WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. —West Liberty University will cut the ribbon on the Gary E. West Aviation Center on Friday, April 24 at 11 a.m. in Main Hall on the WLU campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The Gary E. West Aviation Center is located in the East Wing of Main Hall and serves as a centralized home base for students enrolled in the WLU Aviation Program. The center houses a flight simulator, debriefing rooms, offices, and a student lounge and study space. The Aviation Center will enable WLU flight program students to receive flight instruction and log simulator flight hours without leaving campus.
“The new Gary E. West Aviation Center will serve as a hub for developing the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Tasha Taylor, Aviation Coordinator at West Liberty University. “The center represents a significant investment in experiential learning, highlighted by a cutting-edge flight simulator that brings real-world training into the classroom.”
The Gary E. West Aviation Center was made possible by a $1.7 million gift from Flip West and the West family, which also established a permanent scholarship endowment.
“The philanthropy of Flip and Gary West and the West family has had a lasting impact on WLU,” said Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation. “The Gary E. West Aviation Center is another example of their generosity and their genuine concern for our students, our University, and the broader community we serve.”
In its second year, WLU’s aviation program is offered in partnership with Marshall University and the Bill Noe Flight School. The program offers hands-on flight training using Marshall’s fleet of Cirrus SR20 aircraft. Students earn a joint degree with Marshall upon graduation.
“We are deeply grateful to the West family for their extraordinary generosity, which allows us to continue Gary West’s spirit, passion, and joy of flying while inspiring the next generation of aviators,” said Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The expansion of our Aviation Program and the opening of this dedicated campus space mark a transformative moment for West Liberty University. Adding state-of-the-art flight simulators brings hands-on, experiential learning to our students and strengthens our commitment to workforce-ready education.”
Gary E. West graduated from West Liberty State College in 1958 with a BSBA degree. Following his graduation, Gary worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 13 years. In 1970, he purchased Valley Welding Supply Company in Wheeling, West Virginia. Gary grew Valley Welding to 55 locations in 10 states, becoming the largest privately held distributor of medical gas and welding supply products in the United States. In 1997, under Gary’s leadership as CEO, Valley National Gases, Inc. went public and the company continued to grow with 84 locations in 16 states.
Gary obtained his pilot’s license in 1982 and was passionate about flying his own aircraft and helicopter. He and Flip routinely flew between their homes in Florida and West Virginia with Gary at the helm. As both a pilot and businessperson, Gary was curious and fearless.
For more information about the West Liberty University Aviation Program, visit westliberty.edu/aviation.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
