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.
Kenneth W Rarey
Inducted 2002Kenneth Rarey earned his B.S. degree in physics and math from West Liberty State College in 1956 and continued his education, earning his M.S. degree from West Virginia University. He returned to WSLC and served as a member of the physics department faculty for four years. While at West Liberty, Rarey, along with Robert W. Schramm, originated the West Liberty State College Regional Science Fair. He was later employed by the Continental Group, earning 17 U.S. patents for manufacturing processes. In 1977, he joined Avery International, a diversified manufacturing company, and was appointed director of corporate research in 1978 then elected to the position of vice president in 1979. Under his tenure, fundamental changes in organizational structure, staffing, equipment and research methods greatly improved productivity. New products and manufacturing processes were developed, which contributed to Avery International’s success. Sales rose from $300 million in 1976 to nearly $4 billion today. In 1984, he transferred to Avery’s European operations in the Netherlands and served as the vice president of research and technology. He also served as technical director of Avery’s international division in Belgium for one year. Charles D. Miller, retired chairman of Avery Dennison, described Rarey “as a change agent, who helped propel the company forward and a pioneer in the self-adhesive industry.” Rarey is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, Chi Beta Phi, Sigma Pi Sigma and Sigma Xi.