One year ago, the college of business at West Liberty University was renamed to honor alumnus and benefactor Gary E. West ‘58. Students and faculty of the Gary E. West College of Business celebrated the anniversary with donuts and a T-shirt giveaway.

Dean Loren A. Wenzel said, “Gary West’s generous donation of $1.5 million to the college of business allows us to provide our students with an environment that enables them to acquire the knowledge, skills, competencies, ethics and values that they will find necessary in today’s business world and for years to come.

“We recently have directed our resources to faculty development and course modernization, in an ongoing effort to attract quality students and develop them into tomorrow’s business leaders.”

West was honored at the college’s 2011 honors banquet with its Exemplary Alumni Award. In August, he was named “Light of the Valley” for 2011 by the Wheeling YMCA. He is the fifth recipient of this prestigious award, given annually to a local resident who provides outstanding examples of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

After graduating from West Liberty State College and several years as a regional manager for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co, West purchased Valley Welding Supply Co. in Wheeling.  During his tenure as president, chief executive officer and chairman of the company, Valley Welding – later Valley National Gases, Inc. – grew to have annual sales in excess of $85 million, with 29 locations in six states.  He sold the company in 2007.

West has invested considerable personal and financial assets in his alma mater. He and his wife, “Flip,” established the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment and he was chair of the college’s capital campaign. He also contributed the funds for the purchase and installation of the Mondo Turf at the College’s stadium.