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.
Robert W Schramm
Inducted 2002After earning his B.S. degree 1958, West Liberty State College graduate Robert W. Schramm returned to his alma mater as an instructor in mathematics and physics. He continued his education, earning an M.A. in physics in 1959 from West Virginia University. He served as the head of the physics department from 1960-73 and retired as an associate professor after a 39-year tenure. During his career at WLSC, Schramm, along with Kenneth Rarey, originated the West Liberty State College Regional Science Fair and served as the director for 30 years; restructured the physics B.S. and A.B. programs to conform with American Institute of Physics guidelines; designed labs and classroom facilities for the industrial technology programs; and obtained state grants and other funds for laboratory equipment. He was instrumental in planning the Paul N. Elbin Library and served as college archivist for over 30 years, during which time he established the college archives, created a WLSC museum and several mini-museums around campus. In 1990, Schramm was honored by West Liberty State College and presented a distinguished service medal. Beginning in 1996, while serving on a computer planning committee, he pioneered the use of digital computers and campaigned for their use on a college-wide basis. He recently retired as college staff photographer, serving as a member of the College Relations and Marketing staff. As photographer, Schramm created a comprehensive stock photography collection consisting of prints, slides, negatives and digital images. He also established a digital imaging and film studio for use by the department. In June 2001, Schramm’s pictorial history of West Liberty State College 1837-2000 was published by Arcadia Press. Schramm originated the Alumni Association Wall of Honor. He and his wife, Jeanne, a staff librarian for the Paul N. Elbin Library, have two children.