Waynesburg University celebrated the 169th anniversary of its charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tuesday, March 19, with a special convocation in Roberts Chapel.
Raymond Betler, president and chief executive officer of Wabtec Corporation, a global provider of technology-based products for the rail and industrial markets, delivered the convocation address. Titled “Love in the Workplace,” his address reflected on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
“Mr. Betler is a leader in the Pittsburgh business community and also a man of deep faith who lives his faith through involvement in the larger Pittsburgh faith community,” said Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee as he introduced the special guest.
During his speech, Betler reflected on his life’s journey, sharing stories of facing and overcoming obstacles from a very young age through a strong work ethic and love.
“The Bible speaks of love that surpasses all understanding, and so what does love mean in the workplace? It means the same thing in the workplace as it does in any relationship – put others before yourself,” said Belter.
Urging those in attendance to not lose hope when faced with adversity in their personal vocations and professional lives, Betler noted that love can be seen in an individual’s work ethic, in their attitude, in their value system and in their commitment to one another.
“Here at Waynesburg University – faith, learning and serving – that’s a formula that leads to love. That’s what you’ve been trained to do. Do it with passion; do it with compassion; and do it in love.”
Betler began his career with Westinghouse, where he ultimately became the youngest head of engineering and the youngest president and CEO in the 120-year history of the company. He joined Wabtec in 2008 as a group executive, quickly rising to the rank of chief operating officer in 2010, president in 2013 and CEO in 2014.
He has served as the Chair of the Annual Fundraiser for the Coalition for Christian Outreach and is a member of the Organizing Committee for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Prayer Breakfast, at which he was asked to give the Keynote Speech in 2010. He is also a member of the Board of Elders and past Vice President of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of the South Hills, where he also served as Sunday School Superintendent and a Sunday School Teacher.
During the ceremony, three faculty members received the University’s 2019 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards. Provost Dr. Dana Cook Baer presented the teaching excellence awards to Todd Hamel, Lecturer of Computer Science, Josh Sumpter, Instructor of Biblical and Ministry Studies and Assistant University Chaplain, and Dr. Heidi Fletcher, Associate Professor of Chemistry.
