By Hannah Mason, Assistant Editor
Before we dig into the year 2015 on the hilltop, let’s take a look back on all of the commendable achievements and progress that West Liberty University has made during the year 2014.
It’s impossible to list everything that has happened in and through West Liberty and its community of students, faculty, staff, benefactors, and alumni in the past twelve months, but there are many accomplishments which stand out:
In 2014, five hundred and twenty-one West Liberty graduates received their diplomas, between the spring and fall commencements.
Campbell Hall of Health Sciences opened its shiny new doors on March 17 as the new home for six programs from the College of Sciences.
A new football field and press box were named in honor of esteemed West Liberty University donor and alumnus, Gary E. West.
Many other upgrades around campus were completed, including renovations to Kelly Theater and the Paul N. Elbin Library.
In 2014, too many West Liberty faculty and staff members to name individually were hired, promoted, appointed to special positions or boards, and awarded special honors or distinctions. Numerous West Liberty students and alumni, as well, were awarded many merits and honors, scholarships and prized internships, all year long.
New Student Government President Evan Newman and Vice President Jeffrey Tice were elected. New campus life traditions and events were added to the ongoing roster of annual favorites, such as Homecoming, where 2014 Homecoming King and Queen Stewart Lane and Jillian Laslo were crowned.
West Liberty offered several new degree programs during 2014, including a new Master’s in Professional Studies program, a Bachelor of Arts in Community Education program, and an early entrance to dental (DEAP) and medical school program in the College of Sciences.
Students in the arts, theater, and music at West Liberty have continued to thrive and gain deserved attention for their work and performances. Among many other achievements, notably in 2014 West Liberty’s flute choir earned the chance to perform at the Mid-Atlantic Flute Fair in February and at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall in October.
And 2014 saw a big year for Hilltopper Athletics, as well, gaining them not only local but national attention across the board. Among the accomplishments of WLU’s athletes, the number one ranked men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight national championship game.
Even in the summer, West Liberty students and faculty thrived on and off the hilltop with new programs like the College of Science’s undergraduate research Topper-SURE program, various study abroad trips around the world, and Washington Internships.
Recently, West Liberty was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the University’s dedication to its volunteer and community service efforts.
The year 2014 closes as a standout year for West Liberty University, the little hilltop university continues to make a big impact in the community and beyond. With the changing of the calendar, it’s time to start the tally over again. Can WLU top last year’s accomplishments in 2015?