A former restaurant and tavern which was once the subject of a federal investigation is now part of West Liberty University.

West Liberty alumnus and local businessman Gary E. West handed over the deed to the former Roadworthy property to the university just before Christmas, giving the school a surprise gift valued around $1.6 million.

The Roadworthy property is now known as the Gary E. West Events Center, and university president Robin Capehart said it's perfect for a college that he says continues to grow and expand.

"Gary is just a very generous person. He loves his alma mater. He constantly gives credit to WLSC, now WLU, for preparing him to go into the business world," Capehart said.

The Roadworthy tavern abruptly ceased operations in July 2009 when the owner, Bernie Metz, was accused of embezzling money to build the business.

West purchased the property during an auction in April, and his donation includes the former restaurant building and the parking lot area across the main campus on Route 88.

Capehart said he never thought the building would be in the university's hands.

"You know everyone said the university ought to acquire it, but obviously the value of this building is $1.65 million, and we never would have the ability to afford it at that price," Capehart said.

Capehart said the venue is something the university has needed for some time. The days of serving dinner and beer are over for the tavern, and the university instead has unique plans.

"What we are talking about right now is on special occasions -- sporting events, plays, theater, music productions, those things -- having a place where you can come and go before and afterwards," Capehart said.

With the nationally ranked No. 1 basketball team getting ready to hit the hardwood soon, Capehart said they'll probably have some get-togethers there after they dedicate the facility in West's honor.

Capehart said that West Rentals will retain ownership of the six leased cabins and property surrounding the West Events Center and will continue to offer those cabins to the public. The university will also make the facility available to the public for use at a modest cost subject to its availability.

According to a statement from West Liberty University, West is a Wheeling native who earned his business administration degree from West Liberty in 1958.

As a successful businessman, West bought Valley Welding Supply Company and built it from a one-shop operation to a business with 55 locations in 10 states and annual sales in excess of $85 million. In 1997, under West's leadership as chairman of the board, Valley National Gases, Inc. went public and annual sales now exceed $220 million, with 84 locations in 16 states.

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. West 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. In 2006, he was inducted into WVU's College of Business and Economics Business Hall of Fame.

He and his wife, Flip, established the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment, and he has served in the past as chair of WLU's capital campaign, which he supported with the largest lifetime gift commitment by individuals in the history of WLU. He has also been a member of West Liberty's Foundation board of directors.

"This is a wonderful day for West Liberty University and a great way to start off the New Year. The addition of the Highlands Center a few years ago, the renovation of Shaw Hall, the construction of the new Campbell Hall for health sciences and, now, the opening of the Gary E. West Events Center are great illustrations that West Liberty is continuing to move from a good college to a great university," Capehart said in the news release.