Left to right, with WLU President Dr. Tim Borchers (far left) and WLU Foundation Executive Director Betsy Delk (far right) with 2024 awardees Chuck Jeswilkowski ’69, Alex ’82 and Valerie ’87 Paris, Mary & David B. McKinley, LeRoy A. & Eve L. ’70 Wallin. Jaqueline Bradley (not pictured) and The Richard and Leslie Gilliam Foundation were also recognized for their contributions. Additionally, Jeswilkowski was awarded the Impact of Philanthropy Leadership Award.
West Liberty, WV – October 21, 2024 – This past weekend, West Liberty University (WLU) proudly hosted its President’s Recognition Banquet, honoring Wall of Honor recipients and The Impact of Philanthropy Awardees during the 2024 Homecoming festivities.
The Alumni Wall of Honor, the highest recognition bestowed by Alumni Affairs, welcomed four outstanding alumni: Jennifer Schwertfeger, Kenith C. Britt, Ph.D., Kenneth Habegger, and Hiroyuki Hamada. This honor is given to alumni who have excelled in their careers or made significant contributions through service.
The WLU Foundation presented the Impact of Philanthropy Awards to a select group of donors who contributed generously—$25,000 or more during fiscal year 2024—to advance priority projects for WLU. The 2024 awardees included David B. & Mary McKinley, Alex ’82 and Valerie ’87 Paris, LeRoy A. & Eve L. ’70 Wallin, Jaqueline Bradley, and The Richard and Leslie Gilliam Foundation. Chuck Jeswilkowski ’69 received the Impact of Philanthropy Leadership Award, honoring his lifelong engagement in philanthropic activities at WLU.
Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation, remarked, “Impact of Philanthropy Awards celebrate the transformative power of giving and the profound impact it has on our students, faculty, and the entire West Liberty University community. These awards honor the generosity and vision of our donors, whose contributions not only enhance educational opportunities but also inspire others to give.”
WLU President Dr. Tim Borchers added, “We celebrated those alumni who have been transformed during their time at West Liberty, and we acknowledge the transformational opportunities made possible by the generosity of our donors.”
The festivities included a morning of tailgating, welcoming back alumni, students, and friends to the hilltop. During halftime, the Wall of Honor recipients were honored on the 50-yard line, alongside the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen and the recognition of Alumni Royalty (former Kings and Queens).
Amanda Welsch, Director of Alumni Affairs, stated, “Homecoming is all about coming back to the Hilltop, reliving those great memories, and making new ones. It’s the perfect time to reconnect and celebrate what it means to be a Hilltopper!”
The West Liberty football team capped off the evening with a thrilling victory over West Virginia Wesleyan.
Founded in 1877, West Liberty University Alumni Affairs is dedicated to fostering a spirit of unity and fellowship among graduates while strengthening loyalty and support for the University. For more information, visit westliberty.edu/alumni or call 304-336-8888.
The WLU Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1964. Its mission is to raise, invest and steward private funds to strengthen West Liberty University and to increase opportunity for students of all backgrounds. For additional information, or to make a contribution, please visit wlufoundation.org or call 304-336-5635.
