WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 8, 2024 — Hundreds of people from the campus community passed through West Liberty University’s Quad today to celebrate the total solar eclipse during the week-long celebration of “Aspirations.”
The Office of the President provided attendees with free WLU-branded solar glasses to safely view the eclipse. Other organizers also provided two telescopes, the NASA live stream, and snacks.
In addition to celebrating on the Quad with WLU solar glasses and snacks, Associate Professor of Mathematics Chad Kuhns shared periodic updates with the campus community about the science behind eclipses.
“This kind of an event is a great chance for us to come together, bond as a community, and have a shared experience,” Borchers said to the group. “Learn something this afternoon and have fun,” he added.
WLU senior Gavin Stern was grateful for the moment. “I’m happy to share this momentous event with the rest of my fellow West Liberty students. This is an exciting time to be alive and be outside. The glasses are awesome, too. Not only are they giving us glasses, but they’re giving us a memento to remember this moment on the hilltop with my friends,” Stern said.
Graduate student Emily Rudy reflected on the unique experience. “The next time West Liberty will see a solar eclipse is 2099, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I feel so lucky to attend West Liberty University during this time,” Rudy said.
“I have never seen an eclipse before, but it is fun to get together and watch it as a community,” said junior Aaron York.
“I’m so excited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get eclipsed on the hilltop!” said Dental Hygiene major Kenzie Kaplet.
“It makes me feel happy to share the love of my life, which is math and science, with the general population at West Liberty University,” said Dr. Raymond Holsapple, an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at WLU.
The maximum eclipse period occurred at 3:16 p.m. when students, faculty, and staff were excited to experience the most darkness. The maximum eclipse was 96.9%.
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.