“We are pleased with the growth in our Elbin Scholar program as we continue to strive to be a great University. Private funding from corporations like AT&T will allow us to offer further resources to attract quality students and we thank AT&T for their generosity,” said President Robin C. Capehart.

From left, Leah Cyrus, Zachary Dillard, Adam Kenney and Tyler McGary are shown in front of the Elbin Library.

• Cyrus is a rising junior from Columbiana, Ohio and majors in biology. Also an honors student, she is a member of the Biology Club. She plans to attend optometry school after she completes her undergraduate degree.

• Dillard is a rising junior from Craigsville, W.Va. and majors in biology (pre-med). He is an honors student and member of the Biology Club, Psychology Club and the Fight Club. After graduation he would like to explore the world.

• Kenney is a rising sophomore from Newport, Ohio and majors in biology (pre-pharmacy). An honors student, he is a member of the Biology Club and is active in church. After graduation he plans to attend pharmacy school and become a retail pharmacist close to his hometown.

• McGary is a rising junior from Flushing, Ohio and majors in finance. Also a student-athlete, he is on the Hilltopper baseball team and also finds time to be active in the Investment Club. After graduation he plans to pursue a master’s degree in finance and become a financial advisor.

Named in honor of Dr. Paul N. Elbin, president of West Liberty for 35 years, the Elbin Scholar designation is the highest scholar level at West Liberty. Despite the rigorous requirements, the Elbin program has grown significantly over the past 10 years, thus increasing the need for scholarship funding for this program.

In 2003, just five students were named Elbin Scholars. This year, WLU proudly claimed 74 Elbin Scholars.

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 and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.

“Our annual Lary Loew Golf Scramble is a big part of our alumni tradition. Lary understood the importance of athletics to West Liberty and this event continues to honor his memory as it raises funds for athletic scholarships,” said Jason Koegler, vice president of Institutional Advancement.  “We encourage all golfers and Topper fans to get involved.”

From left, Alumni Director Shane Stack joins the sisters of the late Lary Loew, Sharon Saseen, Brenda Thomas and Carol Loew along with Annual Fund Director Stefanie Trouten to discuss the June 24 golf scramble.

Loew studied economics at WLU, graduating with honors in 1975. He was an award-winning professional for the Equitable Life Assurance Society (now AXA Financial) and was inducted into the its Hall of Fame. He also founded his own company, The Cornerstone Group, the only full-service employee benefits agency in West Virginia.

The long-time supporter of WLU athletics and accomplished golfer was added to the WLU Alumni Wall of Honor – the highest honor the alumni association can bestow on a graduate – in 2011.

An expert on healthcare reform who was active in the community, he also served on the boards of the West Liberty University Foundation, Northwood Health System, American Legion Post 1 and the West Virginia Golf Association.

All funds raised through this annual golf scramble support scholarships for the WLU Football program. The first $3,000 will benefit the Robert and Nancy Loew Scholarship Fund, set up by Lary to honor his parents.

Those signing up for the golf scramble will receive:

• 18 holes of golf with cart on the Arnold Palmer Course
• Lunch upon arrival
• On-course games and contests
• Refreshments on the course
• Dinner at the conclusion of the event
• Special gift for all participants

Teams can find out more about sponsorship or registration by contacting Director of Annual Giving Stefanie Trouten at strouten@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8888.

The Arnold Palmer Designed Course is the newest course at Oglebay Resort and features a par 71-championship layout with six par-three holes, seven par-four holes and five par-five holes. It ranges in distance from 6,800 yards from the championship tees up to 4,200 yards from the forward tees and is designed to accommodate golfers on all skill levels.

WLU is a member of the NCAA and the Mountain East Conference and offers a wide range of intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division II level, including men’s football, cross country, basketball, wrestling, track, tennis, baseball and golf; women’s softball, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, tennis, golf and soccer.

WLU also is ranked as one of the most affordable liberal arts colleges in the country for both in state and out-of-state students, making a student’s return on investment an attractive amenity.

Led by President Robin C. Capehart, WLU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.

Funding for the router was part of a nationwide effort to expand broadband service across the United States.

James Clark points to the new router as he explains the significance of the technology.

“This means a more efficient level of bandwidth is now operating on campus,” said Chief Technology Officer James Clark. “It also means that our students and staff will enjoy faster translation of data from searches to results.”

The state-of-the art router also may allow West Liberty to get Internet Protocol (IP) telephones in the future, he added. Clark joined West Liberty in 2002 and heads the Information Technology department, headquartered in Main Hall.

The opportunity to get the high tech router presented itself to Clark recently when the West Virginia Governor’s Office of Technology announced that there was a surplus of routers available for institutions of Higher Education, libraries and other public entities. Clark expressed an interest in two of the routers, one for the main West Liberty campus and a second one for the Highlands Center campus.

“I put in a bid for both routers and still hope to receive the second one for the Highlands in the near future,” Clark said.

The surplus routers were received by the state as a result of a grant from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the NTIA and the RUS with $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband services in the United States.

Of those funds, the Act provided $4.7 billion to NTIA to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service, and develop and maintain a nationwide public map of broadband service capability and availability.

Since the program’s inception, NTIA has awarded a total of $293 million to 56 grantees, one each from the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia, or their designees.

Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.

Funding for the router was part of a nationwide effort to expand broadband service across the United States.

James Clark points to the new router as he explains the significance of the technology.

“This means a more efficient level of bandwidth is now operating on campus,” said Chief Technology Officer James Clark. “It also means that our students and staff will enjoy faster translation of data from searches to results.”

The state-of-the art router also may allow West Liberty to get Internet Protocol (IP) telephones in the future, he added. Clark joined West Liberty in 2002 and heads the Information Technology department, headquartered in Main Hall.

The opportunity to get the high tech router presented itself to Clark recently when the West Virginia Governor’s Office of Technology announced that there was a surplus of routers available for institutions of Higher Education, libraries and other public entities. Clark expressed an interest in two of the routers, one for the main West Liberty campus and a second one for the Highlands Center campus.

“I put in a bid for both routers and still hope to receive the second one for the Highlands in the near future,” Clark said.

The surplus routers were received by the state as a result of a grant from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the NTIA and the RUS with $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband services in the United States.

Of those funds, the Act provided $4.7 billion to NTIA to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service, and develop and maintain a nationwide public map of broadband service capability and availability.

Since the program’s inception, NTIA has awarded a total of $293 million to 56 grantees, one each from the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia, or their designees.

Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.

Christina Boyd is shown with her NOW Foundation design.

Alexis Irvin is shown with her Italian Heritage design.

Christina Boyd was a winner in the NOW Foundation’s Love Your Body poster contest and Alexis Irvin’s work was selected for the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival (Clarksburg) poster competition.

“I’m thrilled to be a winner in the NOW Foundation’s contest. It will be exciting to see my poster on the official website and in print,” Boyd said.

As one of the winning designs, Boyd’s poster will be featured on the NOW Foundation website, and it may be included in other Love Your Body campaign promotions. She also received a $200 check.

Irvin’s poster will soon be seen across the Mountain State.

“I’m happy that my poster will be used to promote the Italian Heritage Festival. I wanted to convey atmosphere, sort of a romantic idea, something bright and vivid,” said Irvin. She received a $100 check for her work.

Both students are studying graphic design in the College of Arts and Communication at West Liberty.

Boyd is a rising junior from Martins Ferry, Ohio, and is looking forward to more design competitions and eventually working in the graphic arts field. Irvin, Weirton, W.Va., is a rising senior and also plans to graduate in 2014 and find employment in the field of graphic communications.

“Poster competitions like these offer our students a chance to build their resume and receive professional feedback. We are pleased that they have achieved success for their efforts,” said Assistant Professor of Art Moonjung Kang, who instructs the students.

“I am very grateful for but also humbled by the award. This is my fourth time to win the award during my tenure at West Liberty. Because the award comes from the student body, it is especially meaningful to me,” Thomas said. Students nominate their favorite professor and votes are counted to select the honoree.

“Our Hilltopper students are the University: without them, we could not exist. And I think that the students—particularly the Student Government and its associates—have appreciated my work regarding recycling programs, shuttle-programs, as well as my availability, my approachability, my humor, and my style of teaching. To me, there is no higher honor than to be recognized by the student body for the work that I have enjoyed doing for over a third of a century now. I feel quite honored, and I genuinely thank the students for acknowledging my commitments to WL,” he said.

A native of Burgettstown, Pa., Thomas has taught at West Liberty since 1985 and previously served two years as interim chairman of the Department of Humanities. Besides his Professor of the Year awards, he received the Faculty Development Achievement Award for publications and presentations in 1993-1994, and the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000-2001.

Thomas is a 1975 alumnus of West Liberty and earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and history at WLU. He then earned a Master’s of Arts in American Literature degree at Marshall University in 1977 and a Doctor of Modern American Literature degree from West Virginia University in 1992.

Thomas is the author of the 1998 book of poetry, “… Only the Trying …” He also is known in the region for his poetry reading, and is a frequent guest at Ohio County Public Library Lunch with Books program and the Wheeling Arts Fest.

He currently serves as chairman of the WLU Green Initiatives committee, which sponsored the first annual West Liberty University Environmental Education Day this past April.

This past November, he graduated from the Masters Naturalist Program, co-sponsored by the Good Zoo at Oglebay and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

He also has taught at Eastern Kentucky University, Marshall University, Glenville State and Wheeling Colleges (now Wheeling Jesuit University).

Thomas resides in Wheeling, with his wife, Edye, and dog, Cerby.

West Liberty University held its Spring 2013 Commencement at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 11, in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC). Representing the largest graduating class since the 1980s, the Class of 2013 includes the following 337 students.

Honor Graduates: 

• Summa Cum Laude (highest honors)

Heather D. Carmichael, Ravenswood, W.Va.; Molly E. Dennison, Pine Grove, W.Va.; Elizabeth Virginia Francis, Wheeling; Krista Marie Groves, Weirton; Brittany Morgan Loy, New Martinsville, W.Va.; Lisa Marie Mazzella, Wellsburg; Francesca M. Miller, Wheeling; Krista L. Montes, Wheeling; Anna Lea Patrick, Davis, W.Va.; Jessica Lauren Pybus, Saint Marys, W.Va.; Jesse Leigh Schwertfeger, Follansbee, W.Va.; Shayla Scollick of Moundsville; Kimberly Ann Scott of Valley Grove; Marlena Elsie Sell of Wheeling; Courtney Christine Shaffer of Colliers, W.Va.; Emily Paige Shimp of Leroy, W.Va.; Joshua P. Smith of Davis, W.Va.; Leigh Ann Stephens of Wheeling; Amanda Anne Vice of Weirton; Kassidy Grace Wells of Wellsburg; and Ashley Elizabeth Zago of Follansbee, W.Va..

• Magna Cum Laude (high honors)

Ryan B. Aston of Moundsville; Kaylee Ann Baker of Carrollton, Ohio; James Patrick Ball Jr. of Wheeling; Jason A. Bennett of Wheeling; Sherry Denise Borsos of Adena, Ohio; Megan Jo Ciacci of Pleasant City, Ohio; Jennifer M. Cooper of Weirton; Rachael Leann Crooks of Alledonia, Ohio; Michael Matthias Dotson of Middlebourne, W.Va.; Matthew W. Dougherty of Wheeling; Allison Leah Ferrell of Proctor, W.Va.; Caleb Matthew Filburn of St Clairsville, Ohio; Kayla Nicole Firm of Toronto, Ohio; Constanza P. Fuentes of Bridgeport, Ohio; Tara M. Gajtka of Weirton; Natalie Christine Games of Wheeling; Carlie Marie Haywood of Claysville, Pa.; Kevin Hensley of Wheeling; Hilary Linn Hewitt of Moundsville; Joshua Keller Hughes of Wheeling; Allyson Marie Katona of Wheeling; Rachel Lynn Knutsen of Weirton; Oksoon Kwon of Wheeling; Tuấn Trần Lê of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Lindsay Rebecca Leasure of New Martinsville, W.Va.; Nicolette Reneé Ludewig of Follansbee, W.Va.; Erin Marie Mazzocca of Wheeling; Clay McCreery of Bolivar, Ohio; Kelsey A. McKinney of Clinton, Ohio; Nathan Robert Parry of Washington, Pa.; Brittany Ann Raineri of Colliers, W.Va.; Julia R. Saling of Salineville, Ohio; Kelsea N. Smith of Davis, W.Va.; Leah Dawn Starkey of New Martinsville, W.Va.; Kayla Renee Stickley of Fisher, W.Va.; Kylee Marie Utt of Colliers, W.Va.; and Amber Marie Wilson of Moundsville.

• Cum Laude (honors)

Jessica Elizabeth Bennett of Wintersville, Ohio; Michelle René Bennett of Wheeling; Kathleen Ranee Butcher of New Martinsville, W.Va.; Holly M. Carson of Bergholz, Ohio; Joshua Costlow of Toronto, Ohio; Travis C. Denman of Williamsville, New York; Johnathan Pilgram Dennis of Weirton; Kristen Renee Dotson of Weirton; Anne M. Edwards of Dover, Ohio; Bryan M. Gasaway of Follansbee, W.Va.; Joshua Dylan Graham of Carrollton, Ohio; Justine Gabriele-Gloria Gruber of Wheeling; Heidi Marie Hamrick of Elkins, W.Va.; Kelly Madison Heare of Keyser, W.Va.; Jeshua Ivan Irazabal of Temixco, Mexico; Broc N. Jones of Moundsville; Rebecca Louise Juszczak of Chester, W.Va.; Stacy Marie Kasprowicz of Wellsburg; Christina Ada Kerns of Wheeling; Shelby Lynn Koerner of Butler, Pa.; Aaron Levi Kuhn of Glen Easton, W.Va.; Lori Anne McGlumphy of Wheeling; Brock T. Melko of Wheeling; Courtney Leigh Moulder of St Clairsville, Ohio; Hannah Elizabeth Ohler of Wellsburg; Manish Ojha of Baltimore, Maryland; Lois A. Perkins of Dublin, Ohio; Hope A. Roberts of Weirton; Ashley Nicole Rusk of Weirton; Amber N. Sallee of Washington, W.Va.; Neala Z. Salmassi of Great Falls, Virginia; Brandon S. Schroeder of Canonsburg, Pa.; Maribeth Smith of Moundsville; Amanda M. Swann of Wheeling; David J. Syrylo of Follansbee, W.Va.; Chelsea Danielle Virden of Weirton; Jena Lynn Watson of Wheeling; and Meghan N. Wiseman of Sistersville, W.Va.

Masters Degree Candidates by state, hometown:

WEST VIRGINIA

Follansbee: Stephanie Carol Turner

From left, Shayla Scollick and Leigh Stephens, highest GPA science majors selected to carry the College of Sciences commencement banner.

Moundsville: Desireé Ann Ramser

Weirton: Gina Lynn Reitter

Wheeling: Katrina L. DeSantis, Janette L. Joseph, Nathan F. Linger, Jamie L. Schwing, Kathrine Elisabeth Trimmier

OHIO

Mingo Junction: Gina Marie Giuliani

Shadyside: Tiffany J. Bennington

MICHIGAN

East Lansing: Li Cheng

Undergraduate Degree Candidates by state, hometown:

WEST VIRGINIA

Alum Creek: Jonathan D. Ramsey

Beckley: Peter S. Konn

Chester: Jessica Darlene Crighton, Rebecca Louise Juszczak, Carly D. Lowers, Brittany Ann Raineri, Courtney Christine Shaffer, Kylee Marie Utt, Anthony Joseph Viola II

Davis: Anna Lea Patrick, Joshua P. Smith, Kelsea N. Smith

Elizabeth: Lacey Jo Valentine

Elkins: Heidi Marie Hamrick, Christopher I. Postlethwait

Student Speaker Joshua P. Smith earned the highest GPA in the College of Business.

Fairdale: Alyssa Jade Daniels

Fairmont: Pati Roxanne Brake, Kaitlyn Iris Tennant

Fisher: Kayla Renee Stickley

Follansbee: Melanie R. Behanna, Lauren E. Boettcher, Katelyn E. Childers, Francesca M. Fuscardo, Bryan M. Gasaway, Nicolette Reneé Ludewig, Clayton Scott Paris, Jesse Leigh Schwertfeger, Jarrod Shaw, David J. Syrylo, Ashley Elizabeth Zago

Glen Dale: Bricie Greer Brannan, Reuben Allan Dobkin, Melanie Jo McCausland, Eric D. Minor, Mary Ann Nolte, Stefan Michael Riggs, Alexandra P. Stipetich

Glen Easton: Aaron Levi Kuhn

Huttonsville: Kevin D. Watson

Keyser: Kelly Madison Heare

Leroy: Emily Paige Shimp

Lester: Michael Duane Carpenter

Martinsburg: Jordan Alexis Hayden

Middlebourne: Michael Matthias Dotson

Moundsville: Ryan B. Aston, Laura Bonar-Smith, Joseph W. Darmafall III, Joshua D. Ferrell, Joshua L. Fried, Lindsey Shay Goode, Cassandra Marie Hedrick, Hilary Linn Hewitt, Broc N. Jones, Brittney Maureen Kinkade, Carson D. Koontz, Zane A. Madden, Lindsey Rae McCool, Meghan R. Oakland, Shayla Scollick, Geoffrey D. Scott, Amanda L. Semple, Maribeth Smith, Carrie J. Stout, Danielle L. Wagner, Amber Marie Wilson, Clinton M. Wilson

New Cumberland: Nicole Faye Tibbs

New Martinsville: Shae Elizabeth Benson, Kathleen Ranee Butcher, Alicia Diane Coleman, Tella Dawn Craft, Eva Rae Eddy, Lindsay Rebecca Leasure, Brittany Morgan Loy, Lyndsay Ann Miller, Kenneth Evan Powell III, Michelle Dawn Powell, Leah Dawn Starkey

Newell: Megan Watson Eckleberry

Paden City: Eric David Croasmun, Christopher C. O’Boyle, Larry Michael Shepherd

Parkersburg: Jared Nelson Bailey

Student Government President LeeAnne Yeater and Vice President Eric Croasmun.

Pine Grove: Molly E. Dennison

Prichard: Jonathan Derrick Evans

Proctor: Allison Leah Ferrell

Quinwood: Jessica Elizabeth Bleyer

Ravenswood: Heather D. Carmichael

Rupert: Mary K. Livingston

Saint Marys: Jessica Lauren Pybus

Sistersville: Samuel N. Ritchie, Meghan N. Wiseman, Aaron J. Wright

Triadelphia: Jon A. Moore, Whitney Marie Noel Nickerson, Ryan P. Orth

Valley Grove: Kimberly Ann Scott

Valley Head: Jessica Renee Samples

Washington: Amber N. Sallee

Weirton: Ashley Lyn Anderson, Colin Charles Bennett, Steven Joseph Buffo, Jennifer M. Cooper, Johnathan Pilgram Dennis, Kristen Renee Dotson, George William Douglas, Jeremy Richard Eloi, William Howard Eyler, Stephanie A. Gaillas, Tara M. Gajtka, Krista Marie Groves, Rachel Lynn Knutsen, Alex Louis Kuntupis, Christina Reneé Lauck, Joshua Ryan Patitz, Heather Dawn Pulver, Hope A. Roberts, Tyler William Rodgers, Ashley Nicole Rusk, Jessica Marie Smalley, Amanda Anne Vice, Chelsea Danielle Virden, Sydney Rae Vuiller, Amanda J. Young

Wellsburg: Joshua B. Aracich, Marjorie Pauline Boyd, Jaclyn Nichole Cody, Alexa Rae Hunter, Stacy Marie Kasprowicz, Sigourney Nicole Kokosinski, Devon Renee Leonard, Lisa Marie Mazzella, Hannah Elizabeth Ohler, Megan Lynn Pollock, Jaimie Lynn Santora, Bryan J. Spruill, Charles C. Taylor Jr., Jillian Marie Weekley, Kassidy Grace Wells

Wheeling: Natalie Marie Agostinelli, Adrienne Kara Apostolon, Chelsea Rae Auten, James Patrick Ball Jr., Ryan Edward Beabout, Kimberly N. Beall, Amanda SueEllen Bennett, Jason A. Bennett, Michelle René Bennett, Joshua Christopher Benyo, Chase M. Bonnette, Andrew S. Boyd, Kayla M. Brown, Megan Elizabeth Byhanna, Leslie Reck Chattin, John H. Clark, Shannon Leigh Conrad, Jordan M. Daugherty, Joseph L. DiCarlo, Matthew W. Dougherty, Cody Michael Fluharty, Kaitlyn Justine Folmar, Elizabeth Virginia Francis, Natalie Christine Games, Samantha Lynn Gentle, Brandon Michaels Groves, Justine Gabriele-Gloria Gruber, Bradford Thomas Guckert, Karyna S. Guirales, Caitlyn Renee Haley, Shawna Marie Harris, Katie Marie Hedinger, Andrew J. Henry, Kevin Hensley, Kathryn Sue Hickman, Matthew E. Hill, Abigail E. Howard, Alfred J. Howard, Craig J. Howard, Joshua Keller Hughes, Katie Leann Hughes, Cayla J. Jorden, Kathleen Ann Karrasch, Allyson Marie Katona, Christina Ada Kerns, Meaghan Ashley Kinnick, Melissa M. Klug, Anne-julie N. Knollinger, Kyle Glen Knox, Christopher J. Kozlowski, Maura A. Kreitzer, Oksoon Kwon, Jie Xian Lin, Lynsey Clare Lyle Marsh, Erika Dawn Martin, Erin Marie Mazzocca, Kristen M. McConn, Kayla Marie McCormick, Brittany Jo McCullough, Lori Anne McGlumphy, Brock T. Melko, Francesca M. Miller, Renee Christine Miller, Megan Michelle Minor, Krista L. Montes, Cami Lynn Morgan, Ginger C. Morgan, Matthew J. Myles, Fallon Kandra Namack, Chad Joseph Onifer, Brittney N. Pack, Lily A. Pitha, Logan Joseph Rich, Alexandra Christine Rine, Caitlin Mary Rodocker, Shelby Kate-Lynn Rutt, Micheal James Sebulsky, Marlena Elsie Sell, Rachel Anne Holden Shipley, Amy S. Stanley, Leigh Ann Stephens, Amanda M. Swann, Ellen P. Tucker, Todd Matthew Ullom, Joshua Christopher Wanat, Jena Lynn Watson, Robert C. Wheeler, Christopher R. Zandron, Alexandra Sofia Zyznewsky

Williamstown: Ashley Marie Cataldo

Windsor Heights: Benjamin Kyle Smith

OHIO

Adena: Sherry Denise Borsos

Alledonia: Rachael Leann Crooks

From left, Cassidy Wells and Anna Patrick, highest GPA arts and communications majors selected to carry the College of Arts and Communication commencement banner.

Alliance: Matthew D. Betz

Bellaire: Kyle Jacob Cook

Bergholz: Holly M. Carson

Bloomingdale: Ezekial C. Blake, Rachel N. Lewis

Bolivar: Clay McCreery

Bridgeport: Constanza P. Fuentes, Alison Kitzmiller

Cadiz: Kendra Paige Morris

Caldwell: Ashley Alcena-Dawn Crum

Canton: Brittany Marie Moulos

Carrollton: Kaylee Ann Baker, Joshua Dylan Graham

Clinton: Kelsey A. McKinney

Columbus: Joseph Andrew McGee

Dover: Anne M. Edwards, Stefanie Elyse Kandel

Dublin: Lois A. Perkins

Dundee: Karli Kristine Miller

Flushing: Kelsay Breann Jendrusik

From left Topper athlete-graduates, Brandon Schroeder (football) and Alex Falk (basketball).

Frazeysburg: Rita Anne Moses

Harpster: Alexander S. Falk

Huber Heights: LeeAnne Erica Yeater

Irondale: Brittany Jo Champion

Lakeville: Melanie L. Meherg

Litchfield: Joshua Cleatus Varney

Little Hocking: Stephen R. Collins

Martins Ferry: Joshua Okley Cusick, Amy Lynn Hammerquist

Mingo Junction: Jordan Alexandra Edwards, Charlene Longwell, Kristen Marie Sabatino

Pickerington: Mary V. Burkhart Clark

Pleasant City: Megan Jo Ciacci

Powhatan Point: Kayla Elizabeth Koteles, Kelsey Rose McGuire

Quincy: Sara Jane Emerich

Reno: Morgan Ann Lisk

Richmond: Robert W. Stewart Jr.

Salineville: Julia R. Saling

St Clairsville: Caleb Matthew Filburn, Natasha Rachel Halicky, Courtney Leigh Moulder

Steubenville: Alyssa J. Frye, Catherine L. McLane, Jessica Meadows, David Justin Mosti, Brittany Michele Penman

Strasburg: Tyler William Gerber

Sylvania: Melissa R. Pierzchala

Toronto: Clint Marshall Chevalier, Joshua Costlow, Kayla Nicole Firm

Wintersville: Kelli Rae Barker, Jessica Elizabeth Bennett, Jennifer Lynnae Cottis, Daniel M. Davis, Danielle Maria Gamble, Sarah Eileen Thompson, Mark A. Thornley

Wooster: Megan Elizabeth Pycraft

College of Arts and Communication graduates Kayla Stickley and Tony Viola study the program.

Zanesville: Lynzie Lourie Barker

PENNSYLVANIA

Alexandria: Drew C. Peterson

Bridgeville: Katelyn Ann West

Bulger: Alexandra Marie Kowalski

Burgettstown: Danielle Nicole Thorne

Butler: Shelby Lynn Koerner

Canonsburg: Joseph R. Kacvinsky, Brandon S. Schroeder

Claysville: Carlie Marie Haywood

Elizabeth: Jeffrey T. Hoak Jr.

Grove City: Jordan Randall Fee

Harmony: Lauren A. Heisler

Hickory: Cory William Bish

Liberty Boro: Kristin Marie DiClaudio

Monaca: Shayla Marie Sopko

Mount Pleasant: Elizabeth Louise Hoagland

Oakmont: Taylor Ann Wilson

Sharon: Sarah Elizabeth Scheetz

Washington: Tricia Lynn Bryker, Nathan Robert Parry, Bruce Aaron Smith, April Helen Wojcuich

MARYLAND- Baltimore: Manish Ojha

NEW JERSEY- Lindenwold: Hakeem N. Cartwright

NEW YORK- East Aurora: Felicia Ann Hulslander Williamsville: Travis C. Denman

NORTH CAROLINA- Angier: Jordan Lindsey Howarth

RHODE ISLAND- Warren: Alicia Jordan Hunt

UTAH- Sandy: Nicholas Andrew Augustyn

VIRGINIA- Great Falls: Neala Z. Salmassi

MEXICO- Temixco: Jeshua Ivan Irazabal

VIETNAM- Ho Chi Min: Tuấn Trần Lê

From left, Advanced Academy students Elizabeth Simpson, Karla Yurko, Devyn Nickerson and Tequila Smith pose during an initial gathering at Linsly Outdoor Center.

“West Liberty University’s initiative to provide ambitious and academically motivated high school juniors and seniors a chance to accelerate their education is now ending the first year of its pilot program. This inaugural class has worked hard and has proven the initiative a success,” said President Robin C. Capehart.

A total of six students were admitted into the Advanced Academy in the fall of 2012. Of the six, four are returning to WLU, either as full-time college students or as second year AAWV students next year.

“The Advanced Academy is a dual enrollment program designed to give motivated juniors and seniors early access to higher education,” said Ron Witt, Jr., executive director of the Institute for Innovation in Education, whose office initiated the program.

Advanced Academy students join WLU’s traditional Honors College, another University initiative that offers regular college students an academically challenging environment.

But these younger students remain living at home and commute to the Hilltop for college level courses, in lieu of their standard high school classes. Advanced Academy students are not only earning college credit, they are simultaneously fulfilling their high school academic requirements. Therefore, by the time an Academy student graduates high school, he or she could earn as many as 60 hours of college credit, according to Witt.

Of the six students in the inaugural class, three are registered at Wheeling Park High School, one is registered at John Marshall High School and two are registered with the Abundant Life Home School this school year.

In addition to Ohio and Marshall County public schools, students from Brooke High School will have an opportunity to join the AAWV program in the fall, for the 2013-2014 academic year.

From left, Dr. Shannon Halicki and Lacey Santorine go over classes.

“Overall, we’ve been very pleased with the program. More importantly, our Advanced Academy students are happy to be in an engaging academic community with like-minded peers. They kept pace with their older classmates, and in many cases outperformed them,” said Shannon Halicki, Advanced Academy interim academic coordinator.

“The experience was great. It gave me a head start in my education and my future,” said Lacey Santorine, 17, who graduates May 18 from Wheeling Park and has elected to stay at WLU and earn her college degree. She plans to major in business management.

Comments from faculty about the youngest students also are favorable.

“At the beginning of the semester and knowing they were high school students, I was a little worried on how they would handle the chemistry class, as it as seen as one of the more difficult subjects and classes to take at WLU from what I hear students say. But they did extremely well and one of the students has the highest grade in my class and set the curve on nearly every exam and quiz,” said Professor Douglas Swartz. “They were a joy to have in class, as they were engaging, participated in class activities, and demonstrated maturity for both their age and academic discipline.”

If these are the type of students the Advanced Academy is going to bring to WLU, I would lobby to increase that number. It is an asset to campus. From what I’ve seen and experienced, it’s a wonderful program,” he added.

Advanced Academy applications are available online. Deadline for application is May 31, 2013. For more information, please contact Witt at 304-336-8844 or via email at wittron@westliberty.edu.

From left, Order of the Torch new members, Michael Matthias Dotson, Mike Anderson and Alan Cline.

Senior Mike Anderson, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, Graduating Senior Michael Matthias Dotson, Middlebourne, W.Va. and Junior Alan Cline, Wellsburg, W.Va., were inducted into the men’s honorary society at a festive dinner celebration.

Dotson will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Music degree in Voice Performance on May 11 during WLU’s Commencement Ceremony. His post-commencement plans include attending graduate school at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J. where he plans to earn a Master’s in Voice Performance. Dotson received a $10,000 scholarship to Westminster to assist him in his educational efforts.

Anderson, who is a music education major will graduate in December, and Cline, who is also a music major, will graduate in May 2014.

Members of the society include leading members of the faculty and WLU’s highest achieving students. Both faculty and students are chosen based upon a demonstration of excellence and leadership in three areas: the classroom academics, the campus activities and the community service.

The honorary society has a rich tradition and dates to 1932, when West Liberty was a State Teachers’ College and President J.S. Bonar organized the Torch Society 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. It continues to serve as the ranking men’s honorary at West Liberty University today.

By retaining the symbol of the torch, it maintains tradition and links to the rich history of WLU, West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education established in 1837.

From left, Order of the Torch new members, Michael Matthias Dotson, Mike Anderson and Alan Cline.

Senior Mike Anderson, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, Graduating Senior Michael Matthias Dotson, Middlebourne, W.Va. and Junior Alan Cline, Wellsburg, W.Va., were inducted into the men’s honorary society at a festive dinner celebration.

Dotson who will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Music degree in Voice Performance on May 11, is going onto graduate school at the Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J., where he plans to earn a Master’s in Voice Performance. He received a $10,000 scholarship at Westminster.

Anderson will graduate in December and Cline in May 2014.

Members of the society include leading members of the faculty and WLU’s highest achieving students. Both faculty and students are chosen based upon a demonstration of excellence and leadership in three areas: the classroom academics, the campus activities and the community service.

The honorary society has a rich tradition and dates to 1932, when West Liberty was a State Teachers’ College and President J.S. Bonar organized the Torch Society 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. It continues to serve as the ranking men’s honorary at West Liberty University today.

By retaining the symbol of the torch, it maintains tradition and links to the rich history of the college.