West Liberty, W.Va., September 3, 2025– West Liberty University students in Sport Management and Nursing teamed up to volunteer at the Stronger Together event at The Highlands on August 30, 2025. The event marked the five-year anniversary of the center and served as a fundraiser for flood relief efforts.
West Liberty Nursing students volunteered to provide the community with free blood pressure screenings, including blood pressure measurement, pulse ox, and heart rate readings, as well as discussion on healthy blood pressure topics and educational handouts.
“The Department of Nursing appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with our community partners in strengthening the health and well-being of the Ohio Valley as well as the state of West Virginia and beyond,” said Brianna Locante, Assistant Professor of Nursing. “As members of the most trusted profession, nurses have a unique opportunity to step out into the community to engage with members and provide meaningful education. We were honored for the opportunity to celebrate our fellow first responders and to give back to a community demonstrating resilience and healing.”
Sport Management students volunteered to coordinate event operations. Students managed event registration, sport clinic signups, 50/50 and basket raffle, oversaw the kids’ arcade activities, and served as a general point of contact for information related to the day’s activities.
“For a sport management student, participating in a community-based sport fundraiser was invaluable to allow for blending of classroom knowledge and real-world application,” said Phil Locante, Assistant Professor of Management. “Additionally, an event like this showcased great teamwork, a skill that many West Liberty students, sport management, specifically embody. We were honored to be part of a great community event supporting so many individuals within our region.
Nursing students who took part in the event included:
- Shelby Harris, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Abigail Baricska, Wellsburg, WV
- Catherine Clarke, St. Clairsville, OH
- Kaden Dowdy, Ronceverte, WV
- Andrew Forshey, Wheeling, WV
- Lacey Dimit, Parkersburg, WV
- Brynn Buckley, Lisbon, OH
- Hunter Duffey, Bridgeport, OH
- Jennifer DiLullo, New Cumberland, WV
- Jimmy DeMarco, Weirton, WV
Sport Management students included:
- Cooper Kent, Galion, OH
- Robert (Mack) Allen, Moundsville, WV
- Heliao Man, Sugarland, TX
- Terrance Pankey, Youngstown, OH
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
Media Contact
Theresa Gretchen
West Liberty University
tgretchen1@westliberty.edu
