West Liberty, W. Va., October 17, 2024 – The West Liberty University (WLU) Foundation is proud to announce a generous gift of $1.7 million from Flip West and the West family to create the Gary E. West Aviation Center on campus and to permanently endow the Gary E. West Aviation Scholarship. This transformative donation will expand educational opportunities in aviation and ensure that aspiring pilots and aviation professionals have access to the financial support they need to succeed.

The Gary E. West Aviation Center will be located in the East Wing of Main Hall on WLU’s campus and serve as a dedicated hub for students enrolled in the WLU Aviation Program. The center will house a flight simulator, debriefing rooms, offices, a student lounge, and a classroom with technology to allow connection to remote flight instruction from Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School. The Aviation Center will enable WLU flight program students to receive flight instruction and log simulator flight hours without leaving campus.         

More than $600,000 of the West gift will be used to fund and permanently endow the Gary E. West Endowed Aviation Scholarship, which will provide financial support for students enrolled in the WLU Aviation Program. The first scholarships will be available to award for the 2025-26 academic year.

West Liberty University President Dr. Tim Borchers expressed gratitude for the donation:

“This remarkable gift from Flip West and the West family represents a tremendous investment in our students, our institution, and our region. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the West family, and we are honored to name this new aviation center in memory of Gary E. West, a beloved alumnus and visionary supporter of West Liberty University.”

WLU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Cathy Monteroso further explains how the gift will help bolster aviation training and regional economic development:

“This support strengthens our ability to provide students with cutting-edge training in aviation and helps fuel growth and innovation in our local and regional economies. The aviation industry is currently facing a significant pilot shortage, and through this program, we are empowering our students with the skills and opportunities they need to meet that demand.” 

Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation, acknowledged the West family’s longstanding support of the WLU Foundation and the University:

“Gary West’s success in business was matched by his generosity. Gary and Flip are the most generous benefactors in the history of West Liberty University. Their philanthropy has had a permanent and lasting impact on WLU. This special gift in support of the aviation program honors two of Gary’s passions – West Liberty University and flying.”

Gary E. West graduated from West Liberty State College in 1958 with a BSBA degree. Following his graduation, Gary worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 13 years. In 1970, he purchased Valley Welding Supply Company in Wheeling, WV. Gary grew Valley Welding to 55 locations in 10 states – the largest, privately-held distributor of medical gas and welding supply products in the United States. In 1997, under Gary’s leadership as CEO, Valley National Gases, Inc. went public and the company continued to grow with 84 locations in 16 states.

Gary obtained his pilot’s license in 1982 and was passionate about flying his own aircraft and helicopter. He and Flip routinely flew between their homes in Florida and West Virginia with Gary at the helm. As both a pilot and businessperson, Gary was curious and fearless.

For more information about the West Liberty University Aviation Program, visit westliberty.edu/aviation.

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.

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.