Category: News

Loew_Scramble_2021_1

Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Outing a Success!

,

WHEELING, W.Va. – As the sun chased away the rain on Friday afternoon, a swarm of fully-loaded golf carts streamed onto Oglebay Resort’s beautiful Arnold Palmer Course for the return of West Liberty University’s annual Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Outing.

 

The hugely popular scramble has emerged as one of the WLU Foundation’s most significant one-day fundraising events and Friday’s 18-hole extravaganza was no exception as nearly 50 local corporations and individuals signed on in support at various financial levels.

 

 

“After missing out last year because of COVID, we’re so thankful to be able to host this event again,” athletic director Lynn Ullom said.

 

 

“These are the people who help make it possible for West Liberty athletics to compete successfully at the conference, regional and national levels. We’re so appreciative of the overwhelming support we receive from the community because we truly couldn’t do it without them. I commend the WLU Foundation for all the hard work they put into making this such a first-class event.”

 

 

Proceeds from the Lary Loew Hilltopper Golf Outing enhance and support the total student-athlete experience across the full spectrum of West Liberty’s 20 intercollegiate sports. The event honors the memory of WLU alumnus Lary Loew, an avid golfer and university supporter who passed away in 2012.

 

 Along with 18 holes of golf at one of the Ohio Valley’s premier layouts, participants were treated to a pre-tournament luncheon along with on-course games, contests and refreshments throughout the afternoon. The Gold and Black Bash followed to cap a great day at the golf course.

 

 

Here’s a link to a photo gallery from Friday’s event.

TDOG2

Successful Fundraising Reports $188,000

,

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 5, 2021 — West Liberty University Foundation reports its success for the recently held Day of Giving (April 1, 2021). The annual giving event takes place both online and on the phone and is one of the most important fundraisers of the year.

Angela Zambito-Hill, CFRE

“We’re excited to share our success from last Thursday’s Day of Giving! Thanks to our generous alumni, employees, students and friends, WLU raised $188,000 from 865 donors,” reported Executive Director Angela Zambito-Hill, who leads the Foundation.

“The program that saw the most contributions was our Hilltopper Men’s Basketball program which brought in a total of $34,500 (matching funds included). The Top 3 programs with the largest numbers of donors were: Wrestling, Volleyball, and Theatre,” she added.

“We are thankful for the philanthropy of our donors.”

The West Liberty University Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is operated, on a day-to-day basis, by the executive director assisted by a staff of three, with offices on West Liberty University campus and in downtown Wheeling. 

Its mission is as follows: “The Foundation supports, strengthens and sustains the University through raising, investment and stewardship of private funds.”

For those who would still like to consider a gift, please visit the WLU Foundation secure online site linked here or call 304.336.5635. Thank you!

TDOG2

Topper Day of Giving Just One Week Away

,

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 25, 2021 — It’s just one week till West Liberty University’s annual Day of Giving.

 

 

Planned by the WLU Foundation, the online and on-phone event takes place on Thursday, April 1 as donors join together to support higher education on the Hilltop.

 

Sponsored by CMTA Energy Solutions, with support from the Mills Group, the Topper Day of Giving is one of the WLU Foundation’s most important fundraisers of the year.

 

“Our goal this year is to raise $150,000 in just one day! We’re pleased to report we have over $55,000 in matching dollars to empower our donors during this year’s 24-hour giving challenge,” said Angela Zambito-Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation.

 

Donors can earmark gifts to go to the academic program, student life initiative or sports team they choose to unlock those matching dollars.

 

“We invite you to give to your favorite academic, student life or sports program and help unlock powerful matching funds! The WLU Foundation will award a bonus to the three programs with the largest number of donors,” Zambito-Hill added.

 

There are dollar-for-dollar matches in each area.

 

“West Liberty University is grateful for the matching sponsors that have stepped forward to make this year’s Day of Giving the strongest yet! We’re confident that our valued alumni, faculty, staff and friends will help us as we work to continue to provide a quality education at an affordable cost on the Hilltop! Thank you,” said Zambito-Hill. Matching donors and the program that benefit include:

 

  • College of Arts and Communication: Pete Holloway $2,000
  • Gary E. West College of Business: Edward Grimes ‘71 $1,000
  • College of Education and Human Performance: Dave Beck ’70 $3,000
  • College of Liberal Arts: David ‘67 and Alice ‘67 Javersak $1,000
  • College of Sciences: Anonymous Donor $5,000
  • Hilltopper Bands: Alco Fence $1,000
  • Center for Arts & Education: WLU Foundation $500
  • Choir Program: Cheryl Anderson ’71 $500
  • Dental Hygiene Program: Bruce and Donna Waugh ’65 Berlage $2,000
  • Graduate Studies: Brian Crawford $1,000
  • Physician Assistant Program: Dr. Howard Shackleford
  • Social Work Program: Sylvia Senften $500
  • Speech Pathology and Audiology: WLU Foundation $500
  • Student Life & Activities: WLU Foundation $500
  • Theatre Program: Tom Cervone ’75 $5,000
  • Acrobatics and Tumbling: Anissa ’94 and Danny Anderson $2,000
  • Baseball: John and Rhonda McCullough $500
  • Men’s Basketball: Al Roszczyk ’80 and Charlie Annett ’66 $17,500
  • Women’s Basketball: John and Rhonda McCullough $1,000
  • Cross Country/Track and Field: John and Rhonda McCullough and Bruce Cox ‘76 $2,000
  • Football: Lance LaFollette ’84 $1,000
  • Men’s Golf: WLU Foundation $500
  • Women’s Golf: Chris Muroski $500
  • Softball: John and Rhonda McCullough $500
  • Men’s Tennis: John and Rhonda McCullough $500
  • Women’s Tennis: John and Rhonda McCullough $500
  • Men’s Soccer: Ron Matella ’78 $1,000
  • Women’s Soccer: WLU Foundation $500
  • Volleyball: Stacy Gamel, John and Rhonda McCullough, and Noah and Kayla Mull $3,000
  • Wrestling: Mitch Smith ’11 and John Craig ’73 $2,000

 

Pledges received on or before April 1 and paid by June 30, 2021 will also count toward the match. Gifts of stock or IRA rollovers are accepted with all donations counting toward the matching funds.

 

For more information or to pledge a gift on April 1, please visit the secure site found at: wlufoundation.org/dayofgiving or call 304.336.5635.

Evans & Clossin

$100,000 WesBanco Gift Builds Endowed Professorship

,

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Monday, March 22, 2021 — West Liberty University announced a significant gift of $100,000 from WesBanco today. The money will go toward funding the university’s first-ever endowed professorship. 

 

“This is an empowering gift that will strengthen academics in a real way, and I’m very grateful to WesBanco and to President and CEO Todd Clossin for placing trust in our university to deliver a solid return on this investment,” said Dr. W. Franklin Evans, WLU president.

 

 

From left, President W. Franklin Evans and WesBanco CEO Todd Clossin are shown at the press event announcing the gift.

“We are pleased to be able to support the endowment of the Kenneth B. McMillen Distinguished Professorship in American Studies. Dr. Evans’ passion for funding faculty positions that expand and strengthen the West Liberty University educational experience is inspiring,” Clossin said.

 

“We are fortunate to have West Liberty University in our community. We all benefit from the quality of their students and we at WesBanco thank Dr. Evans for his leadership,” Clossin concluded.

 

Executive Director of the WLU Foundation Angela Zambito-Hill expressed her thanks for the gift that will be added to the already established Kenneth B. McMillen Fund.

 

McMillen died in 1985 and his wife Muriel started the fund in her husband’s memory. He was an associate professor of Political Sciences from 1946-1980.

“We will soon be able to fund our first-ever faculty position, the Kenneth B. McMillen Distinguished Professorship in American Studies,” she said. American Studies includes many subject areas related to history, political science and cultures.

 

“This gift raises the bar especially for a small state college. It funds something I work for daily, endowment growth. This gift from our friends at WesBanco is uplifting and represents a robust addition to our portfolio of support for the university,” she said.

 

“The McMillen Endowed Professorship brings meaningful recognition to the university and will provide our students a unique opportunity in the state of West Virginia to experience courses in the interdisciplinary field of American Studies under the supervision of a scholar dedicated to study of American culture, history, and politics,” said Dr. Jeremy Larance, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

 

“Our goal is to reach $500,000 in this endowment fund by the end of fiscal year 2023,” Zambito-Hill added. “We are looking for additional donors who value Liberal Arts education and American Studies.”

 

The planned professorship means that the university can attract quality applicants and will strengthen the education of students studying the Liberal Arts at WLU.

 

“Professor McMillen is beloved by our alumni and he is remembered fondly by many,” Zambito-Hill said. “The WLU Foundation is thrilled to be able to now make this endowed professorship a reality with WesBanco’s gift.”

 

Alumnus and donor John W. Hoppers ’63 of Columbus recalls Professor McMillen clearly.

 

“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.” 

 

A special plaque honoring Professor McMillen and major donors to this first-ever endowed position will be installed soon in Elbin Library.

 

For more information on donating to the McMillen fund, please contact the WLU Foundation at 304.336.5635.

Clinics-Ribbon-Cutting-posed-300x212

WLU Opens New Health Clinics

,

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 4, 2021 — Despite the roadblocks of the pandemic, West Liberty University today held a ribbon cutting for two new clinical spaces that will increase the public’s access to affordable healthcare.

 

From left: Joe Mills, Stephanie Bradley, Carol Zombotti, President Evans, Karen Kettler, Tammy McClain and Jessica Collins.

Both a Speech and Hearing Clinic and a Behavioral Health Clinic are now up and running in the Campbell Hall of Health Sciences.

 

“We are so pleased to announce the opening of these much-needed clinics. It is our hope that the students, under the direction of our highly qualified instructors, will prove to be a benefit to our community,” said Dr. W. Franklin Evans, WLU president.

 

The expansion of the clinical space has been in the works for some time.

 

“This project, like so many other things, was greatly impacted by the onset of COVID-19, and we are thrilled to finally have a ribbon cutting. The clinics will provide diagnostic and treatment rooms for patients, allowing students and faculty to be directly involved in patient care. This type of learning experience is invaluable for students, as it promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Dr. Karen Kettler, dean of the College of Sciences.

 

The new Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Behavioral Clinic is open to all ages.

The formerly vacant fourth floor of Campbell Hall of Health Sciences was renovated and furnished to house these two new clinical spaces.

 

WLU worked with the same Pittsburgh architectural firm (PWWG) that built Campbell Hall, which opened in 2014. The current expansion completes about a third of the space available on the fourth floor.

 

Students in the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program, which began in the fall of 2019, are overseen by licensed faculty and will treat the behavioral health clients that visit the clinic.

 

“We’re very excited to be part of the effort to expand mental health care in West Virginia,” said Dr. Jessica Collins, professor and director of the behavioral health clinic.

 

“Opening this clinic not only allows us to provide affordable psychological services to the surrounding communities, it also provides students the opportunity to practice their skills under close supervision before transitioning to internships as they work toward their degrees.”

 

There are five students in the inaugural class of master students, which will graduate in 2022.

 

This clinic also offers psychological assessment services like testing for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Teletherapy also is available for those that prefer a virtual appointment.

 

All student clinicians will be under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Besides the Behavioral Health Clinic, the expanded Speech and Hearing Clinic is also open to the public.

 

“We began to offer hearing clinical services nearly two years ago to meet a community need and provide our students with more patient experience, right here on campus. Now we’ve added speech and language services to our clinic so that we have a complete communication disorders clinic,” said Carol Zombotti, assistant professor of Speech Language Pathology.

 

Clinical services now available include comprehensive hearing assessments and speech and language diagnostic and treatment options for patients of all ages.

 

“The new clinic is a much more comfortable space for us to serve more clients.”

 

WLU’s Speech Pathology and Audiology undergraduate degree program has been educating students since 1975 and WLU is seeking accreditation for its new Master of Speech-Language Pathology degree program with an anticipated start date of fall 2022.

 

The Speech and Hearing Clinic is open from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday with evening hours by request. Fees are low cost and vary according to service.

 

The Behavioral Health Clinic is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Fees for behavioral health visits are offered on a sliding fee basis and are capped at $25.

 

For more information or to make an appointment for either of the clinics, please call at 304.336.8199 or visit westliberty.edu/college-of-sciences.

Pres-Dr.-W.-Franklin-Evans-w-logo-mod-300x200

NEW YEAR, NEW PRESIDENT

,

 

 

 

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 7, 2021 — West Liberty University’s new leader, Dr. W. Franklin Evans is finding his first days in office packed with introductions and meetings. Named the university’s 37th president on Nov. 19, 2020, Evans officially took the helm on Jan. 1, 2021.

 

Arriving from South Carolina, he is still getting settled in his new Hilltop home.

 

President Dr. W. Franklin Evans

Though relocation is no picnic, he’s grateful to all those who have offered assistance as he gets comfortable in his new job, home and community.

 

“It is definitely a challenge to relocate,” said Evans, who has amassed 25 years of experience in education. “But I’m excited about getting fully here and invested in the community.”

 

Evans succeeded Dr. Stephen Greiner who served as president 2016 – 2020 and retired recently.

 

The father of two young children, he will reside in the official WLU President’s home, Colonial Heights. At the moment though, he’s staying at the alumni house, Liberty Oaks Bed and Breakfast, just next door while minor renovations are made to his future home.

 

“From my prior experience, sometimes when you’re moving, you find people cordial but not friendly, but the people here seem to be truly friendly, not just cordial. It’s like Southern hospitality here in West Virginia,” he said. “People have even offered to unpack and unload my gear.”

 

Prior to joining WLU, Evans was the president of Voorhees College (South Carolina) and before that, he served as interim president of South Carolina State University, where he also served as the provost and chief academic officer.

 

Evans previously served as vice president of academic affairs at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va. and before that worked at Elizabeth City State, J. F. Drake State Technical College, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Tennessee State University.

 

As he gets acclimated to WLU, its campus, employees and students, he has two overriding goals that he is addressing immediately.

 

“I’m concerned that our number one priority must be our students, not just our current students, but prospective learners. We must meet our enrollment goal and expectations,” he said. “I am also focused on keeping the university financially stable.”

 

As an experienced fundraiser and grant writer, his background is sure to come in handy.

 

As far as his educational background goes, Evans earned a doctoral degree in higher education administration from Georgia State University in 1994. He also holds advanced degrees in science curriculum and instruction from Georgia State University and earned bachelor degrees in both journalism and biology/entomology from Georgia State and the University of Georgia (respectively) in 1984.

 

Born in Augusta, Ga., he is active in the NAACP, Black Family Preservation Group, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi, and Toastmasters International and has served on the boards of the Sickle Cell Association, Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Club International and the AIDS Action Coalition. He is an ordained elder with the Church of God in Christ.

 

President Evans has already accepted a position on the board of the Ohio County Development Authority.

 

Additionally, he will be the keynote speaker for the Belmont County NAACP’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 on Jan. 18 in its virtual presentation that begins at 12:30 p.m. on WTOV-9 and on Facebook Live. 

 

WLU expects to welcome its students back to the Hilltop for the spring term on Jan. 19. Due to the pandemic, the first week of classes will be virtual as mass COVID-19 testing takes place for both students and employees.

 

For more information on West Liberty University and its new president, please visit westliberty.edu/president.

image1-7-300x225

GIVING POWERED BY MATCHING GIFTS

,

Ceramic WLU ornament is boxed and ready to mail.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Dec. 8, 2020 — Just in time for end-of-year giving, the WLU Foundation has a powerful matching gift opportunity!

 

“Our December is for Giving campaign continues, and to sweeten the deal, former WLU Presidents Clyde Campbell, Stephen Greiner, and John McCullough are generously matching the first $11,000 raised this December,” explained WLU Foundation Executive Director Angie Zambito-Hill. “We are so grateful to our former presidents for remaining committed to West Liberty University and our wonderful students.”

 

“During the month of December we have limited edition ceramic ornaments to give to our donors giving $100 or more.” These ornaments are first-come, first-serve due to the limited nature of the inventory.

 

The round disc-like ornaments are decorated on both sides with WLU’s official seal and were made in East Liverpool, Ohio.

 

“These ornaments are a perfect gift for alumni and friends and we are mailing them out to you for holiday giving,” she said. Orders received by Dec. 18 are expected to arrive in time for Christmas. 

 

Funds raised will support the following initiatives:

 

  • WLU Foundation Scholarship Program, which assists hundreds of students every year 
  • The Helping Hilltoppers Program, which assists student in additional need due to COVID-19
  • Greatest need of the University … especially important during these unprecedented times of pandemic.

 

Please make your gift today by clicking this secure link. 

 

Dr-Evans-headshot1-edit

DR. W. FRANKLIN EVANS NAMED WLU’S 37TH PRESIDENT

,

Dr. W. Franklin Evans, WLU’s 37th President

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 19, 2020 — West Liberty University Board of Governors named Dr. W. Franklin Evans as the university’s 37th president today.

“I am pleased to announce that Dr. W. Franklin Evans has accepted our offer and agreed to become West Liberty University’s 37th President. He will be a strong leader and we welcome him to the Hilltop and look forward to introducing him to our alumni, donors, friends and the wider community,” said Rich Lucas, chairman of the search committee and the Board of Governors.

Evans will be the first Black president in the 183-year history of the West Liberty and will assume the presidency on Jan. 1, 2021.

“It is a great honor being selected as the next president of West Liberty University, the oldest and most historic public institution in the state. I am grateful to the West Liberty University Board of Governors for its confidence and support in my selection to lead this amazing institution,” said Evans.

President Evans will succeed Dr. Stephen Greiner who has served as president since January 2016.

“This is an exciting day for West Liberty University and our students as we look toward the future. Our Presidential Search Committee is to be commended for their dedicated and diligent work during a most unusual time. I also want to thank President Greiner for his dedication and leadership during the pandemic and his willingness to see the job through and remain in his role until our new president could be found,” Lucas said.

Evans is the current president of Voorhees College and has 25 years of experience in education. Prior to being named president, Evans served as interim president of South Carolina State University (SCSU), in Orangeburg, S.C., where he also served as the provost and chief academic officer.

Under his leadership at SCSU, enrollment exceeded its goal and fundraising increased by 687%, alumni support improved, and the university achieved a balanced budget. He is an experienced fundraiser and grant writer.

Previously he served as vice president of academic affairs at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., where he was instrumental in leading the institution through a successful reaffirmation of accreditation and establishing an Honors College, along with both a bachelor’s of fine arts and master’s in education degrees.

He also has worked at Elizabeth City State, J. F. Drake State Technical College, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Tennessee State University.

In 1994, Evans earned a doctoral degree in higher education administration from Georgia State University. He earned a degree in journalism, middle childhood education, curriculum and instruction, as well as administration and supervision from Georgia State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in entomology from the University of Georgia in 1984.

He was born in Augusta, Ga. and is active in the NAACP, Black Family Preservation Group, the National Association of Black School Educators, and Toastmasters International and has served on the boards of the Sickle Cell Association, Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Club International and the AIDS Action Coalition. He is an ordained elder with the Church of God in Christ.

He is the father of two young children and will reside on campus in the President’s home, Colonial Heights.

WLU’s Presidential Search Committee was composed of all members of the Board of Governors plus two additional faculty representatives, two additional staff members, one additional student member, one alumnus and one WLU Foundation member.

Also serving as a non-voting, ex-officio member was Dr. Sarah Tucker, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The WVHEPC is expected to vote and approve Evans’ contract on Friday, Nov. 20.

West Liberty University’s search for its next president began last spring after President Stephen Greiner announced his intended June 30, 2020 retirement last November. The search was delayed due to the pandemic and Greiner agreed to stay on at the request of the Board of Governors.

WLU-Gate-And-Seal-4

Staff Council Scholarship Makes Its Return

,

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 22, 2020 — After a hiatus of several years, the annual award of the Staff Council Scholarship returned this fall.

“Our Staff Council Scholarship Committee met several times recently and selected the recipient of this semester’s Staff Council Scholarship,” said Kyle Cooper, who is the chair of the committee and also serves as head coach of the Lady Hilltoppers.

“We want to encourage our staff to make use of this opportunity. We will send out the next application form via email very soon,” he said.

The scholarship committee also includes employees: Administrative Assistant Bree Blum, Financial Aid Counselor Erika Rohrig, Director of Graduate Studies Sara Sweeney and Student Records Assistant Tasha Taylor. 

“In November we will open up next semester’s application process and this will continue annually on a semester basis,” noted Cooper. “The November selection will be announced by the first week of December.”

Athletic Compliance Director Brad Forshey is the Staff Council Chairman and agrees that the scholarship is one of the most important tasks carried on by this particular WLU committee. 

“We are extremely grateful for the efforts of WLU Foundation Executive Director Angie Hill and WLU’s Director of Financial Aid Katie Cooper who assisted us in helping get this opportunity back and to drive the move to obtain the scholarship funds. This award truly impacts staff and we are pleased to provide it,” Forshey said.

WLU’s Staff Council is currently seeing more staff involvement and more opportunities, according to Cooper.

It meets regularly and is responsible for fundraisers and other means of supporting staff.

Its next meeting is at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22 via Zoom and all staff is welcome to attend, added Cooper.

The West Liberty University Council of Staff Employees is created for the purpose of promoting a means by which employees of West Liberty University may convey their thinking on employee-employer relations and promote the welfare of staff employees. To read more about the council, please click here.

WRES_Golf_Graphic_edit

WLU Wrestling Golf Outing Set for Saturday

,

WHEELING, W.Va. – The West Liberty University wrestling team will celebrate 58 years of Hilltopper wrestling here Saturday morning with the inaugural WLU Wrestling Golf Outing, brought to you by the Monteverde Group at Oglebay Resort.

 

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit West Liberty’s nationally-ranked wrestling program.

 

Head coach Danny Irwin says a shotgun start is set for 9 a.m. at the Crispin Center Golf Course with check-in from 7:30-8:30. The entry fee of $75 per person or $300 per team covers greens fees, golf cart, an event T-shirt, lunch and drinks. Mulligans can also be purchased on site, limited to one per golfer.

 

“I want to express my appreciation to the Monteverde Group for their involvement as title sponsor of this inaugural event,” Irwin said. “The Monteverde Group is very much invested in the success of the Ohio Valley which aligns perfectly with the goals we have set for our program.

 

“We are looking forward to welcoming our wrestling alumni and friends of the program for a fun day of golf at Oglebay. We’re always seeking ways to build community and excitement in our program and this is a great opportunity to do just that.”

 

Numerous prizes will be awarded throughout the scramble, including closest to the pin, longest drive and longest putt. First place is worth $200 to the winning team and there will also be a 50/50 drawing.

 

“On behalf of the WLU Foundation, I would also like to thank Jason Haswell and the Monteverde Group for their title sponsorship of this event,” said Angie Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation. “Jason has been a valued supporter of WLU wrestling and we are grateful to him for making this event a success and for strengthening the WLU wrestling program.”

 

For additional information about pathways to support West Liberty student-athletes, contact the WLU Foundation at (304) 336-5635. You can also visit wlufoundation.org to make a gift online or learn more.

Load More