Category: News

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West Liberty University Theatre Department Remembers the Legacy of Audrey Ciripompa

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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 20, 2025 – The West Liberty University Foundation received a meaningful bequest from the late Audrey Ciripompa, a devoted patron and longtime supporter of its Theatre Department. Audrey’s gift will directly benefit future generations of Hilltop performers and production artists, ensuring that her passion for the arts lives on at WLU.

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.

 
Financial Planning Majors

WLU Foundation Announces New Scholarship for Financial Planning Majors

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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 5, 2025 – The West Liberty University Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of a new scholarship generously created by longtime financial services professionals and WLU supporters, Todd and Joyce Kimpel. The scholarship is designed to support and inspire students pursuing a major in Financial Planning at West Liberty University.

 

The Todd and Joyce Kimpel Family Financial Planning Scholarship honors the couple’s lifelong dedication to the financial services industry, their community, and their shared belief in giving back. The scholarship will be awarded to juniors with a declared major in Financial Planning who hold a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Recipients will be eligible to renew the award for their senior year, provided they continue to meet the academic and major criteria. Applicants will also submit an essay outlining why they chose Financial Planning as a major. The scholarship will be available for the Fall 2025 semester.

 

Todd and Joyce, who married in 1982, had each started a career in financial services before they met. Joyce entered the field in 1976, working in operations at the regional Prudential office in Wheeling, West Virginia. Todd, a 1980 graduate of West Liberty State College, began working alongside his father, Edward W. Kimpel, during his junior year at WLSC, assisting in a practice focused on life insurance, pensions, and retirement planning.

 

In 1983, following the passing of Todd’s father, he purchased the practice and began expanding its services. By 1984, Joyce joined the firm full-time to manage client support, and together, they grew the practice into a thriving business. Over the decades, Todd and Joyce earned advanced industry certifications and designations while adapting their services to meet evolving client needs. Their efforts culminated in the creation of Commonwealth Financial Services, LLC in 2003, a collaborative firm serving clients throughout West Virginia and beyond.

 

Throughout their 45-year careers, Todd and Joyce have not only built a respected business but also raised three children and remained active in their church and several nonprofit organizations. They view their careers as a ministry—serving their clients with care, integrity, and a commitment to community well-being.

 

“This scholarship reflects Todd and Joyce’s passion for the profession and their desire to help develop the next generation of financial advisors,” said Shawn Ullom, Director of Development for the West Liberty University Foundation. “Their commitment to mentorship and education will leave a lasting legacy at WLU.”

 

“We have been impressed by the work of Professor Michael Jesse who developed the Financial Planning Major at WLU,” said Todd Kimpel. “The demand for Financial Advisors is expected to increase significantly in the coming years and we are proud to support students who have a desire to enter the field that has been so rewarding for both of us.”  

 

For more information about the Todd and Joyce Kimpel Family Scholarship or to apply, current WLU students should contact the Dean of the Gary E. West College of Business.

 

About the WLU Foundation:
The West Liberty University Foundation raises, invests, and stewards private funds to strengthen West Liberty University and to increase opportunity for students of all backgrounds to pursue higher learning.

 
Golf Scramble

Annual Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Scramble to Tee Off on June 20

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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 28, 2025  – The West Liberty University Foundation and WLU Athletics are proud to announce the return of the Annual Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Scramble, a summer tradition that supports student scholarships while honoring the legacy of longtime supporter and alumnus, Lary Loew.

 

This year’s event will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025 at The Arnold Palmer Course at Oglebay Resort, with a shotgun start at 1:00PM. The scramble is open to alumni, community members, and supporters of West Liberty University who are eager to enjoy a great day on the course while giving back to the Hilltop.

 

Proceeds from the scramble benefit the Robert L. and Nancy C. Loew Memorial Baseball Scholarship and the WLU Football program. To date, the scramble has raised more than $100,000 for WLU Athletics.

 

Lary Loew was a 1975 graduate of WLU and a 2011 Wall of Honor inductee. After his passing in 2012, the annual Hilltopper Athletics Golf Scramble was renamed in his memory with the support of his three sisters, Brenda Thomas, Sharon Saseen and Carol Loew.

 

The three 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.

 

“The Lary Loew Golf Scramble is a wonderful way to bring together Lary’s friends and fellow alumni who share two of his passions – West Liberty and the game of golf.” said Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director.

 

Sponsorship opportunities and team registrations are now available. Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, lunch provided by Chick-fil-A at The Highlands, a post-scramble dinner catered by Undo’s, prize giveaways, and special contests throughout the day.

 

For more information or to register a team, please visit wlufoundation.org/loewgolf or contact the WLU Foundation office at 304-336-5635.

 

About the WLU Foundation:
The West Liberty University Foundation raises, invests, and stewards private funds to strengthen West Liberty University and to increase opportunity for students of all backgrounds to pursue higher learning.

 
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Two Scholarships Reach Permanent Endowment Status at West Liberty University

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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 2, 2025 – The West Liberty University Foundation is pleased to announce that two previously established scholarships have now reached the level of permanent endowment, ensuring their availability to support students in perpetuity.
 

The Blangor, Bunch, Hudson, and Spinner Scholarship was founded in 2022 by lifelong friends and Steubenville High School graduates John Blangor, Bryan Bunch, Neal Hudson, and Clifton Spinner. Their strong bond, which began in childhood, carried through their time as student-athletes at Steubenville High School and later at West Liberty University. Their collective passion for giving back—especially to students from their hometown—led them to establish this scholarship, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent Steubenville graduates from pursuing higher education at WLU.

 

Their experiences at West Liberty, including their relationships with influential mentors like legendary wrestling coach Vince Monseau, shaped their professional paths in law enforcement, public safety, and the military. For Neal Hudson, financial challenges made college unattainable at the time, leading him to join the U.S. Air Force. His story became a driving force behind their scholarship, reinforcing the group’s shared commitment to providing opportunities for others.

 

“West Liberty University gave us a strong foundation for success, and we want to ensure that future students—especially those from Steubenville—have the same opportunities we had,” said Clifton Spinner, Facility Physical & Global Security Chief at Batelle in Columbus, Ohio. Spinner is also a member of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors.

 

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.

Aspire

WLU Foundation Announces Inaugural Aspire Fund Awards to Support Faculty and Student Initiatives

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WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 27, 2025 – West Liberty University (WLU) and the West Liberty University Foundation (WLUF) announce the first awards from the Aspire Fund.
 
 
Established in 2024, in conjunction with the inauguration of WLU’s President Dr. Tim Borchers, the Aspire Fund is designed to promote and support student experiential learning opportunities at WLU. The fund provides financial support for projects that enhance students’ academic and professional development through research, creative activities, internships, conferences, service-learning projects, and other hands-on experiences.
 
 
The inaugural recipients represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, demonstrating the impact of donor generosity on the University’s mission.
 
 
From the Classroom to the Campus: A Pen Pal Adventure
Recipient: Dr. Angela Curfman, Associate Professor of Teacher Education
Angela Curfman’s year-long project, From the Classroom to the Campus: A Pen Pal Adventure, will create a collaborative partnership between preservice teachers and local elementary students. This initiative provides aspiring educators with real-world experience in literacy instruction, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based reading practices. By fostering connections between West Liberty University and the community, this program reinforces the university’s commitment to integrating mind, body, and community through experiential learning.
 
 
Japanese Art & Culture Study Abroad Program
Recipient: Dr. Jeffrey Grubbs, Professor of Art Education
Professor Jeffrey Grubb’s award will support student travel to Japan as part of an eight-week experiential course for undergraduate and graduate art students. The program, which includes visits to Tokyo, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, immerses students in Japanese art history, culture, and international travel knowledge. Hosted in partnership with Tenri University in Nara, this experience provides students with firsthand exposure to Japan’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
 
 
NYC Art & Design Educational Trip
Recipient: Moonjung Kang, Professor of Visual Communication Design
An award from the Aspire Fund will subsidize student travel to New York City under the guidance of Professor Moonjung Kang. This trip serves as a transformative educational experience that enhances students’ artistic growth, professional development, and critical thinking skills. By engaging with the city’s vibrant creative industries, students gain exposure to real-world applications of their studies and expand their professional networks.
 
 
Operations Management Industry Experience
Recipient: Dr. Lihua Chen, Professor of Management
Students in Dr. Chen’s Operations Management course will visit Leveltek Processing LLC, in Benwood, WV, for an industry visit. This hands-on experience will allow students to observe real-world manufacturing processes, apply classroom theories to practical applications, and network with industry professionals, reinforcing their understanding of operations management in a live business environment.
 
 
Conference Travel for Undergraduate Research Presentation
Recipient: Reagan Bally, student in the Department of Organismal Biology, Ecology and Zoo Science
Student researcher Reagan Bally will receive support to present her work at multiple academic conferences, including WVFAS, Mid-Atlantic ESA, and SFS. Her research, which analyzes benthic macroinvertebrate communities in local streams, provides critical insights into regional stream health and environmental impacts. Presenting at these conferences will offer Reagan invaluable opportunities for professional networking and career development in her field.
 
 

“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.

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The Health Plan Continues as Title Sponsor for Topper Day of Giving

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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 9th 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
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Mull Business Scholarship Established at West Liberty University

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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.”

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WLU Welcomes Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist Jayne Anne Phillips March 27 for Free Public Lecture

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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.

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WLU Baseball Team Hosts 2025 Lead Off Dinner

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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!

AEP Aviation

WLU Foundation Receives Grant from AEP Foundation to Support Aviation Center

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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.