WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., September 25, 2023 — The West Liberty University Foundation celebrated philanthropy and its donors on Friday, September 22 at its annual Recognition Banquet as part of the WLU Homecoming Weekend festivities.
The Recognition Banquet, which was held in the College Union Ballroom, featured a cocktail reception followed by dinner catered by Aladdin Food Services. Entertainment was provided by WLU Vocal Music Majors from the studio of Dr. Linda Cowan and the Hilltop Harmonic Collective under the direction of Dr. Douglas McCall.
Each year, the Impact of Philanthropy Awards are presented to a select group of donors who have given a generous amount of $25,000 or more during fiscal year 2023 to advance priority projects for WLU. The 2023 awardees are Marty ’75 and Patti ’76 Adams, H.R. “Bucky” Kopf ’64, and Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration.
For the first time this year, two special Impact of Philanthropy Awards were given. The Impact of Philanthropy Leadership Award, honoring an individual who has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities at WLU over his or her lifetime, was presented to Dr. John P. McCullough. The Impact of Philanthropy Young Philanthropist Award, honoring an alum or other friend of the University under the age of 40 who has made a noteworthy impact on WLU or has supported or directed fundraising for a specific priority project, was awarded to Katie Kacmarik ‘08.
All honorees received a commemorative crystal award, engraved with their names as a token of gratitude. Each of them addressed the audience, thanking those in attendance and sharing their motivation to support West Liberty University.
In addition to the Impact of Philanthropy Awards, members of the following Foundation’s giving societies were recognized for their contributions: The John P. McCullough Society (lifetime giving of $25,000 or more), The President’s Circle (yearly giving of $2000 or more) and the Nathan Shotwell Society (legacy gifts).
“We are so grateful to our donors and proud to recognize the impact of their gifts on the University and its students,” noted Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director. Delk served as emcee of the event along with WLU Foundation Chairman Dr. Daniel Joseph. West Liberty’s 38th President, Dr. Timothy Borchers and David H. McKinley, Chairman of the University’s Board of Governors, were both on hand to congratulate the honorees.
2023 Impact of Philanthropy Honorees are:
- Marty ’75 and Patti ’76 Adams
- H.R. “Bucky” Kopf ‘64
- Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration
- Dr. John P. McCullough (Leadership Award)
- Katie Kacmarik ‘08 (Young Philanthropist Award)
2023 Homecoming Sponsors include:
- Title Sponsor: Barnes & Noble College Bookstores
- Hilltop Hero Sponsor: Marty ’75 and Patti ’76 Adams
- 1837 Sustainer: WesBanco
- Homecoming Game Sponsor: The Alpha Tavern
- Topper Friend: Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), S.R. Snodgrass, AC
- Print Sponsor: Richardson Copy Concepts