Gabriel receives honorary degree from WVU
A Uniontown businessman was one of several recipients of honorary degrees during West Virginia University Commencement Weekend in Morgantown.
In recognition of their dedicated service in the health, retail and legal fields, WVU awarded honorary degrees to Arthur Gabriel of Uniontown, co-founder of Gabriel Brothers; Tom Jones, former WVU Health System president and CEO, and former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Beth Walker during May commencement.
Nominations for honorary degrees, the highest distinction WVU bestows, are accepted each year through the Office of the Provost for exceptional people who have made outstanding contributions to their field and society.
Taking inspiration from their father who was a clothing retailer, Arthur Gabriel founded Gabriel Brothers with his brother, James, and served as the company’s president, secretary and treasurer.
The first Gabriel Brothers store — now known as Gabe’s — opened in Morgantown in 1961, and the company expanded to 115 stores in multiple states before it was sold. The company headquarters remains in Morgantown.
Gabriel is a university graduate who previously served on the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics Visiting Committee. Gabriel was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2021.
He is a past board member for the Lebanese American University, One Valley Bank and Centra Bank, and is active in many social and religious organizations.
Gabriel was recognized during the WVU Chambers College Commencement ceremony May 16.