Gary E. West Aviation Scholarship

BACKGROUND

 

Gary E. West attended West Liberty University and graduated with a BSBA degree in 1958. Following his graduation, Gary worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 13 years. In 1970, he purchased Valley Welding Supply Company in Wheeling, WV. Gary grew Valley Welding to 55 locations in 10 states – the largest, privately-held distributor of medical gas and welding supply products in the United States. In 1997, under Gary’s leadership as CEO, Valley National Gases, Inc. went public and the company continued to grow with 84 locations in 16 states.

 

Gary’s success in business was matched by his generosity and philanthropy. Gary and his wife Flip are the most generous benefactors in the history of  the University. Highlights include their major gift to the Gary E. West College of Business Scholarship Program, the establishment of the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment, the renovation of West Family Stadium and the construction of the West Family Athletic Complex. The WLU Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center is located adjacent to the WLU campus the land and in a building donated by the Wests.

 

Gary obtained his pilot’s license in 1982 and was passionate about flying his own aircraft and helicopter. He and Flip routinely flew between their homes in Florida and West Viginia with Gary at the helm. On Flip and Gary’s very first flight from Wheeling to Florida, Gary enlisted Flip as his navigator and handed her the paper charts to track their flight. Gary always prepared and reviewed his flight charts prior to each voyage. As both a pilot and businessperson, Gary was curious, thoughtful and fearless.

 

Following Gary’s death in 2023, the “Gary E. West Aviation Scholarship” was established in Gary’s memory by Flip. The scholarship honors Gary’s love for West Liberty University and his passion for flying.

 

USES AND PURPOSES

 

The Gary E. West Aviation Scholarship has been created to financially aid students pursuing an aviation degree from West Liberty University. The amount and number of scholarships awarded will be based on the income available in the fund. The scholarship, renewable for up to four years, is restricted to tuition & fees, room & board, books & supplies and travel to conferences.

 

Minimum Requirements for Consideration and for Renewal:

• Enrolled in the WLU Aviation Program

 

• Maintain full-time college enrollment

 

• Maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0

 

• Act as an ambassador for the WLU Aviation Program by attending promotional and/or recruiting events when practical

 

Selection of Recipients:

 

The selection process will be overseen by the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, with input from Aviation Faculty members as needed, and the Director of Financial Aid. Must be based on the requirements listed above.

 

The uses and expenditures of this Fund shall be consistent with the West Liberty University Foundation policies. This fund shall be administered by the treasurer of the Foundation or his/her designee and the named University representative or his/her designee(s).