WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., November 3, 2023 – West Liberty University Foundation selected two students this fall to serve as interns as it offers real-world experience for students preparing for professional careers in the nonprofit sector.

“Each year, the Foundation is pleased to welcome student interns who will assist with the day-to-day activities of the Foundation while learning about the non-profit sector.  Our interns also provide a valuable link to the student community and help to foster a culture of philanthropy on campus,” said Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director. 

“These students will develop skills in the areas of fundraising, board development, private sector partnership, communications, event planning, database management, and financial management of a non-profit,” she said.

The interns now assisting the WLU Foundation in its daily work include:

• Courtney Ellifritz is a Junior Marketing major and an early entrance MBA student with a specialty in management. On campus, she is a Resident Assistant, student ambassador, The West Virginia Collegiate Initiative to Advance Healthy Campus Communities (WVCIA) student leader, and member of the marketing club. In her free time, Courtney enjoys self-defense training, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She hails from Keyser, WV.
• Janina Kruppke is an international student from outside of Cologne, Germany. She is a software developer currently studying Computer Programming and Web Design at WLU.  On campus, Janina is a member of the crocheting club and has recently tried lacrosse.  In her free time, she loves to work on her scrapbook; she also enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Ellifritz and Kruppke recently assisted with the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Day which was held on November 1 in the College Union.   During this day-long event, Foundation scholarship recipients are encouraged to write personnel thank you notes to the donors who provide their scholarship support.  Each fall, Foundation donors look forward to receiving photos, personal details, and thank you notes from the students they assist.  More than 120 students took part in this year’s event.

The WLU Foundation is pleased to manage over 157 scholarship funds. WLU Foundation Scholarships are established and funded by generous individuals and organizations who wish to provide opportunities to WLU students and help them achieve their educational goals.

The West Liberty University Foundation, Inc. was chartered into existence in 1964 and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by its office staff. It maintains offices on both the West Liberty University campus and in downtown Wheeling.

The Foundation’s mission is to raise, invest, and steward private funds to strengthen West Liberty University and to increase opportunities for students of all backgrounds to pursue higher learning. For more information, please visit wlufoundation.org or call 304.336.5635.