West Liberty University selected its 2012 Homecoming Queen and King Saturday as the Toppers defeated Shepherd University in a thrilling competition at Russek Field. Junior Riley Lynn Bonar, an elementary education major, and Sophomore Billy Castilow, a criminal justice major, both from the Warwood neighborhood of Wheeling, were crowned Queen and King.
West Liberty University Alumni Homecoming Queens (WLUAHQ) presented a new scholarship to Bonar as part of the halftime festivities.
Ingrid Loy, WLU’s 1995 homecoming queen, and Christine Warco, the 1997 homecoming queen, gave Bonar a $250 check to assist with her education.
“We are so pleased to create a new scholarship that will be given to the 2012 WLU Homecoming Queen and each queen thereafter,” said Loy.
“Our organization of former homecoming queens and other alumni have come together to give back to their Alma Mater,” explained Loy.
“We hold various fundraisers throughout the year including an alumni baseball game in the spring, the Flocking Flamingos Fundraiser later in summer through October and an annual mother-daughter ‘Time for Tea’ luncheon and fashion show in the fall. All proceeds go directly to the scholarship fund.”
“We hope to continue to grow and increase all our fundraisers to make them fun for the participants and so that we can continue to grow the scholarship fund.”
The WLUAHQ works closely with the WLU Alumni Director Shane Stack.
“I am grateful that the new alumni queens group is taking an interest in building this tradition of a new scholarship to help our students. Our alumni know the value of a West Liberty education and we want them to be involved. I welcome their ideas and thank them for all they do for West Liberty University,” Stack said.
Homecoming weekend included many special events for alumni including a Friday night Benefactor’s Gala, a Saturday morning Wall of Honor induction (Jack Adams ’63, Joan Campbell ’62 and Dr. Mel Sorkowitz ’62), alumni tailgating and Silver Bear alumni events.
Today, WLU alumni association represents more than 22,000 Hilltopper alumni across the country and around the world. For more information on the alumni association, please visit the WLU alumni website.