The Gary E. West College of Business at West Liberty University is proud to bear the name of a successful alumnus and long-time friend of the university, Gary E. West (BSBA ’58).

West’s $1.5 million donation reflected his desire to create opportunities for students who, like West, hope to become successful business leaders.  “Without West Liberty, I probably wouldn’t even know what a balance sheet or profit and loss statement is,” said West. “West Liberty teaches you what you need to know…then later, you put those practices to work, and hopefully, you refine them and make your company better.”

West speaks from experience, having started his career by purchasing Valley Welding Supply Company and later refining the business practices he learned at West Liberty to grow the single shop into Valley National Gases, Inc.  West’s business became the largest privately held distributor of industrial and medical gases and welding supplies in the United States.

Today, West continues to be involved in several business ventures, and he and wife Flip are also enjoying the fruits of their labors, traveling and dividing time between the Wheeling area and their home in Florida.