeply grateful to Peggie Mueller for her generosity and for choosing to remember her mother and brother in a way that will benefit future generations of teachers.”

Dr. Sherri Theaker, Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance, expressed her appreciation for the lasting impact these scholarships will have. “The Dalrymple family’s dedication to education exemplifies the values we uphold at West Liberty University,” she said. “These scholarships will empower our students to pursue their own dreams of becoming educators.”

Following a one-year vesting period for these endowed scholarship funds, the Doris Waddell Dalrymple Memorial Scholarship and the Robert “Bob” Theodore Dalrymple Memorial Scholarship will be available to award to West Liberty University students in the Fall of 2026.

For more information about the courses of study in the WLU College of Education and Human Performance, visit westliberty.edu/education

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., December 12, 2024 – West Liberty University (WLU) is pleased to announce the donation of a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine to its Physician Assistant (PA) Program, generously provided by WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s CEO, Douglass Harrison, with donation efforts coordinated by Dr. Rajai Khoury. This contribution will greatly enhance the education and training of WLU’s PA students, equipping them with essential skills for today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

Ultrasound is a critical component of PA education, providing students with both diagnostic and procedural expertise. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) empowers clinicians to assess a variety of medical conditions in real-time—ranging from cardiac and abdominal concerns to musculoskeletal issues—while guiding invasive procedures such as joint injections and central line placements. By integrating ultrasound into the curriculum, WLU ensures its graduates are prepared to meet the growing demand for non-invasive, efficient diagnostic tools in diverse healthcare settings.

“Having an ultrasound machine available to WLU PA students throughout their training will allow us to integrate training longitudinally across the curriculum,” said Sarah Brammer, Director of the WLU PA Program. “We are extremely grateful to WVU Medicine and Dr. Khoury for their generous donation, and their investment in the training of future healthcare providers.”

The donation underscores WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s commitment to advancing medical education and strengthening the healthcare workforce in West Virginia and beyond.

For more information about the physician assistant program at WLU, please visit westliberty.edu/physician-assistant or call 304-336-5098.