WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 14, 2016 — The sixth annual Great Gala is now in the works at West Liberty University and promises to be another wonderful evening of dining, dancing and socializing for a great cause — scholarships!
The university’s biggest fundraising event, sponsored once again by WesBanco will feature a Kentucky Derby theme this spring and will take place at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Glessner Auditorium, Oglebay Resort.
“We are grateful to WesBanco for supporting the annual Great Gala and excited to partner with Oglebay Resort again. Since this will be my first time to attend the event, I am truly looking forward to the evening, as is my wife, Nancy,” said WLU President Dr. Stephen Greiner, who became president on Jan. 1, 2016.
Fancy hats and flowered dresses, spring suits and flashy ties will be evident as guests enjoy the biggest party of the season. Guests also will have a chance to meet and chat with the Greiners, who coincidentally moved to West Liberty from the state of Kentucky!
Proceeds support scholarships for students in the College of Arts and Communication and the WLU Singers educational tour of Ireland, under the direction of Dr. Scott Glysson, director of choral activities.
Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are still available and include many promotional perks and special seating.
The Great Gala began as a way to raise money for higher education at a time when state funding was dipping. In 1980, West Virginia covered 60 percent of WLU’s operating budget. Now it’s less than 19 percent, according to Vice President of Institutional Advancement Jason Koegler.
“This downward trend, which is expected to continue, dramatically increases the need for private fundraising and is a driving force in fundraising. But we are pleased to continue to gather each spring as a community and enjoy our common goal of helping each other during this fundraiser. It’s a chance to have fun for a great cause. West Virginia needs more college graduates and the money raised will assist many students to earn their degree here at West Liberty. That’s a win-win for us all,” said Koegler, who has led the Office of Institutional Advancement for seven years.
Media sponsor for the Great Gala is WTRF-TV 7. For further information on sponsorship opportunities, tickets or other details, please contact Koegler at 304-336-8888 or via email at jkoegler@westliberty.edu, or visit westliberty.edu/giving.