West Liberty University Hilltop Players to Induct Four New Members into Wall of Fame

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University Theatre will celebrate four individuals whose careers and contributions have left a lasting mark on the Hilltop Players with the 2026 Wall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Kelly Theatre.

The ceremony is part of the Theatre program’s 2026-27 season and will take place prior to the evening performance of The Cripple of Inishmaan. The induction ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a reception in the Nutting Gallery, and the performance of the play will start at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s honorees are Vernon “Iron Mike” Riemer, Meta Lasch, John Hennen, and Thomas “TC” Cervone. Together, their careers represent the many ways West Liberty Theatre alumni, faculty, and supporters have contributed to the art form as educators, performers, designers, administrators, mentors, patrons, and advocates for the arts.

Mike Riemer

Vernon D. “Mike” Riemer made a lasting contribution to generations of West Liberty students through his work in speech and communication. His influence on students extended beyond the classroom, and his legacy continues at the University through the Vernon D. “Mike” Riemer Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing Communication degrees in Speech Pathology and Theatre. The scholarship reflects the continuing connection between Riemer’s legacy and the students of West Liberty.

Meta Lasch

For more than four decades, Meta Lasch was a central figure in the technical and design life of West Liberty Theatre. A 1976 West Liberty graduate, Lasch earned a master’s degree in production design and technology from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to serve generations of Hilltop Players as technical director, designer, teacher, and mentor. Her work encompassed scenic design, costumes, lighting, drafting, and stagecraft, while her mentorship helped prepare generations of students for careers in theatre. WLU has described her more than 40 years at the helm of the program’s technical and design work as a legacy that continues through the students and professionals she mentored.

John Hennen

A 1970 graduate of West Liberty University, John Hennen went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in acting and directing from West Virginia University. He served as Associate Director of Arts and Humanities at the Center for the Arts in Charleston, where he managed the statewide Grants Program for the Arts, and co-founded Brooke Hills Playhouse in 1973. Hennen subsequently spent nearly three decades as a professional actor in New York, appearing in more than 50 productions and working in theatre, television, and film. He also directed and taught acting and remained closely connected to West Liberty Theatre as an instructor and staff director.

Thomas “TC” Cervone

A 1975 West Liberty graduate, Thomas “TC” Cervone has spent his career building and supporting arts organizations. After beginning his professional journey in theatre at West Liberty, Cervone spent 23 years managing the University of Tennessee’s Clarence Brown Theatre. He later served as the first executive director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation and currently serves as executive director of Dogwood Arts in Knoxville, Tennessee. His career has combined theatre administration, arts advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Cervone has also remained a strong supporter of his alma mater, including establishing the Thomas Cervone and Susan Creswell Endowed Theatre Scholarship and supporting the Kelly Theatre Encore Campaign.

 

The Wall of Fame was established to recognize individuals whose accomplishments and contributions have helped shape the history and tradition of West Liberty Theatre. The 2026 induction continues that tradition by honoring four individuals whose influence extends well beyond their individual careers and into the students, artists, and institutions they have supported.

“We are incredibly excited to recognize these four individuals,” said Michael Aulick, Director of Theatre at West Liberty University. “Each of them represents a different and important part of what makes a theatre program successful. Their contributions remind us that theatre is not simply about what happens onstage. It is about teaching, mentoring, designing, performing, building organizations and creating opportunities for the people who come after us.”

The induction ceremony will be held in Kelly Theatre at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. A reception will follow in the Nutting Gallery before the evening performance of The Cripple of Inishmaan.

The Wall of Fame induction is part of West Liberty University Theatre’s 2026-27 season, which also includes I AM ALICE, a new adaptation inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland; Jesus Christ Superstar; and Crimes of the Heart.

For additional information about the Wall of Fame ceremony or the 2026-27 Theatre season, contact Michael Aulick at maulick@westliberty.edu.

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.

Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu