Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Local businessman and long-time supporter of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Mike Ross, on behalf of Mike Ross, Inc., has generously donated $50,000 toward the David E. Reemsnyder Research Center. Ross presented the check to Wesleyan President Pamela Balch and Wesleyan Vice President for Advancement Bob Skinner on Monday, April 2, at the Center’s classroom now named in his honor.

“I am glad to be able to help students and put money back into the area from where I have made it,” Ross said. “It is important for students to get a good education in order to compete in today’s business world. Wesleyan is known for turning out good students.”

Ross’ youngest son graduated from Wesleyan and two of his children obtained their master’s of business administration from the college.

“Mike’s contribution shows his commitment to higher education and tomorrow’s leaders and workforce,” President Balch said. “Through his gift, our students, and the entire Wesleyan community, will benefit for years to come. We are truly grateful for his support.”

In addition to his donation to the Reemsnyder Research Center, Ross, a resident of Coalton, established The Mike Ross Scholarship in 2001.  The scholarship assists undergraduate students who are West Virginia residents and graduates of West Virginia high schools, and without financial assistance, would be unable to attend Wesleyan. Since 2001, The Mike Ross Scholarship fund has assisted nine Wesleyan students.

The Reemsnyder Research Center is the home of Wesleyan’s School of Science, which includes biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematics, and physics and engineering.  Wesleyan enjoys a near 100 percent student placement rate in graduate and professional schools.  Over 200 of Wesleyan’s 1,400 students are pursuing majors in the School of Science.

Mike Ross, on behalf of Mike Ross, Inc., center, donated $50,000 to West Virginia Wesleyan College’s David E. Reemsnyder Research Center. Ross’ contribution was made to Wesleyan Vice President for Advancement Bob Skinner, left, and Wesleyan President Pamela Balch, right, in front of the classroom that has been named in honor of Ross.