West Liberty University is proud to announce the induction of four outstanding alumni into its prestigious Wall of Honor during the upcoming 2024 Homecoming festivities. The induction ceremony, a highlight of the event, will take place on October 18, 2024, at The President’s Recognition Banquet in the College Union Ballroom.
The 2024 Alumni Wall of Honor Inductees include:
Jennifer Schwertfeger ’89 – A Wheeling, WV native, Jennifer has dedicated her career to science education and expanding STEAM opportunities in West Virginia. After earning degrees in biology (West Liberty University) and secondary science education (West Virginia University), she transitioned to teaching at 40. Schwertfeger spent 12 years at Cameron High School, known for her commitment to student success and innovative methods. In 2020, she was named West Virginia Teacher of the Year, also receiving the NEA Foundation’s Excellence in Education Award. She later became WVDE’s Science Coordinator and now serves as Program Manager for WVU’s STEAM Technical Assistance Center, impacting over 40,000 students statewide.
Kenith C. Britt, Ph.D. ’02 – A seasoned educational leader, Kenith is husband to Jessica Britt, and a father of four. Kenith holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The Catholic University of America, an M.A. in Leadership Studies from Marshall University, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from West Liberty University. Since 2013, Dr. Britt has served as Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor at Marian University Indianapolis, overseeing key areas and driving growth. His efforts led to significant enrollment increases, strategic innovations, and fundraising success. Previously, he served as SVP for Strategic Growth, where he boosted new student enrollments and raised $130 million for the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College. Dr. Britt has also led Catholic schools in Ohio and Wisconsin, where his strategic leadership stabilized and grew those institutions. He is a recognized speaker on educational leadership and was named one of Indy’s Best and Brightest in 2017.
Kenneth Habegger ’87 – Born in Columbus, OH, Kenneth now resides in Westerville, OH, with his wife Kari (WLSC ’87). A 1983 graduate of Westerville South High School, Ken earned a B.S. in Business Management from West Liberty State College in 1987. He began his career in sales before joining The Habegger Corporation in 1992, where he has held various leadership roles for over 32 years, contributing to its growth as the largest Bryant Distributor in the U.S. Ken has been Chairman of the Bryant Heating and Cooling Distributor Advisory Council since 2014 and supports recruitment from West Liberty’s Business College. He and Kari have two children, Taylor and Mitchell, and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren in Loudon, TN.
Hiroyuki Hamada ’93 – Hiroyuki Hamada has achieved international acclaim in the arts, distinguishing himself as one of the most successful art majors from West Liberty University. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Hamada moved to the United States at 18 and studied at West Liberty before earning his MFA from the University of Maryland. His work has been featured in major exhibitions worldwide, and he has received several prestigious artist residencies and fellowships, including the Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in 2018. Hamada currently lives and works in East Hampton, NY.
These exceptional individuals have demonstrated excellence in their careers and have made a lasting impact on their communities and the West Liberty University community.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate these amazing individuals. This isn’t just about recognizing their achievements—it’s about celebrating the impact of West Liberty University. Their stories inspire our current and future students, showing what can be achieved with determination, passion, and the strong foundation they received here at West Liberty,” said Amanda Welsch, Director of Alumni Affairs.
The President’s Recognition Banquet will also include the presentation of the Impact of Philanthropy Awards on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the College Union Ballroom. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner featuring WLU student entertainment.
For a full list of Homecoming events, visit westliberty.edu/homecoming.
