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.
Bettie Steele
While non-traditional students are commonplace today, Bettie Steele was one of the first local women to seek higher education after marriage and children. Bettie worked as the Director of Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) for nearly twenty years.
This was a non-profit career counseling and referral service housed at West Virginia Northern Community College. Bettie was tireless in helping Ohio Valley women realize their potential for both personal and professional fulfillment. After graduating from West Liberty State College in 1984, Bettie received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in 1988.
Bettie was one of the founders of Wheeling’s great community theater, Towngate, and is credited with creating its name. She acted and directed in countless plays there and inspired many young performers, several of whom went on to appear on Broadway. Beyond her positive word of mouth about her alma mater, Bettie helped women with their educational goals through her membership in PEO. Bettie received the WV Governor’s commendation for her work on the Civil War Battle Flag Project at West Virginia Independence Hall. She also led the fundraising campaign that garnered over $1.2 million in support for WVIH.