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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., February 20, 2024 – West Liberty University introduced four Speech and Hearing and Behavioral Health clinic rooms on the fourth floor of WLU’s Campbell Hall Sciences Building.

The newly constructed treatment rooms include a behavioral health treatment room, two speech and hearing treatment rooms, and an observation room with a view into one of the speech and hearing treatment rooms. This feature will allow parents, students, or faculty to observe treatment when the client is a minor.

WLU received funding for the space in the 2022-2023 academic year from The Sisters of Saint Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation and the Milan Puskar Foundation, which enabled the expansion of the clinics. Students in the MA Clinical Psychology program, the undergraduate Speech Pathology and Audiology students, and graduate students in the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program can now work directly with real clients, providing a deeper and more meaningful experience, while improving clinical problem-solving and analysis skills.

“This project has been a wonderful collaboration between West Liberty University, the WLU Foundation, and the two private foundations that provided grant funding. We are grateful to have their support for both WLU students and the wider community. The expansion of the clinical space at the WLU Behavioral Health and Speech and Hearing Clinics has served the dual purpose of providing affordable, accessible, high-quality psychological and speech and hearing services to members of the community and WLU students and serving as a training facility for future health care practitioners,” said Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation.

In addition to continual efforts to provide students with experiential learning, the new treatment rooms expand WLU’s ability to offer accessible, high-quality, and low-cost services to surrounding communities.

“I am extremely excited that these additional treatment rooms will enable the West Liberty University Behavioral Health and Speech and Hearing Clinics to expand our clinical services to the regional community. West Liberty students working with patients in the clinics will gain valuable clinical experience,” said Karen Kettler, Dean of the College of Sciences.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., – December 7, 2023 – The WesBanco Investment Club at West Liberty University was established in 2020 with a commitment from WesBanco Bank to provide $25,000 in funding over five years.  The purpose of the Investment Club is to teach students about financial markets and wealth building through the purchase and sale of stocks.  With WesBanco’s funding, WLU students can buy and sell stocks with “real money” rather than working with a stock market simulator. 

Professor Michael Jesse is the faculty advisor to the Investment Club.  He explained, “The stock ideas come from the students.  After a proposed stock is researched, club members vote on whether it should be purchased.  At weekly meetings, the performance of each stock in the Club’s portfolio is reviewed and students discuss current events and economic trends and their potential impact on their stock holdings.  Depending on performance and anticipated trends, a vote may be taken to sell all or part of the position.”

As the income generated by the Investment Club grows, the fund will one day be used to provide scholarships to worthy students in the Gary E. West College of Business.

In addition to funding the Investment Club, WesBanco is the investment advisor for the WLU Foundation.  The connection between the bank, the WLU Foundation, and the University benefits all parties.

Scott Love, WesBanco’s Executive Vice President for Wealth Management, noted, “WesBanco deeply appreciates the strategic partnership with West Liberty University, both at the Foundation and academic level. We are proud to employ many West Liberty University graduates who are critical to our organization’s success. WesBanco is honored to help educate the next generation in preparation for a long and successful career that begins at West Liberty University.”

At a recent meeting of the Investment Club, David Klick, WesBanco Market President for the Upper Ohio Valley and WLU alumnus, talked with students about careers in banking, current banking and market trends, WesBanco’s operations in Wheeling and its growing footprint in the eastern United States. 

The WesBanco Investment Club Officers are President Cole Saseen, a senior from Wheeling, W.Va., majoring in Finance Planning with a Math minor; Vice-President Chase Ward, a junior Political Science Major from Martins Ferry, OH; Treasurer Bryce Wilcox, a junior Finance Planning Major from Sistersville, W.Va.; and Secretary Haden Derrow, a junior Finance Planning Major from Moundsville, W.Va.

The West Liberty University Foundation supports the University through the cultivation, investment, and stewardship of private funds. For more information, please contact Executive Director Betsy Delk at betsy.delk@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8847.

West Liberty University is West Virginia’s oldest public university, and it offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and 12 graduate programs, both online and on campus. Learn more at westliberty.edu.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., December 6, 2023– WLU Baseball Head Coach Eric Burkle has announced that lead ESPN College Baseball Analyst Mike Rooney will provide the keynote address for the Hilltoppers’ 2024 Leadoff Dinner on February 10, 2024.

Rooney has been a familiar face on the college baseball scene for years. He starred for current Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy from 1988-92 at Notre Dame, where he was teammates with current Chicago Cubs field boss Craig Counsell, and also coached at Arizona State from 1999 to 2004. He helped coach and develop a total of 19 players who made it to Major League Baseball, including such All-Stars as Dustin Pedroia and Andre Ethier. Rooney has worked as ESPN’s lead college baseball analyst since 2009 and is often referred to as the “voice of college baseball.”

“The return of our Leadoff Dinner is huge for our program,” said Burkle, who heads into his 12th season at the Hilltopper helm having averaged more than 20 wins a season throughout his tenure. “Not only are we showcasing an outstanding and nationally known speaker in Mike Rooney, but we’re also putting the Belmont Savings Bank Practice Facility in the spotlight for our alumni, friends, and most of all recruits. We have outstanding facilities at West Liberty and this is a great opportunity to show them off.”

The Leadoff dinner will be held inside the Hilltoppers’ 144,000-square foot Belmont Savings Bank Practice Facility on the WLU campus beginning at 6:30 pm on February 10.  In addition to Rooney’s address, the event will feature a catered meal by Aladdin Food Services, a video presentation introducing the 2024 Hilltopper baseball team, and a post-dinner “Night at the Races.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $75 per person, which includes the catered meal along with three drink tickets. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the event will be directed to the WLU Baseball Fund in the West Liberty University Foundation which supports the baseball program through upgrades for equipment, the purchase of uniforms and other team needs, and continuing improvements to Kovalick Field.

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

For additional information or to purchase horses for the “Night at the Races” event, contact Coach Burkle by email at eburkle@westliberty.edu or by phone: (304) 639-5989.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., November 21, 2023 – The West Liberty University Foundation announces the establishment and permanent endowment of the Dr. Harald Wiesner Memorial Scholarship which will provide financial support to students enrolled in the WLU Music Degree programs of Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Technology.

Dr. Harald Wiesner was a professor of music at West Liberty University for 43 years. During that time, he encouraged, inspired, counseled, and befriended countless students. Following Dr. Wiesner’s death in  March of 2023, a scholarship was established in his memory by his family, colleagues, and friends. Thanks to many memorial gifts, including a significant gift from Dr. Wiesner’s family, the fund has grown to over $130,000 ensuring its permanent endowment for the benefit of WLU students. The first Dr. Harald Wiesner Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Dr. Wiesner’s path to West Liberty and, indeed, the United States, was quite remarkable. He was born in Berlin in 1938 and, by the age of fourteen, he had lost both of his parents. He spent time living in foster homes, an orphanage, and a boarding school. At 18, Wiesner emigrated to the United States and enrolled at the University of Richmond while working to pay his tuition. In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and found his way into the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra in Germany. After that orchestra was disbanded, he was transferred to Heidelberg where he became the conductor of the first United States Army Europe Men’s Choir, later known as the USAREUR Chorus.  He even wrote and participated in playing, the fanfare for President Kennedy’s visit to West Berlin in 1963.

After his discharge, Wiesner became a U.S. citizen and received a teaching assistantship at Texas Christian University where he earned a master’s degree. He earned his doctorate from Northwestern University and in 1968, he was offered a position in the music department at West Liberty State College where he remained until his retirement in 2011.

Wiesner’s musical imprint was not confined to the West Liberty Campus. He directed the Chancel Choir at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church in Wheeling from 1968 until 2005. He started and directed the Ohio Valley Chorale, a large group of singers from communities throughout the tri-state area who performed in many places throughout the country and the world.  In 2010, he became the Music Director at Christ United Methodist Church in Wheeling, where he faithfully served for the remainder of his life.

Sharon Wiesner, Harald’s widow, shared that “having to overcome incredible obstacles to obtain his education, Harald understood the transformative power of both education and music. He was passionate about music and teaching, which enabled him to inspire and guide so many students during his career. With this scholarship, Harald’s legacy of supporting students in their study of music will continue.”

Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the West Liberty University Foundation, stated that “the Foundation and the University are grateful to the generous donors who have remembered Dr. Wiesner with their contributions to this scholarship. Their gifts have enabled the permanent endowment of the scholarship so that it will benefit West Liberty University music degree students forever. We encourage friends and former colleagues and students of Dr. Wiesner to add their own contributions to the fund.” 

Contributions to the Dr. Harald Wiesner Memorial Scholarship can be made online at wlufoundation.org, by mail at WLU Foundation, 208 University Drive, CUB 126, West Liberty WV 26047, or by phone at 304-336-5635.

A video tribute to Dr. Harald Wiesner can be viewed at https://topperstation.com/watch/dr-harald-wiesner-tribute.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., November 3, 2023 – West Liberty University Foundation selected two students this fall to serve as interns as it offers real-world experience for students preparing for professional careers in the non-profit sector.

“Each year, the Foundation is pleased to welcome student interns who will assist with the day-to-day activities of the Foundation while learning about the non-profit sector.  Our interns also provide a valuable link to the student community and help to foster a culture of philanthropy on campus,” said Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director. 

“These students will develop skills in the areas of fundraising, board development, private sector partnership, communications, event planning, database management, and financial management of a non-profit,” she said.

The interns now assisting the WLU Foundation in its daily work include:

• Courtney Ellifritz is a Junior Marketing major and an early entrance MBA student with a specialty in management.  On campus, she is a Resident Assistant, student ambassador, WVCIA student leader, and member of the marketing club. In her free time, Courtney enjoys self-defense training, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She hails from Keyser, WV.
• Janina Kruppke is an international student from outside of Cologne, Germany.  She is a software developer currently studying Computer Programming and Web Design at WLU.  On campus, Janina is a member of the crocheting club and has recently tried lacrosse.  In her free time, she loves to work on her scrapbook; she also enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Ellifritz and Kruppke recently assisted with the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Day which was held on November 1 in the College Union.   During this day-long event, Foundation scholarship recipients are encouraged to write personal thank you notes to the donors who provide their scholarship support.  Each fall, Foundation donors look forward to receiving photos, personal details, and thank you notes from the students they assist.  More than 120 students took part in this year’s event.

The WLU Foundation is pleased to manage over 157 scholarship funds. WLU Foundation Scholarships are established and funded by generous individuals and organizations who wish to provide opportunities to WLU students and help them achieve their educational goals.

The West Liberty University Foundation, Inc. was chartered into existence in 1964 and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by its office staff. It maintains offices on both the West Liberty University campus and in downtown Wheeling.

The Foundation’s mission is to raise, invest, and steward private funds to strengthen West Liberty University and to increase opportunities for students of all backgrounds to pursue higher learning. For more information, please visit wlufoundation.org or call 304.336.5635.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., – October 24, 2023 – Jeraldine “Jeri” Dailey was a professor of Mathematics at West Liberty State College from 1965 until 1998. She also served as an advisor to the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.  Following her retirement, the “Jeri Dailey Mathematics Scholarship” was established in her honor by several of her former students. 

In October 2021, Jeri passed away.  Students and colleagues continue to remember Jeri with yearly contributions to the scholarship fund in an effort to move the scholarship to the level of endowment so it can be awarded to WLU students in perpetuity.  Most recently, an anonymous pledge of $25,000 was made to match gifts to the scholarship fund in memory of Jeri Dailey.

A former student and friend, Eve (Kaplan) Wallin noted, “In the late 1960s, Jeri was the only female professor in the department of Mathematics and Science, and I was the lone female student in Mathematics.  As a professor, Jeri was serious about instructing and finding a way to reach her students. She mentored male and female students alike, and I appreciated being one of them.  I continued to keep in touch after graduation, remaining friends over the years.  When Jeri passed away, my husband and I inherited Jeri’s extensive book collection.  Going through the collection, we found notes and inscriptions from former students and sorority members.’  Eve said, ‘Empowering math students at WLU with scholarship support is a wonderful way to continue Jeri’s legacy.”

Jeri Dailey was fondly recalled by former student John Wheeler when she passed away in 2021. “Miss Dailey was my advisor, teacher, colleague, and friend. I wasn’t even certain I wanted to go to college. She steered me into the ‘comprehensive mathematics degree program and encouraged me while I commuted, worked full-time, and got married the summer before my senior year. I graduated on time, secured a great job, and I told her many times that none of that would have occurred without her pushing and encouragement.”

Dailey’s impact was also felt by Michele “Mickey” Zdinak Strayer, a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, “Ms. Daily taught me how to be gracious, kind, and understanding.  She befriended each of us.  She would listen, nod, and then smile with a twinkle in her eye giving her wise counsel.  She didn’t lose her cool, even when we did silly things.  I don’t know how she did it.  Each of us had our own story, but she brought all of us together as a unit to represent the best of Alpha Delta Pi.”

Debbie Campa, a 1990 graduate said of Dailey, “Over the years, I have always thought about Professor Dailey. She was the teacher in my life that when people ask, ‘Which teacher was your favorite in school?’ She is the only person I name. She was tough, but I learned so much from her. As a teacher myself, I appreciate her dedication to the profession. She will not be forgotten.”

Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the West Liberty Foundation, is grateful for this generous matching pledge. “It is always heartening to learn of the impact that WLU faculty members have had on their students’ lives.  Jeri Dailey was clearly a dedicated educator and good friend.  We hope that the generosity of this matching pledge will inspire other students, friends, and advisees of Jeri to make a contribution in her memory.” 

Gifts to the Jeri Dailey Mathematics Scholarship Fund at the West Liberty University Foundation will be matched up to $25,000 and can be made by online at wlufoundation.org, via mail at WLU Foundation, 208 University Drive, College Union Box 126, West Liberty, WV 26003 or via phone at 304-336-5686.  For questions/information, contact Betsy Delk, betsy.delk@westliberty.com.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., September 25, 2023 — The West Liberty University Foundation celebrated philanthropy and its donors on Friday, September 22 at its annual Recognition Banquet as part of the WLU Homecoming Weekend festivities.

The Recognition Banquet, which was held in the College Union Ballroom, featured a cocktail reception followed by dinner catered by Alladin Food Services. Entertainment was provided by WLU Vocal Music Majors from the studio of Dr. Linda Cowan and the Hilltop Harmonic Collective under the direction of Dr. Douglas McCall.

Each year, the Impact of Philanthropy Awards are presented to a select group of donors who have given a generous amount of $25,000 or more during fiscal year 2023 to advance priority projects for WLU. The 2023 awardees are Marty ’75 and Patti ’76 Adams, H.R. “Bucky” Kopf ’64, and Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration.

For the first time this year, two special Impact of Philanthropy Awards were given. The Impact of Philanthropy Leadership Award, honoring an individual who has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities at WLU over his or her lifetime, was presented to Dr. John P. McCullough. The Impact of Philanthropy Young Philanthropist Award, honoring an alum or other friend of the University under the age of 40 who has made a noteworthy impact on WLU or has supported or directed fundraising for a specific priority project, was awarded to Katie Kacmarik ‘08.

All honorees received a commemorative crystal award, engraved with their names as a token of gratitude. Each of them addressed the audience, thanking those in attendance and sharing their motivation to support West Liberty University.

In addition to the Impact of Philanthropy Awards, members of the following Foundation’s giving societies were recognized for their contributions: The John P. McCullough Society (lifetime giving of $25,000 or more), The President’s Circle (yearly giving of $2000 or more) and the Nathan Shotwell Society (legacy gifts).

“We are so grateful to our donors and proud to recognize the impact of their gifts on the University and its students,” noted Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director. Delk served as emcee of the event along with WLU Foundation Chairman Dr. Daniel Jospeh. West Liberty’s 38 th President, Dr. Timothy Borchers and David H. McKinley, Chairman of the University’s Board of Governors, were both on hand to congratulate the honorees.

2023 Impact of Philanthropy Honorees are:
Marty ’75 and Patti ’76 Adams
H.R. “Bucky” Kopf ‘64
Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration
Dr. John P. McCullough (Leadership Award)
Katie Kacmarik ‘08 (Young Philanthropist Award)

2023 Homecoming Sponsors include:

Title Sponsor: Barnes & Noble College Bookstores
Hilltop Hero Sponsor: Marty ’75 and Patti ’76 Adams
1837 Sustainer: WesBanco
Homecoming Game Sponsor: The Alpha Tavern
Topper Friend: Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), S.R. Snodgrass, AC
Print Sponsor: Richardson Copy Concepts

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 18, 2023 – West Liberty University Foundation announced the appointment of two new board members, Denise Penz and Katie Kacmarik, during its July meeting.

Penz is an alumna of WLU and is the co-founder, CEO, and vice-chairman of The Preferred Legacy Trust Company, established in 2020. She began her banking career in 1996 after serving in the United States Navy. Penz has led all areas of banking, including trust, private banking, brokerage, retail banking, mortgage lending, and all support areas of the commercial bank at both community banks and large regional banks. Penz received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Management from WLU (then West Liberty State College), a Master of Business Administration from Wheeling Jesuit University, and a graduate-level certificate from Cannon Trust Schools. She is very active in her community as a member of the board of trustees for A Special Wish Foundation, a member of The Women’s Giving Circle, a founding member of Women’s Impact, a board member of Beyond BASIC, and president of the capital campaign committee for the YWCA-Wheeling. Penz was the Keynote Speaker at the WLU Spring Commencement in 2023. She resides in Summerville, S.C.

Katie Kacmarik is an alumna and the Clinical Services Coordinator and managing pharmacist at Pharmacole, Inc., which owns and operates Moundville Pharmacy, Sistersville Pharmacy, Pine Grove Pharmacy, and New Martinsville Pharmacy. Kacmarik earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at West Liberty in 2008 and went on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at West Virginia University in 2012. While at WLU, she served with the Student Government Association, was advertising manager of the Trumpet, president of the Biology Club, and spent summer months with the WV-INBRE biomedical research program. While at West Virginia University, she served as National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) chapter president and received the Dean’s Volunteer Service Award and NCPA Presidential Scholarship.

Kacmarik’s primary focus areas are in pharmacy compounding, long-term care, and compliance administration. She is certified in diabetes, immunizations, and medication therapy management and collaborates with the WVU Extension on its Dining with Diabetes education program. In 2016, she was recognized as the Ohio-Marshall County Pharmacist of the Year. In 2015, she shared in the recognition of Pharmacy Development Services’ Pharmacist of the Year for co-developing SyncRx. She co-facilitates intensive trainings for pharmacy owners and teams throughout the country. Kacmarik currently serves as secretary and is the immediate past president of the Ohio-Marshall County Pharmacists Association and is immediate past president of the West Virginia Pharmacists Association, from which she received the WVPA Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award in 2021. She is a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America, National Community Pharmacists Association, and American Pharmacists Association. She also serves on WLU’s College of Sciences Advisory Board. Kacmarik was named to the WLU Alumni “Wall of Honor” in 2017. She resides in Wheeling.

Penz and Kacmarik join a board that includes 20 other members, led by Chairman Daniel I. Joseph ’75, Wheeling, W.Va., and including: Jeremy West ’99 (Vice Chair), Wheeling, W.Va.; David Croft ‘89 (Treasurer), Wheeling, W.Va.; Anissa Anderson ‘94 (Secretary), New Martinsville, W.Va.; Marty Adams ’75, Naples, Fla.; Jason Blair ‘95, Mount Pleasant, S.C.; John Bonassi ’69, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Clyde Campbell ’53, Wheeling, W.Va.; Christine Carder ’72, Wheeling, W.Va.; Todd Cover ’98, Wheeling, W.Va.; John Dolan ’78, Indiana, Pa.; Linda Edwards ’64, Wellsburg, W.Va.; James Frum ’61, Wheeling, W.Va.; Diane Gongaware ’78, Fairfax, Va.; John McCullough, Triadelphia, W.Va.; Donald Nickerson ’82, Wheeling, W.Va.; E. Alex Paris III ’82, Avella, Pa.; Clifton Spinner ’87, Columbus, Ohio; Samuel Stone, Morgantown, W.Va.; Beth Weaver ’85, Wheeling, W.Va.

The West Liberty University Foundation supports the University through the cultivation, investment, and stewardship of private funds. For more information, please contact Executive Director Betsy Delk at betsy.delk@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8847.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 31, 2023 – The West Liberty University Foundation and WLU Athletics welcome area golfers to take part in the 10^th annual Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Scramble on Monday, June 19 at Oglebay’s Palmer Course. This four-person team tournament raises funds to benefit WLU Athletics and honors West Liberty alumnus Lary Loew.

Loew, a 1975 graduate of WLU and a 2011 Wall of Honor inductee, passed away in 2012 following a serious illness. The following year, the annual Hilltopper Athletics Golf Scramble was renamed in Loew’s honor with the support of his three sisters, Brenda Thomas, Sharon Saseen and Carol Loew. 

The Loew sisters remain at the helm of the employee benefits agency that Lary founded – the Cornerstone Group. Since the inception of the Lary Loew Hilltopper Scramble, the Cornerstone Group has served as the event’s title sponsor and Lary’s sisters have volunteered their time to ensure that every golfer has a great day on and off the course.

“Our brother Lary loved West Liberty and the game of golf, so honoring his memory in this way makes perfect sense. Over the past 10 years, we have been grateful for the WLU alumni and friends of Lary who have supported the event and helped raise funds for WLU Football.”

On the date of the tournament, registration and lunch take place upon arrival at the Palmer Course, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. In addition to 18 holes of golf, there will be the traditional on-course games and contests, complimentary drinks (3) and a special West Liberty University gift for all participants. A post-scramble dinner, catered by Undo’s Family Restaurant and Catering, will be held at Hess Shelter in Oglebay Park.

The golf tournament fee is $500 per four-person team. Sponsorship opportunities are available with proceeds benefiting the WLU football program.

For more information about sponsorship options or to register a team for the golf scramble visit: wlufoundation.org/loewgolf.

In addition to the Cornerstone Group, sponsors for the Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Scramble 2023 include:

• Abbey’s Restaurant & Lounge
• Alex Paris Contracting
• Altmeyer Funeral Home
• Bordas & Bordas, PLLC
• Brenda & Tom Thomas
• Carol Loew
• First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union
• Fort Henry Capital LLC
• GC&P Development
• Gilbert C. Ullom, Jr. CPA
• Glessner Group
• Hole-n-Run
• Iron Workers Local Union 549
• John & Rhonda McCullough
• Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal
• Preston Contractors
• S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.
• Scherrer Engineering & Construction
• Sharon Saseen
• Thomas & Cheryl Mendenhall

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 17, 2023 — West Liberty University and the West Liberty University Foundation announced today the appointment of Dr. Robert Kruse II as the first recipient of the Kenneth B. McMillen Endowed Chair.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to honor Professor McMillen’s legacy by focusing more on my research in cultural geography. Thank you to all involved in creating this opportunity, especially the WLU Foundation, the McMillen family and the College of Liberal and Creative Arts for recognizing me in this manner,” said Kruse, who is a professor of Geography.

The McMillen Endowed Chair is the first chair to be endowed at WLU and represents the highest faculty recognition established at this time.

Kruse, who joined the WLU faculty in 2005, is a professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. The time and resources afforded by the McMillen Chair will enable Kruse to pursue two projects in cultural geography – his primary area of interest.

The first project will address the unique ways in which postcolonial spaces are represented in the musical Pacific Overtures (1976). The second project, focused on the town of Point Pleasant, W.Va., will be a continuation of Dr. Kruse’s previous exploration of the unique intersections of history (the collapse of the Silver Bridge) and the paranormal (the lore surrounding sightings of the “Mothman”).

Kruse earned both his doctoral and master’s degree in Geography at Kent State University and his bachelor’s in Geography at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

“We are so honored, in the College of Liberal and Creative Arts, to be the home of the McMillen Chair. As its first recipient, Dr. Kruse carries forward a West Liberty legacy of engaging, relevant courses, lively teaching and thoughtful research. That this legacy will always be linked with Professor McMillen through the affection of his students and the love of his family makes it even more meaningful,” said Dr. Cecelia Konchar Farr, dean of the College of Liberal and Creative Arts.

The McMillen Endowed Chair is named for Kenneth B. McMillen who was an associate professor of Political Science at WLU from 1946-1980. Upon McMillen’s death in 1985, his wife, Muriel, started a fund in memory of her husband through the West Liberty University Foundation. In 2019, WesBanco made a significant gift of $100,000 which enabled the permanent endowment of the fund and the creation of the McMillen Endowed Chair to support the research and programming of a tenured professor in a liberal arts discipline.

The growth of the McMillen fund has been bolstered by donations from private individuals, including alumni who fondly recall Professor McMillen. Alumnus and donor John W. Hoppers ’63 of Columbus has spearheaded the effort to continue the growth of the endowment by engaging McMillen’s former students.

Hoppers recalls Professor McMillen’s impact.

“Current events always had a way of slipping into our class discussions, but that era provided us with plenty of interesting events to discuss. McMillen had a way of imparting knowledge in a painless manner. His tests were comprehensive but fair — if you attended class and read the assignments.”

Alumni and friends who remember McMillen’s legacy are encouraged to contribute to the McMillen Fund and strengthen its support for faculty in the College of Liberal and Creative Arts. For more information on donating to the McMillen fund, please contact the WLU Foundation at 304.336.5635.