Marcella Snyder accepts her award from Student Government Officer Jeffrey Tice.

“I’m honored to be selected by the students for this distinction and thank them for their faith in me and my team. We work daily to provide the Hilltop campus and its students with a pleasant, comfortable and safe environment for their academic work and try to make student life the best it can be,” said Snyder, who received the official plaque and news at the Spring Honors Convocation in May.

Her award was presented by Student Government Vice President for 2013-2014,  Jeffrey Tice, of Chester, W.Va.

Snyder’s been an administrator at WLU since 2004.

In her position with WLU, she is responsible for oversight of all areas of Housing & Student Life, Summer Orientation and Topperfest, Summer Conferences, Judicial Affairs and the Annual Security Report for Clery Act Compliance.

Prior to her employment at WLU, she was resident director at Concord University and before than a graduate assistant at West Virginia Wesleyan.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and Computer Information Science degree in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 2003, both from West Virginia Wesleyan. She is from Buckhannon, W.Va.

Led by President Robin C. Capehart and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five colleges — the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and the Gary E. West College of Business — offer more than 60 majors and 30 programs that are nationally recognized or accredited. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.

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Student Government Vice President Jeffrey Tice presents the Professor of the Year Award to Sandy Czernek.

“I still can’t believe that I get paid to teach history! I love it, and I love my students. They validate my calling through this honor,” she said. The annual Professor of the Year Award is decided by student nominations of favorite professors, followed by student voting to select the final honoree.

Czernek has taught history full time at West Liberty University since August 2008. She began her career on the Hilltop as a “senior adjunct” in 2004.

Czernek has received the coveted award once before.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with certification in social studies, and a master degree in history, both from West Virginia University. A native of Weirton, W.Va. and graduate of Brooke High School, she lives in the Warwood neighborhood of Wheeling.

Previously Czernek was a tutoring coordinator at West Virginia Northern Community College and prior to that a vocational evaluator for the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. She has also taught at the high school level.

Led by President Robin C. Capehart and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five vibrant colleges — the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and the Gary E. West College of Business — offer more than 60 majors and 30 programs that are nationally recognized or accredited. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. For more information, please visit westliberty.edu or call 1.866.WESTLIB.

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Roe, who passed away in 1984 after a legendary coaching career at the high school and collegiate levels, will be honored along with the rest of this year’s inductees at the 11th annual OVAC Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug. 16 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.

This will be the sixth Hall of Fame induction for Roe, who is also a member of the West Liberty, City of Wheeling, West Virginia Sports, Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan and Bethany College Halls of Fame.

An outstanding high school athlete at Warwood who played his college football at Bethany, Roe compiled a 182-122-31 record in 34 seasons as a high school football coach at Warwood and Wheeling High Schools. He was also a successful track coach, leading Wheeling High to the 1946 state championship, and served as director of the Ohio-West Virginia All-Star Football Game from 1946-62.

Roe left the high school football ranks in the mid-1960s to take the head coaching job at West Liberty and wasted little time leading the Hilltoppers into the national spotlight

Roe’s sparkling 50-24-7 record in his 9 seasons on the hilltop was highlighted by a pair of NAIA post-season runs.

After a scoreless tie with Salem in the 1970 season opener, Roe’s Hilltoppers reeled off 8 straight wins to earn an NAIA playoff invitation. West Liberty dropped a 12-6 heartbreaker to Wofford (S.C.) in a national semifinal at Greensboro, N.C.

The Hilltoppers rolled to their second straight West Virginia Conference title in 1971 and earned another NAIA playoff berth. This time, West Liberty came out on the short end of a 25-2 count against eventual NAIA champion Livingston (Ala.) in a national semifinal played at Harding Stadium in Steubenville.

In addition to his coaching exploits, Roe also served as a basketball official for 20 years and was a three-time president of the Ohio Valley Board of Approved Basketball Officials.

The OVAC Hall of Fame and the OVAC Sports Museum are located inside WesBanco Arena.

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“It’s a wonderful surprise and a wonderful honor. I work very hard every day in my job and in my previous positions and to receive this award is very humbling for me. I am grateful,” said Crow.

Crow has been the executive director of , a 40-plus room senior assisted living residence in Wheeling, since 2006. During her tenure, Elmhurst was named the West Virginia Assisted Living Residence of the year in 2011.

She received her undergraduate degree from West Liberty State College in public service with an emphasis on social work and her master’s degree in social work from West Virginia University. She holds a Level One National Administrator Certification from Senior Living University.

From 1991 to 2006, Crow served as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upper Ohio Valley Inc. covering an eight county area in West Virginia and Ohio. Her dedication to expanding the program’s reach resulted in a 20 per cent growth in matching volunteers with single-parent children. Prior to that, she was director of the Outreach Program at the Florence Crittenton Home (Crittenton Services) and a child protective social worker for the West Virginia Department of Human Services.

Currently, Crow is a member of the board of directors of the West Living Assisted Living Association and a member of the Rotary Club of Wheeling.

Crow is a graduate of the former Mount de Chantal Academy. She resides in Wheeling with her husband, Duewayne, and their son, Eric. Crow also has two adult sons, Stephen Wharton and David Wharton.

Other honorees include: Kate Crosbie, Marlene Midget, Kathy Shapell, Kathy Szafran and Dr. Dianna Vargo, all from Wheeling. For more information on the 2014 Tribute to Women honorees and event, please visit the .

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From left, Rozen Neupane, Trey Zambito, Alfred de Jaager, Jim Haizlett and Michael Murphy gather after the Order of the Torch ceremony.

“We are pleased to honor our hard working students and faculty who embody the institution’s mission so well. The Order of the Torch is a fine example of our success as a college. I congratulate all the students and faculty being inducted this year,” said President Robin C. Capehart. 

2014 graduates Michael Murphy, Bellaire, Ohio, Rozen Neupane, Kathmandu, Nepal and Andrew Price, Bluefield, W.Va. and rising senior Alfonso “Trey” Zambito, Wheeling, were the student scholars honored. Retired Associate Professor of Music Alfred de JaagerĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýAssociate Professor of Art James Haizlett also were inducted into the men’s honorary society during a festive dinner celebration.

In addition to the new members, 11 current members attended the induction ceremony and congratulated the new honorees. Dr. Mohamed Youssef, Order of the Torch member assisted in the festivities.

Order of the Torch membership includes leading faculty members and WLU’s highest achieving students, chosen based upon a demonstration of excellence and leadership in three areas: classroom academics, campus activities and community service.

All four of the student inductees this spring were excited to be accepted into the prestigious group.

“I have always believed in hard work and determination,” Neupane said. “Maintaining a good GPA and being involved on campus have been my priorities throughout the last four years. High academic achievements and an involvement in the campus community are two of the most important criteria for being inducted into the Order.”

The honorary society has a rich tradition and dates back to 1932, when West Liberty was a State Teachers’ College and President J.S. Bonar organized the Torch Society, as it was then known, to serve as the ranking men’s honorary. The organization consisted of both faculty members and the most distinguished male students in terms of scholarship, service and sportsmanship.

The Torch was reinvigorated through the efforts of current President Robin C. Capehart and is now known as the Order of the Torch. By retaining the symbol of the torch, the updated honorary maintains tradition and links to the rich history of WLU, West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education established in 1837. It continues to serve as the ranking men’s honorary at West Liberty University today.

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Students graduating summa cum laude (highest honors) are Nicole Rae Baker of Cambridge, Ohio; Lindsay Nicole Cervenak of Weirton; Alan Wayne Cline of Wellsburg; Jeanine Marie Cook of Wheeling; Dipti Guragain of Narayanghad Chitwan, Nepal; Machele Lynn Miller of Moundsville; Rozen Neupane of Yorkha, Nepal; Andrew Tyler Price of Bluefield, W.Va.; Jordan Nicole Ramsay of Powhatan Point, Ohio; Dillon Tyler Richardson of Glen Easton, W.Va.; Kimberly Michelle Rippeth of New Philadelphia, Ohio; Stacy L. Sumner of Toledo, Ohio; and Heather Marie Uttermohlen of Wheeling.

Students graduating magna cum laude (high honors) are Jacob Allen Walker Adamczyk of Weirton; Casey Shantelle Allison of New Cumberland, W.Va.; Shannon Marie Berardi of Lakewood, Ohio; Ryan David Bland of Bridgeport, W.Va.; James Scott Bolton of Moundsville; Benjamin W. Burns of Wheeling; Ashley Dawn Chichester of Williamstown, W.Va.; Angela N. Crump of Bethel Park, Pa.; Joseph Cuchta of Moundsville; Tabitha Nicole Ezell of Pennsboro, W.Va.; Sara Ann Funkhouser of Wheeling; Daniel Jacob Gantzer of Wheeling; Frank Richard Gustine of Venetia, Pa.; Paul K. Harbert Jr. of Steubenville, Ohio; Kathryn Suzanne Hawken of New Cumberland, W.Va.; Lyndsey Brielle Ingram of Wheeling; Julie A. Koch of Wheeling; Amber L. Loew of Valley Grove; Corrine Elizabeth Martin of Great Cacapon, W.Va.; Alyssa Jayne McKitrick of Wheeling; Lindsay Marie Orr of Cumberland, W.Va.; Jessica Louise Reger of Wheeling; Nicole Lee Rucinsky of West Liberty; Kaleb Paul Rush of Woodsfield, Ohio; Jennifer M. Smith of Wheeling; Whitney Shae Wells of Middlebourne, W.Va.; Timothi Renee Williams of Wellsburg; Jourden James-Clark Yager of Barnesville, Ohio; Rachel M. Zeigler of Pleasantville, Ohio; and Suzanna Maria Zunser-Campbell of Moundsville.

Students graduating cum laude (honors) are Sadie Nadine Atkinson of Brookville, Pa.; Alora Danon Austin of Crawford, W.Va.; James T. Benner of Wheeling; Marlene Ann Bolen of Columbus, Ohio; Crystal M. Bradley of Bellaire, Ohio; Crystal A. Bragg of Moundsville; Kaitlyn Neal Comer of Martinsburg, W.Va.; Kayla Marie Cremeans of Vienna, W.Va.; Katelyn Marie Davidson of Glen Dale; Haylie Nicole Delozier of Zanesville, Ohio; Kristen Marie Dopp of Weirton; Raquel Anne Fagundo of Bethany, W.Va.; Luke Kovacs Farmer of Wheeling; Steven Nicholas Fletcher of Weirton; Tessa Jo Gretchen of Adena, Ohio; Levi Scott Hall of Moundsville; Jacob Noah Holden of Wheeling; Heather D. Jefferis of Barnesville, Ohio; Caitlyn Elizabeth Johnson of Moundsville; Sophia Argirro Kayafas of Wheeling; Katherine E. Kettlewell of Wheeling; Katlyn Rose Kleinendorst of St Clairsville, Ohio; Chelsea Brooke Lowe of Clarington, Ohio; Haley M. Lucas of Barnesville, Ohio; Kyle Edward Lutz of Louisville, Ohio; Natalie M. Manners of Wheeling; Felicia Ann McCullough of Hannibal, Ohio; Laura Elizabeth Molter of Wheeling; Whitney Lyn Moore of Fairview, W.Va.; Sydney Paige Mosley of Falling Waters, W.Va.; Barbara Ann Paul of Mechanicsville, Virginia; Kristin Marie Randolph of Wheeling; Carly Jaymes Reischman of Barnesville, Ohio; Veronica Paige Saling of Caldwell, Ohio; Kayla N. Seidler of Wheeling; Amanda Nicole Sellers of New Martinsville, W.Va.; Zachary Thomas Smith of Moundsville; Stephanie Lynn Strope of Shadyside, Ohio; Kristin Diane Wendell of Mingo Junction, Ohio; Anthony Ira Werner Jr. of Wheeling; Michelle L. Wood of Wheeling; Alexandra R. Wright of Bellaire, Ohio; and Shelby Lynne Zaleski of Cambridge, Ohio.

Masters degree candidates by hometown are as follows:

WEST VIRGINIA

Bethany: Roberta Pamela Olivo.

Follansbee: Brittany Nicole Pearson, Joan E. Simonetti.

McMechen: Lindy May Knight.

Moundsville: Elizabeth A. Elson, Daniel Joseph Whitlatch.

Proctor: Cole Evans Simms.

Weirton: Jason B. Bennett, Jessica Lauren Pugh.

Wellsburg: Timothy Scott Ickes.

Wheeling: Sally Ann Hunter Bock, Sarah Gutman Brammer, Valerie Renee Reed Crow, Natalia Doroshenko, Daniel Christian Easton, Elizabeth A. Elson, Marga Rebekah Kulpa, Kevin James Macklin, Torie Richelle Montgomery, Maureen M. Popke, Ashley N. Wolfe.

OHIO

Bellaire: John Patrick Farrier Jr.

Belmont: Emily Reneé Miller.

Creston: Lyndsea R. Metheney.

Cumberland: Loren Christine Biggs.

Powhatan: Gara M. Griffin.

Shadyside: Jodi R. Gottardi.

PENNSYLVANIA

Carnegie: Michelle L. Rouda.

Connellsville: Jessica Elaine Striner.

Pittsburgh: Alexandra Marie Findley, Joelle Marie Kidder.

Spraggs: Megan Nicole Moore.

Washington: Steven David Gillis.

GEORGIA

Griffin: Joel Kent Phillips.

MINNESOTA

Coon Rapids: Philip Anthony Kruseman.

Undergraduate degree candidates by hometown are as follows:

WEST VIRGINIA

Baker: Carrie Ellen Vance.

Beaver: James William-Marshall Birch.

Benwood: Kevin Mark Fisher, Zane Scott Harvey.

Bethany: Raquel Anne Fagundo.

Bluefield: Andrew Tyler Price.

Bridgeport: Ryan David Bland.

Bunker Hill: Morgan Kali Miller.

Cameron: Kyla Brooke Alley, Sarah Lynn Burge, Markus Daniel Hughes, Crystal L. Pahanish, Jessica Leigha Parry.

Chester: Neva Renee Ambrose, Michael S. McAvoy.

Colliers: Jessica Marlene Chipps, Gary E. Dennis, Lori A. Dennis.

Crawford: Alora Danon Austin.

Cross Lanes: Jonathan Robert Entenmann.

Cumberland: Lindsay Marie Orr.

Fairview: Whitney Lyn Moore.

Falling Waters: Sydney Paige Mosley.

Follansbee: Ryan Charles Cagot, Amy M. Mihellis, Alicia A. Wayne.

Friendly: Shaylee C. Dawson.

Glen Dale: Kayla Marie Ashcraft, Katelyn Marie Davidson.

Glen Easton: Dillon Tyler Richardson.

Great Cacapon: Corrine Elizabeth Martin.

Hinton: Emily Nicole Blevins.

Hurricane: Tiffany Reanee Forbes.

Martinsburg: Kaitlyn Neal Comer, Jay B. Roberts.

Middlebourne: Whitney Shae Wells.

Millwood: Heath M. Casto.

Mineral Wells: Logan J. Smith.

Morgantown: Cassandra Nicole Nowery.

Moundsville: James Scott Bolton, Crystal A. Bragg, Joseph Cuchta, Rochelle J. Cunningham, Laken Hope Drake, Nathan P. Dunn, Cody M. Francis, Ashley Nichole Hall, Levi Scott Hall, Morgan Brittney Hughes, Caitlyn Elizabeth Johnson, Alissa Mackenzie Leach, Brenda R. McGill, Machele Lynn Miller, Zachary Thomas Smith, Jessica Nichole Warsinsky, Suzanna Maria Zunser-Campbell.

New Cumberland: Casey Shantelle Allison, Ryan Asbury, Ericca L. Ginier, Gabriella Lynn Harcharik, Kathryn Suzanne Hawken.

New Manchester: Stacey J. Miller.

New Martinsville: Lindsay Elizabeth Riggs, Amanda Nicole Sellers.

Paden City: Ashleigh Rachelle Bland, James Russell Drain, Coty Michael Meadows.

Parkersburg: Andrew K. Church, Matthew Thomas Littleton, Justin Stuart Wajda.

Pennsboro: Tabitha Nicole Ezell.

Petroleum: Cody Montana Shultz.

Pine Grove: Lesta Shea Kocher.

Proctor: Keith E. Haught Jr., Megan Elise Martin.

Ravenswood: Brandon Scott Humphreys.

Reedsville: Sara B. Catlett.

Romney: Jeanne Marie Jendras.

Seth: Rachel J. Cornell.

Sistersville: Jacob E. Lohri, Samantha Roxanne Moore.

Triadelphia: Megan R. Hand, Jocelyn Nicole Kovalski, Mariah Laren McCroskey.

Valley Grove: Jessica M. Isenberg, Erin R. Johnson, Amber L. Loew, Drew A. Sebok.

Vienna: Brittney Michelle Balzano, Kayla Marie Cremeans.

Weirton: Jacob Allen Walker Adamczyk, Colin C. Bennett, Samuel Denton Bruich, Lindsay Nicole Cervenak, Kristen Marie Dopp, Steven Nicholas Fletcher, Stacey Ann Francis, Sarah Marie Howells, Michael R. Mitchell, Dakota Laken Muha, Cherish J. Orr, Gracie J. Orr, Courtney Marie Rice, Beth Marie Wares.

Wellsburg: Alan Wayne Cline, Russell J. Henning III, Kara Louise Huff, Lance E. Johnson, Rachael E. Kirchner, William John Knorr, Jared S. Korbini, Rachel A. Metz, Deanna Beth Meyers, Larissa Dawn Ostrosky, Ashlee Brook Robinson, Heather Nicole Roth, Sydney Marie Wagstaff, Timothi Renee Williams.

West Liberty: Jennifer Leigh Bond, Jazmine Marie Domonski, Robert M. A. Oliver, Nicole Lee Rucinsky.

Wheeling: Charles J. Annett, Gregory Lee Armstrong Jr., Emily Ann Baller, Stephanie M. Barnett, James T. Benner, Jordan Dayne Bridgeman, Kelly Fontaine Brown, Benjamin W. Burns, Amanda DeMay Carney, Scott A. Castilow, Cameron Aubrey Cieply, Richard E. Clifford, Jeanine Marie Cook, Jessica Jean Corder, Ryan D. Dague, Tyler Matthew Dailer, Eric Thomas Donathan, Bobbi Kay Dutcher, Shirley J. Ellifritt, Amy Christine Escue, Amanda Elizabeth Famoso, Luke Kovacs Farmer, Kody Michael Fisher, Brittany Suzanne Flowers, Ashley Dawn Funkhouser, Sara Ann Funkhouser, Daniel Jacob Gantzer, De’Vaughn L. Gordon, Charlotte D. Henderson, Catherine A. Henry, Jacob Noah Holden, Ryan S. Hughes, Lyndsey Brielle Ingram, Sophia Argirro Kayafas, Sara Janell Keedy, Katherine E. Kettlewell, Christopher J. Kiedaisch, Kathryn Elise Kimpel, Julie A. Koch, Abigail L. Kurz, Mikisha Marie Lee, Heather Lemasters, Molly Anne MacGhee, Natalie M. Manners, Alyssa Jayne McKitrick, Michael Allen McLeod, Jeremy I. Merkle, Laura Elizabeth Molter, Rebecca Jeanette Moore, Ryan James Moore, Christina Marie Mucheck, Joseph M. Nazzaro, Caitlin M. O’Leary, Bonnie S. Peterman, Brian Scott Phair, Ashley Nichole Protiva, Patrick D. Quinlin, Kristin Marie Randolph, Jessica Louise Reger, Erin Michelle Reske, Sean Ritner, Amanda Sueann Sanderson, Kayla N. Seidler, Natasha Lynn Sheets, Mandy Lynn Shurak, Jennifer M. Smith, Shane Christopher Swiger, Jessica Marie Taylor, Heather Marie Uttermohlen, Anthony Ira Werner Jr., Michelle L. Wood, Nathan L. Wright, Jason Lee Yoho.

Williamstown: Ashley Dawn Chichester.

Windsor Heights: Kashala Rachelle Aracich.

OHIO

Adena: Tessa Jo Gretchen.

Barnesville: Heather D. Jefferis, Haley M. Lucas, Carly Jaymes Reischman, Jourden James-Clark Yager.

Beallsville: Mandy Jae Reed.

Bellaire: Crystal M. Bradley, Kelly Nicole Foster, Alexandra R. Wright.

Belmont: Kayla M. Truax.

Bridgeport: Tate Anthoni Blanchard, Brandi Elizabeth Hollingshead, Beverly Regina Reed.

Buffalo: Patrisha J. Neff.

Caldwell: Veronica Paige Saling.

Cambridge: Nicole Rae Baker, Shelby Lynne Zaleski.

Canton: Samantha Jolee Lytle, Emily May Mellie.

Carlisle: Samantha Shelton.

Castalia: HayLee Justine Strause.

Cincinnati: Alan Justin Olson.

Clarington: Chelsea Brooke Lowe, Chelsea Renea Matusik.

Columbus: Marlene Ann Bolen.

Dexter City: Jocelyn Marie Warren.

Dundee: Karli Kristine Miller.

East Springfield: Austin Garrett Mattioli.

Flushing: Ryan Craig Horstman.

Hannibal: Felicia Ann McCullough.

Lakewood: Shannon Marie Berardi.

Louisville: Kyle Edward Lutz.

Lowell: Derek Johnson.

Marietta: Alaina Kelly Simmons.

Martins Ferry: Logan Scott Ballint, Ryan D. Mirich, Alyssa Sue Payne, Lukas Edward Zabitski.

Massillon: Rachelle LaRay Prince, Ryan M. Travis.

Mingo Junction: Kristin Diane Wendell.

Neffs: Nikki Jo Padgett.

New Philadelphia: Calliannie Dixon Reidenbach, Kimberly Michelle Rippeth.

Newcomerstown: Ashley Annette Hickman.

North Ridgeville: Keene A. Cockburn.

Pleasantville: Rachel M. Zeigler.

Powhatan Point: George Malcom Brown, Jordan Nicole Ramsay.

Sarahsville: Karissa D. Gibson.

Sardis: Cary D. Wichterman Jr.

Shadyside: Stephanie Lynn Strope.

St Clairsville: Victoria Leigh Balcar, Grant Michael Coleman, Katlyn Rose Kleinendorst, Haygen Ekaterina Mowder, Dillon Louis Nolte, Bonnie Ann Ossichak.

Steubenville: Paul K. Harbert Jr., Callista Erin Russell, Ryan George Smith, Joseph Bernard Strohmeyer, Laura Michelle Thornton.

Tiltonsville: Sean N. Kovalchik.

Toledo: Timothy David Hausfeld, Stacy L. Sumner.

Toronto: Caroline Dee Dougherty.

Wintersville: Sarah M. Christian, Justin Nyle Holt, Mitchell M. Hukill.

Woodsfield: Elizabeth Rose Knott, Kaleb Paul Rush.

Zanesville: Haylie Nicole Delozier, Alex Marie Miller, Brandon Michael Mills.

PENNSYLVANIA

Aliquippa: Zachary D. Turley.

Atlasburg: Natalie Jane Wilkins.

Avella: Stacey Wiley.

Bethel Park: Angela N. Crump.

Brookville: Sadie Nadine Atkinson.

Burgettstown: Adaira M. Church Rufer, Alexandra Taylor Thorne.

Claysville: Bryan Richard Arbes.

Eighty Four: Nicholas Chirumbolo.

Greensburg: Laura Lee Zaffina.

Latrobe: Jeffrey Shawn Yunetz.

Oakdale: James E. Wood Jr.

Pittsburgh: Kimberly Laura Fischer, Caitlin Susan Rodgers.

Venetia: Frank Richard Gustine.

Washington: Anthony C. DiFabio, Tailor Lane Glendenning, Chelsea Lee Haynes.

West Finley: Amanda Dare Lindley.

Undergraduate degree candidates from other states and countries are as follows:

CALIFORNIA- Campbell: Wesley Derek Howell. Chula Vista: Jose M. Baez. Compton: Darrell E. Stanley Jr. Lomita: Christiana Malielani Wightman. FLORIDA- Miramar: Vernon C. Dunnom Jr. Pembroke Pines: Najee Omar Crawford, Irene Tiffany Fadul. Riverview: Justin Karl Black. MARYLAND- Silver Spring: Marcella Paige Hutt. TEXAS- Tyler: Elyse GenĂ©vieve Ellis. VIRGINIA- Arrington: Olivia De’Sha Turner. Buchanan: Sawyer James Russell. Mechanicsville: Barbara Ann Paul. Winchester: April Dawn Salyer. WASHINGTON- Gig Harbor: Ian T. Curran. BRAZIL- Mogi Mirim, Sao Paulo: Raissa Campos Wischi. NEPAL- Narayanghad Chitwan: Dipti Guragain. Yorkha: Rozen Neupane. THAILAND- Hat Yai-Songkhla: Suchiraya Inpuan.

The post Introducing the Spring Class of 2014 appeared first on Student Life.

From left, President Robin C. Capehart joins President Emeritus Clyde D. Campbell at the formal dedication ceremony for Campbell Hall of Health Sciences.

West Liberty University (WLU) dedicated its state-of-the art Campbell Hall of Health Sciences building at 11 a.m., Monday, May 5. The $23-million building houses six academic departments: chemistry, dental hygiene, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, speech pathology/audiology and the newest WLU health science program, physician assistant studies.

“First, we’d like to offer our deepest appreciation to former Chancellor of Higher Education, Brian Noland, who is now serving as the President of East Tennessee State University, and who understood of the need for a facility that would contribute to the long-term health care needs of the people of West Virginia,” began President Robin C. Capehart at the formal dedication, attended by approximately 250 guests.

“It was through Dr. Noland’s support that the Higher Education Policy Commission identified this facility that we dedicate today as the highest priority among all new construction projects for higher education in the State of West Virginia.”

President Capehart also thanked the West Virginia Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Paul Hill for his support of the building project and thanked United States Senator Joe Manchin, who was West Virginia governor at the time the project began, and current Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, for their help in making the new science building a reality.

After thanking the many campus leaders, donors, WLU Board of Governors, staff, administrators and friends of the University, Capehart continued by stating:

“It’s fitting that we gather on this day – to dedicate this building – in honor of this gentleman – having just passed the 5th anniversary of this institution becoming a university. For the proud heritage of this institution, the opportunity that lies within this building and the life of service unselfishly provided by the building’s namesake all share one thing in common – the ability to transform the lives of countless number of individuals.”

Named in honor of Dr. Clyde Campbell, who graduated from West Liberty in 1953 and later served as a chemistry professor and then president of the University from 1984 – 1995, the dedication marks the formal opening of the 72,000 square-foot educational building.

“West Liberty has been such a large part of my life and now I can literally be part of West Liberty’s life even into the future,” remarked Campbell at the dedication, which was attended by his family, students, employees and invited guests.

“It’s an exciting time to be a student majoring in the sciences at West Liberty University,” said Dean of the College of Sciences Dr. Robert Kreisberg. “Campbell Hall brings together the health sciences in one central location and enhances our student academic experience. The classrooms, laboratories and clinical spaces add to our strong curriculum to create the best research and learning environments for our students and faculty.”

The four-story administrative and classroom structure was designed using neoclassical architectural elements, consistent with the overall look of the university. Architect for the project was Perfido, Weiskopf, Wagstaff and Goettel of Pittsburgh. Nello Construction of Canonsburg, Pa. was the builder.

WLU employee Larry Skrzypek was the project manager of Campbell Hall construction, which began with a ground breaking on July 1, 2012.

PA students Christopher Fong and Peter Domaoal greet guests at the Campbell Hall dedication.

The position of the new science building on Faculty Drive overlooking a green wooded vale, creates an attractive walking path that accommodates students walking to other campus locations including Hoge Quadrangle, Arnett Hall and the College Union.

Other inviting features include a spacious outdoor veranda attached to the back of the structure that leads to the new path.

The state of West Virginia provided $12.75 million of the total budget for Campbell Hall and the University invested an additional $1.1 million from gas and timber rights. An additional $500,000 was provided through private fundraising thanks to generous donors, with another sum of $400,000 committed to Campbell Hall through planned giving and pledges. The remaining balance was funded through a $10 million bond issuance.

Located on Faculty Drive, below Shaw Hall, Campbell Hall makes use of a formerly wooded area of campus. For more information on the Campbell Hall of Health Science, please call 304-336-8888 or visit westliberty.edu.

To read the complete text of President Robin C. Capehart’s dedication speech, please click here.

The post Campbell Hall of Health Sciences Points to Bright Future for WLU appeared first on Student Life.

The painting now hangs in the Campbell Hall of Health Sciences, which will host a formal dedication at 11 a.m., Monday, May 5. Campbell graduated from WLU in 1953 and later served as a chemistry professor and then president of the University from 1984 – 1995.

Kayafas was asked to paint the artwork by Professor Brian Fencl who is chair of the communication and visual arts department. She was thrilled.

“Sophia is an ideal student for a project like this. She has the skills and the drive to take a project of this magnitude to completion. It’s also a chance for her to leave something meaningful behind and make a name for herself. She will become an alum that WLU will be proud of,” said Fencl.

Former WLU Foundation Board member and leader of the first capital campaign, Emmett R. Boyle and wife Debra Boger, commissioned the work and paid for Kayafas’ supplies, including framing, to honor their dear friend Clyde.

Working in oils on linen, Kayafas used a photo of Campbell but also visited him in his home in Clearview and interviewed him to get a feel for his personality.

“I wanted the painting to play into how people perceived him so I needed to understand his personality. Meeting him was one of the best parts of the project,” she said. She learned all about his past, how he first got into science and chemistry and his experience as a professor and later president of West Liberty.

Kayafas did several studies and sketches, while the actual painting took her eight months of work. She is pleased with the result.

“The painting was done to make people aware of this very influential man that helped students have a place to study and learn. I wanted them to see a glimpse of someone special and associate his friendly smile with the name of the building,” said Kayafas.

The result is a relaxed, natural image of Dr. Campbell in his home office, done in warm earth tones. It is very welcoming and greets students and visitors in the main entrance of the new science building which houses the departments of chemistry, dental hygiene, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, speech pathology/audiology and physician assistant studies.

The painting incorporates many personal articles found in Campbell’s office, like chemistry books and a bust of Abraham Lincoln. Prominently placed in the foreground of Kayafas’ work is a large hourglass, full of sand.

Kayafas explained that the hourglass represents the timeless nature of giving.

“His legacy is timeless and so is his generosity. His legacy goes on.”

“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be asked to do this. WLU has taught me so much about my life and work. It’s a blessing to leave something like this behind,” she said. “I’m very thankful, very honored to have this chance.”

The daughter of Gus and Maria Kayafas of Wheeling, she looks forward to participating in the formal dedication of Campbell Hall and greeting Campbell’s family and guests.

After she graduates on May 10, Kayafas will move to New York City sometime in the summer to begin a new career as a student at the New York Academy of Art.

But the Hilltop Campus will always remember her for her talent and beautiful portrait of its former president and friendly leader, Dr. Clyde D. Campbell.

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Student Commencement Speaker Lindsay Cervenak.

Commencement speaker West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman will address the graduates and guests, speaking on “May You Have A Story To Tell.”

Lindsay Cervenak, Weirton, W.Va., was selected as the graduating student speaker. Cervenak is the highest-ranking student from the College of Education, having earned a 4.0 GPA.

“I’m honored to have this chance to be the student speaker on this important day and will talk about the development of character at WLU and how it impacts students, and our futures,” said Cervenak.

An elementary education major with a pre-K specialization, she most recently completed her student teaching at Hilltop Elementary School in Marshall County and also completed student teaching at Woodsdale Elementary.

She is the daughter of Colleen and Michael Cervanak and will be teaching at Noah’s Ark preschool, Wheeling, post commencement.

In addition, graduating seniors with the highest grade point average in each respective college carries the college banner during the Commencement Ceremony.

The following students will be serving as banner carriers:

• College of Arts & Communication – Alan Cline, Wellsburg, W.Va.
• College of Sciences – Nicole Baker, Cambridge, Ohio
• Gary E. West College of Business – Daniel Gantzer, Wheeling
• College of Education – Machele Miller, Moundsville, W.Va. and Heather Uttermohlen, Wheeling (tie)
• College of Liberal Arts – Stacy Sumner, Toledo, Ohio
• School of Professional Studies – Paul Harbert, Steubenville, Ohio

Doors will open for seating at 9:30 a.m. and admission tickets are not required. Parking will be available for guests behind the ASRC and a reception for graduates, guests and families will be held in the College Union immediately following the ceremony.

The Commencement Ceremony also will be televised live on WLU-TV 14 (Comcast Channel 14).

Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five colleges — the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and the Gary E. West College of Business — offer more than 60 majors and 30 programs. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.

Please call 1.866.WESTLIB for more information.

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From left, Evan Newman, Jeffrey Tice shake hands just before the swearing in ceremony.

Evan Newman, New Martinsville, W.Va., a sophomore communication studies major, will serve as president of the organization. Jeffrey Tice (Chester, W.Va., a junior public relations major, will serve as vice president. Both have been involved with SGA for two years and are looking forward for the opportunity to serve the student body at this level.

“I have developed a strong connection to our University over my time here, and I am beyond thankful that the student body has given me the chance to represent them in this role,” Tice said in regards to being elected to his new role. “Evan and I have a lot of ideas about where we would like to start, but we are hoping to gage the student body on what they need us to do, to have a better experience.”

“I was very pleased to be elected by the student body as the next Student Government Association President. My overall goal is to give back and help the students in anyway I possibly can,” said Newman. “I look forward to bringing bigger and better entertainment to campus, as well as working alongside my fellow students to improve the environment on campus. I can’t wait to get to work for the students in 2014.”

SGA is a student led representative body made up of members that are elected by the students at WLU. Through their work with administrators, they work to build bridges of communication between students and the administration, as well as working to develop creative programming for students. The association governs itself on three pillars, service, leadership and integrity.

Advisor for SGA Associate Dean of Student Services/Director of Housing & Student Life Marcella Snyder. For more information, please visit the SGA webpage.

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