West Liberty, W. Va., October 17, 2025– West Liberty University is gearing up for a week of Homecoming activities, beginning Sunday, October 19. This year’s theme, “Wild West,” promises to bring a thrilling touch of frontier fun to the week. Alumni, students, families, and friends are invited to reconnect and create new memories on the Hilltop.
The week’s schedule includes traditional WLU Homecoming events such as the pep rally, parade, and Serenades. This year’s Wall of Honor inductees and the Impact of Philanthropy awardees will be honored at a banquet on Friday, October 24. Homecoming royalty will be crowned at halftime of the football game against Glenville State University on Saturday, October 25.
This year’s Homecoming will feature milestone reunions for class years ending in ‘0s and ‘5s. Special events for those alums include a continental breakfast, commemorative gifts, and a ticket to the Homecoming football game.
Wall of Honor Inductees
Wall of Honor inductees 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.
“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.”
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 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.
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.
Nolan is currently a data scientist with Highmark Health, specializing in oncologic genomics and precision medicine research, machine learning, and artificial intelligence development. He actively serves on the executive committee of the West Virginia Academy of Science and upon 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.
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, Penz began her banking career in 1997, bringing with her the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills she developed during her military service. Penz is an active and engaged member of her community. She serves on numerous boards, including the West Liberty University Foundation, A Special Wish Foundation, Wheeling Country Day School, and Beyond BASIC, and is a past President of the YWCA Wheeling. She has played a pivotal role in capital campaigns that strengthen local organizations and expand their impact. 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.
Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center Opening
WLU will cut the ribbon on the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center (AACC) on Thursday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the West Annex. Dr. Zachary Loughman, Professor of Biology, will provide a lecture at 3:00 explaining how the AACC will provide a transformative experience for WLU students and the region. Limited parking available at the site; shuttle service will be provided from parking lots near the WLU soccer field.
The AACC represents a significant investment in both scientific research and hands-on education. The facility includes a renovated restaurant space transformed into two classrooms and a molecular laboratory, a new building housing tanks for crayfish and turtles, and a renovated support building with offices and study areas. The project was made possible through a grant from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Abandoned Mine Lands program.
“The Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center at West Liberty University stands as a one-of-a-kind resource in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said Dr. Zachary Loughman, Director of the AACC. “Through experiential learning, students who work here will be prepared to work in a conservation-based field across the country and throughout the world.”
“Alums and community members are invited to join us for a week filled with tradition, excitement, and a bit of Wild West flair,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, WLU President. “We look forward to seeing everyone on the Hilltop in October.”
For more information, visit the West Liberty University Homecoming website at 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
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
