2006 Hall of Fame Inductees

Judith “Judy” Prozzillo Byers was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna by the College of Human Resources and Education in 2006.

Byers earned her master’s degree in English and education from West Virginia University in 1972 and her doctorate in English education in 1982. She completed post-graduate work at the International Folklore Institute at Indiana University and conducted educational fieldwork in British schools. A 1969 graduate of Fairmont State with a bachelor’s degree in English and social studies education, she spent much of her career elevating West Virginia’s cultural heritage through education, scholarship, and storytelling.

Michael A. Caruso was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Human Resources and Education Hall of Fame in 2006.

Sandra J. Elmore was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2006.

Elmore earned her bachelor’s degree from Glenville State College in 1973, where she was a three-year starter at point guard on the intercollegiate basketball team. She completed both her master’s and doctoral degrees in physical education from West Virginia University in 1975 and 1989.

Eddie C. Kennedy was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Human Resources and Education Hall of Fame in 2006.

Kennedy earned his doctorate in education from Indiana University in 1951, with an emphasis in elementary education, English, and educational psychology. He received a master’s degree in English and education from George Peabody College for Teachers (now Vanderbilt University) in 1948 and a bachelor’s degree in elementary and secondary education from Glenville State College in 1947. His teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse in Gilmer County in 1931 and was briefly interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Edith Rechter Levy was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Human Resources and Education Hall of Fame in 2006.

Levy earned her bachelor’s degree in 1976 and a master’s degree in foreign languages in 1980 from West Virginia University, followed by a doctorate in educational administration from the College of Human Resources and Education in 1988. A native of Vienna, Austria, and a Holocaust survivor, she immigrated to the United States following World War II and settled in Morgantown in 1958.

Betty Schoenbaum was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame in 2006.

Schoenbaum and her husband, Alex, established the Alex and Betty Schoenbaum Teacher Preparation Scholarship in 1989 through the Schoenbaum Family Foundation. The fund was created to support education majors at West Virginia University and encourage recipients to remain in West Virginia to teach following graduation. The endowed fund reflects the family's commitment to education in West Virginia and has grown to $1 million and has provided financial support to hundreds of students.

Martha T. Thorn was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2006.

Thorn earned her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in 1959 and her master’s degree in health and physical education from West Virginia University in 1963. She began her career teaching and coaching at Milford High School in Delaware before returning to WVU as director of intramural sports, graduate assistant, and instructor while completing her graduate studies.

Jerry West was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously recognized as the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Outstanding Alumnus in 2006.

West earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1960. A native of Chelyan, W.Va., he was a standout student-athlete at WVU, earning consensus All-America honors and led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game in 1959. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year and led all players in both scoring and rebounding throughout the tournament. During his collegiate career, he averaged 24.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game and led the nation in both categories during his junior season. He finished with 2,309 points and 1,240 rebounds, and at the time of his graduation held or shared 17 school records. In 1960, he served as co-captain for the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team.