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Successful Entrepreneur Gary E . West Gives Back Through Philanthropy
From left , Phyllis " Flip " and Gary West are shown at Oglebay .
The West Liberty University ( WLU ) Foundation recently presented its first-ever Lifetime Impact of Philanthropy Award to Gary and Flip West . The Wests are major donors to WLU and have created a legacy of giving that is known throughout the Northern Panhandle and beyond .
“ The distinguished Lifetime Impact of Philanthropy Award honors Gary and Flip West and their total commitment to our university ,” says Angie Zambito-Hill , executive director of the WLU Foundation , which supports the university through the fundraising , investment and stewardship of private funds .
The Philanthropy Award was presented during the Homecoming Recognition Banquet that took place on Friday , October 15 , in the Paul N . Elbin Library .
The Wests are residents of Wheeling , WV , and Naples , FL , and both are alumni and avid fans of Hilltopper Athletics .
“ It ’ s not often that you find donors who make such a tremendous impact on a university . The Wests directly help students through scholarships ; they have enhanced facilities through updates and funded major construction projects . They are our constant friends and advocates ,” says Zambito-Hill .
They have accumulated the largest lifetime gift commitment by individuals in the history of WLU .
“ Entrepreneurship is truly reimagined by the generosity of the Wests ,” says Jason Koegler , WLU Vice President of External Affairs . “ Successful entrepreneurship can be powerful and result in fueling many more lives and futures as in the example of Gary and Flip West and the countless lives they have touched through supporting education , all made possible by their philanthropy and business acumen .”
WLU ’ s Gary E . West College of Business bears Mr . West ’ s name in recognition of his major gift to the West College of Business Scholarship Program , and he remains involved in other ways , including speaking and sharing his business expertise with students .
Other major gifts the couple are responsible for include the West Family Stadium and the West Family Athletic Complex .
A native of Wheeling , West earned his bachelor ’ s degree in business administration at WLU in 1958 . He then bought Valley Welding Supply Company and grew it from a one-shop operation to a business with 55 locations in 10 states and annual sales in excess of $ 85 million . His leadership and take-charge philosophy offer an excellent model of successful entrepreneurship .
West is also president of West Rentals , Inc ., President Plymouth Holding LLC and GEW Real Estate , LLP , as well as president and secretary of Acetylene Products Corp .
He was named West Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year , is a member of Who ’ s Who in West Virginia Business and was inducted into the West Liberty State College ’ s Alumni Wall of Honor in 1993 along with the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2006 .
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