West Liberty, W.Va., October 10, 2025— West Liberty University (WLU) has announced its 2025 Inductees for the Wall of Honor. They include Kym Gable ‘93, Mickey Marotti ‘87, Joe Nolan ‘08, and Denise Penz ‘97, who are recognized for their outstanding achievements in journalism and philanthropy, strength and conditioning, data science, and banking, respectively.

The Wall of Honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of West Liberty University alumni. This year’s class will be inducted at the President’s Recognition Dinner on Friday, October 24, as part of Homecoming activities.

“We are proud of our alumni and the impact they have had on their communities and professions,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, WLU President. “We have an impressive group of inductees this year, and I look forward to honoring them at Homecoming.”

Kym Gable is an Emmy award-winning journalist and passionate philanthropist. Her career as a broadcast news journalist began in the television studio at WLU, where she anchored the weekly college newscast. A recognizable media personality with a dynamic presence both on-air and on stage, Gable most recently served as the lead anchor at CBS News Pittsburgh. The newscast she anchored won the 2025 NATAS Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Award. Gable is also an accomplished voice actress, event emcee, keynote speaker, and confidence coach, empowering those in the business and non-profit sectors to lead with authenticity and impact. She is the director of the South chapter of Inspired Women Paying it Forward, a charity support organization that rallies local women through networking and collective giving. The nine chapters in Western Pennsylvania and Chicago have donated nearly $1,000,000 to non-profits. Gable has been nominated for the 2025 Pillar Awards, hosted by the Brave Women Project. A 1993 graduate of West Liberty University, Gable was named an Elbin Scholar in the school’s esteemed Honors Program.

Mickey Marotti is in his 14th season as the Associate Athletic Director for Football Sports Performance at Ohio State and his 39th season overall as a coach. Ohio State head coaches trust him in the critical area of strength and conditioning training and overseeing sports performance. Marotti, called a “master” of motivation and mental preparation, is indeed that: He has been head sports performance coach for four teams that have won national championships in the sport of football–the 2024 and 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes and the 2006 and 2008 Florida Gators. His work with the Buckeyes earned him American Football Monthly’s FBS Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year award in 2016. A native of Ambridge, Pa., Marotti was a four-year letterwinner as a fullback for West Liberty (W.Va.) University, serving as a team tri-captain in 1986 and winning first team NAIA All-Academic honors in 1987. He is a 1987 graduate of West Liberty with a degree in exercise physiology.

Joe Nolan is currently a data scientist at Highmark Health, specializing in oncologic genomics and precision medicine research, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence development. He actively serves on the executive committee of the West Virginia Academy of Science and on the Associate of Science Advising Board for West Virginia Northern Community College. He is a proud US Army veteran and resides in Wheeling, West Virginia. Nolan earned his baccalaureate degree in biology at West Liberty State College in 2008 and subsequently earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology through the University of Maryland in 2018.

Denise Penz is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Vice-Chairman of The Preferred Legacy National Trust Bank, an institution established in 2020 with a vision to provide trusted, relationship-driven financial services. A U.S. Navy veteran, Denise began her banking career in 1997, bringing with her the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills she developed during her military service. Over the course of nearly three decades, she has guided organizations across every sector of the industry, including private equity and bank acquisitions, trust and private banking, mortgage lending, and commercial operations. Penz earned her bachelor’s degree in management and accounting from West Liberty University (97) and her Master of Business Administration from Wheeling Jesuit University.

To reserve tickets for the President’s Recognition Dinner, please call 304-336-5635. For more information about West Liberty’s “Wild West” 2025 Homecoming celebration, visit https://westliberty.edu/homecoming.

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