Category: News

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University Foundation proudly announces the permanent endowment of the Bravo Zulu Veterans Scholarship, a fund created to honor and support U.S. military veterans and their families as they pursue higher education at West Liberty University.

Established by Karl and Denise Penz, both proud U.S. Navy veterans, the Bravo Zulu Veterans Scholarship reflects their deep gratitude for the opportunities and discipline their military service provided. The phrase “Bravo Zulu” is a naval signal meaning “Well Done,” symbolizing the Penz family’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting those who have served.

Karl Penz served in the Navy for over a decade before dedicating his time to family life. Denise Penz, a 1997 graduate of West Liberty State College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting), has built a distinguished career in banking and financial services. Today, she serves as CEO and Vice-Chairman of The Preferred Legacy Trust Company and is honored on West Liberty University’s Alumni Wall of Honor for her professional achievements and community leadership. Denise is a member of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors.

“As veterans, we both understand that service shapes not only the one who wears the uniform, but the family that supports them. This scholarship is our commitment to turning that service and support into opportunity for veterans and their families,” said Denise Penz.

The Bravo Zulu Veterans Scholarship provides financial assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and the children of veterans who are enrolled full-time at West Liberty University. Scholarships may be renewed for up to four years and can be applied toward tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and travel to academic conferences. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Following a vesting period, the scholarship will be available for award for the 2027-2028 Academic Year.

“This endowment ensures that the Bravo Zulu Veterans Scholarship will continue to support those who have served our country for generations to come,” said Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Karl and Denise Penz for their vision and generosity.”

Recipients will be chosen by the Director of Financial Aid and the Veterans GI Bill Certifying Official based on eligibility criteria, including honorable military service and academic performance.

For more information about the Bravo Zulu Veterans Scholarship or to contribute to the fund, please visit West Liberty University Foundation’s website at wlufoundation.org.

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. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., September 16, 2025 — For over six decades, the Tri-State Tax Institute has provided professional development and continuing education specifically designed for tax professionals, accountants, attorneys, bankers, and other financial experts.

This fall, the 67th annual Tri-State Tax Institute returns to The Highlands Event Center on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

In keeping with the Institute’s long tradition of excellence, this year’s program features nationally recognized speakers and timely topics addressing the latest developments in tax, law, and financial planning. Highlights include:

• Federal Tax Update – presented by Ernst & Young
• Business Exit Planning – presented by Capital Group
• Market Overview – presented by Tracey Manzi
• The Duty to Inform, The Benefits of Delaware Trust Law, and Silent Trusts – presented by Richard W. Nenno
• Ethics – presented by Melinda Garvin

Tri-State Tax Institute Chairperson, Steve Waters, notes:

“This year’s event continues our tradition of bringing together outstanding experts to share insights on the most pressing issues in our field. Beyond the educational content, the Institute provides a valuable opportunity for networking and professional connections across disciplines. We’re grateful to West Liberty University, the WLU Foundation, and our sponsors for their ongoing support.”

Continuing Education credits are available for accountants, lawyers, insurance professionals, financial planning professionals, and tax professionals. New for this year, IRS continuing education credits will be available for Enrolled Agents.

Registration before September 24, 2025, is $185 for an individual or $170 for team members. (Participants receive a team discount when three or more people from the same organization register together.) Registration rates increase to $200 and $185, respectively, after September 24.

Proceeds from the Tri-State Tax Institute support scholarships for West Liberty University students majoring in Accounting or Financial Planning.

The 67th Tri-State Tax Institute is sponsored by: Main Street Bank; WesBanco; Herndon, Morton, Herndon & Yaeger Law Offices; Riverbridge Wealth Management of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., and Commonwealth Financial Services.

The full agenda and registration details are available at:  westliberty.edu/tristatetax/

The stated mission of the West Liberty University Foundation, as adopted by the Board of Directors, is as follows: “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.”

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.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., August 7, 2025 — West Liberty University (WLU) is proud to announce the completion of a new accessible viewing platform at Kovalick Field, enhancing the game-day experience for fans with mobility challenges. The project was made possible through a grant from the Rosemary Front Charitable Trust and an in-kind donation of innovative decking material from CONSOL Innovations, a subsidiary of Core Natural Resources.

The new platform allows individuals with disabilities to enjoy Hilltopper baseball with greater ease and comfort. In addition to increasing accessibility, the project serves as a trial site for CONSOL Innovations’ new composite decking product, which is being developed to incorporate coal waste in its formulation — a promising step forward in sustainable materials development.

“West Liberty University is happy to partner with CONSOL Innovations and benefit from their forward-thinking research and development,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, WLU President. “This partnership highlights the positive outcomes that can result when local organizations, industry leaders, and higher education institutions work together.”

This collaborative effort underscores WLU’s ongoing commitment to improving campus facilities and embracing innovation that benefits both the university community and the region.

About West Liberty University

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.

About CONSOL Innovations

CONSOL Innovations LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Core Natural Resources, Inc., is dedicated to creating long-term value through sustainable innovations in the carbon products and materials and carbon management markets. With a mission to “Reimagine Carbon for a Sustainable Future,” CONSOL Innovations is founded on the belief that our abundant carbon resources, which have fueled human progress since the Industrial Revolution, can also serve as an important building block for meeting the critical and evolving needs of society going forward. The company, with primary operations in Triadelphia, WV, is focused on providing disruptive, carbon-based solutions for growing industries including aerospace, building products, and energy storage. Visit Consol Innovations for more information.

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.