WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 4, 2021 — West Liberty University is fortunate to have donors who are stellar examples of philanthropy.
Because of this, the WLU Foundation will be presenting its first-ever Lifetime Impact of Philanthropy Award along with six Impact of Philanthropy Awards during Homecoming 2021, Oct. 15 – 17.
“The distinguished Lifetime Impact of Philanthropy Award honors Gary and Flip West and their total commitment to our university,” said Angie Zambito-Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation, which supports the university by fundraising, investment and stewardship of private funds.
“Additionally, we will honor six Impact of Philanthropy Award donors who have generously given $25,000 or more during fiscal year 2021, allowing us to advance priority projects for WLU.”
The new awards will be distributed during the Recognition Banquet that takes place on Friday, Oct. 15 in the renovated Wall of Honor alcove in the Paul N. Elbin Library.
The Wests are residents of Wheeling and Naples, Fla. and both are alumni and avid fans of Hilltopper Athletics.
“It’s not often that you find donors who make such a tremendous impact on a university. The Wests directly help students through scholarships, they have enhanced facilities through updates and funded major construction projects. They are our constant friends and advocates,” said Zambito-Hill.
WLU’s Gary E. West College of Business bears Mr. West’s name in recognition of his major gift to the West College of Business Scholarship Program and he remains involved in other ways, including speaking and sharing his business expertise with students.
Other major gifts the couple are responsible for include the West Family Stadium (football) and the West Family Athletic Complex (soccer and track and field).
The Impact of Philanthropy Honorees include individual and corporate donors that have gone above and beyond in generosity. These include:
- Belmont Savings Bank
- Thomas Cervone and Susan Creswell
- Main Street Bank
- Alex and Valerie Paris
- WesBanco
- Kristina Williams & James Taibi
“The WLU Foundation is committed to building a culture of philanthropy and is pleased to celebrate the impact that private donors have on our campus and in the lives of our students,” Zambito-Hill added.
In addition to consistent annual giving to a variety of projects, these recipients gave to the following priority projects:
Belmont Savings Bank, led by President and CEO Todd Cover who is an alumnus, completed a pledge that provided leadership support for the construction of the Belmont Savings Bank Indoor Practice Facility, located adjacent to the softball field, near Beta Hall.
Alumnus Thomas Cervone and his wife, Susan Creswell, of Knoxville, Tenn., endowed a new scholarship to support students majoring in theater. Cervone earned his undergraduate degree in speech and English with an emphasis in theatre from West Liberty.
Main Street Bank, led by President and CEO Richard Lucas, is responsible for the gift of a new scoreboard for the West Family Athletic Complex. Lucas also serves as the chairman of the WLU Board of Governors and is an alumnus.
Alumni E. Alex and Valerie Paris of Washington, Pa., provided a financial gift that allowed for the completion of the Coach Vince Monseau Wrestling Room renovation, located in Blatnik Hall and endowed the Hilltopper wrestling program.
WesBanco, led by President and CEO Todd Clossin, backed the first-ever endowed professorship at WLU, the Kenneth B. McMillen Distinguished Professorship in American Studies in the College of Liberal and Creative Arts.
Alumni Kristina Williams and James Taibi of Urbandale, Iowa, completed a commitment to grow the Roland E. “Rollie” Williams International Center and fund its activities. The center is named after Kristina’s father and longtime professor Roland E. “Rollie” Williams.
For more information or to obtain tickets for the Recognition Dinner, please visit wlufoundation.org/awards or contact the WLU Foundation office at 304.336.5635.
For more information on Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 15 – 17, please visit westliberty.edu/homecoming or call the Alumni Office at 304.336.8888.
