ALUMNI “WALL OF HONOR” The West Liberty University Alumni Board of Directors instituted a project in 1990 to demonstrate to current students, visitors, and friends that the college has some very successful graduates. This project, known as the “Alumni Wall of Honor,” is a dramatic way to honor some of the college’s most distinguished alumni and display pride in the accomplishments of its graduates. The concept was suggested by then Associate Professor of Physics Robert W. Schramm, who is a 1958 graduate of the college and a 2002 Alumni Wall of Honor inductee. The Alumni Wall of Honor is housed in the south end of the Union known as the Alumni Lounge.
H.A. (Andy) Cook
Inducted 2005Andy Cook earned a B.S. degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from WLSC in 1965. He later earned a M.S. in bacteriology from West Virginia University and in 1969 her earned a Ph.D. in microbiology, also from WVU. Cook’s accomplishments, over a thirty-three-year teaching and administrative career at WLSC, are numerous and varied. He chaired the departments of biology and medical technology, was director of the School of Health Professions and later served as the dean of the School of Sciences. Cook was twice voted by the student body as “Professor of the Year.” He developed the first accredited, campus-based program in medical technology in the U.S. at an institution that did not have a medical school component. He was responsible for the tree track curriculum for freshman biology as well as initiating the first biotechnology program in West Virginia. Cook served on many state and regional committees that focused on health sciences and science education. He served as the component coordinator for a state-wide, multi-million dollar National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that provided hands-on curricula for middle school teachers. Cook procured numerous federal and state grants in science education amounting to nearly $2 million, the largest provided for hands-on activities and curriculum development that benefited over 600 elementary teachers and 16,000 students in the five Northern Panhandle counties of West Virginia. He was also instrumental in establishing the Science, Mathematics, And Research Technology Center (SMART-Center) housed at WLSC’s Warwood Center. Cook has co-authored one plant science laboratory manual and authored an introductory biology laboratory manual, published two scientific papers and holds a U.S. Patent. He developed and operated the microbiology laboratory at Touchstone Research Laboratory and is certified to test drinking water and foods, and conducts HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) inspections and certifications.