The Margaret Bell Miller Leadership Award was presented to Marilyn H. West, Chairman and CEO of M.H. West & Co., Inc., at the annual celebration of the University’s Charter Day on March 24. Tuesday’s celebration marked the 159th anniversary of the University’s charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The award was presented by Waynesburg University President, Timothy R. Thyreen, and Chair of the Waynesburg University Board of Trustees, Ken Moore.
“Throughout your life you have served as an inspiration to the nation’s youth and have provided an outstanding example of servant leadership that corresponds to the mission of Waynesburg University,” Thyreen said. “In your roles as a successful entrepreneur, leader, teacher and servant to those less fortunate, you have set a standard of excellence in applying one’s skills to the needs of humankind making you a worthy exemplar of the principles of Margaret Bell Miller.”
Margaret Bell Miller was known for her dedication to the cause for the education of women, challenging them to aspire to the highest principles of faith, scholarship and service. The award, created in honor of Miller (1826-1874), was an appropriate token considering West’s journey since graduating from Waynesburg University in 1967.
Margaret Bell Miller was described as “a lady of extraordinary earnestness and devotion” who, as principal of the Female Seminary at Waynesburg University (then Waynesburg College), played an essential role in fully integrating the University within two years following its Charter in 1850.
The Margaret Bell Miller award is presented to women who exemplify, in their own times, her standards and grace. West’s dedication and passion have shown to be in line with the principles of faith, scholarship and service set forth by Miller in the 1800s.
West served as the guest speaker at the Charter Day convocation held at the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg. She urged students to be persistent and determined and said “being prepared conquers the impossible.” She shared her father’s words, “never sell yourself short because when you are prepared, there are opportunities abound,” and encouraged students to take advantage of new opportunities.
“A bend in the road is not the end as long as you make the turn,” she said.
West’s business is recognized for its innovative and practical solutions to challenges and opportunities experienced by its clients. In addition to her extensive work in the health care industry, West has over 30 years of experience advising and consulting for CEOs, executive management and governance of public and private sectors. Having served on the board of numerous organizations and businesses, West was chosen as one of 60 businessmen and women on a Commission to Reinvent Virginia State Government, a Congressional appointee to the White House Conference on Small Business (1995) and a parent delegate to the White House Conference on Education (1992).
West is recognized as one of the 100 power players in the Greater Richmond Region (Richmond Magazine, February 1998). She has also received the annual Leadership Award (2000) of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Community Services Award (2000) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Waynesburg University is a private, comprehensive Christian university offering doctoral, graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a contemporary campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three adult centers located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is one of only 27 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
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