Heitz endows WVU Scholarship

Morgantown, WV, December 11, 2006: He once performed for West Virginia University on the basketball court. Now, he's making it possible for future WVU students to perform in the classroom.

The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University has received a gift from former Mountaineer basketball letterman Michael Heitz to establish an endowed scholarship fund to be named The Michael and Janette Heitz Arts and Sciences Scholarship. The Heitzes have also established a scholarship in the WVU School of Journalism.

Heitz, a native of Garrett, Indiana, played center for the Gold and Blue from 1970 through 1972, appearing in 74 games, scoring 731 points and gaining 523 rebounds. His career scoring high came against Penn State on February 24, 1971, with 24 points.

The endowment is administered by the WVU Foundation, Inc. It will provide undergraduate scholarships for students who are participating in the Regents BA program, which is housed in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at WVU. Recipients shall demonstrate academic promise and financial need.

"Mr. Heitz has made it clear that being a loyal Mountaineer goes much deeper than athletic performance. His willingness to support WVU students who follow him into our classrooms will make a great difference in their lives," stated Dr. Rudolph P. Almasy, associate dean for development of the Eberly College. "We appreciate all he did for this university as a student-athlete and we appreciate what he is doing now to make a college education possible for others."

Dean Mary Ellen Mazey remarked, "Support for students in our RBA program is important, since that is a fast-growing major in the Eberly College."

The WVU Foundation, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization which develops, receives, and administers private gifts from individuals and organizations for the benefit of West Virginia University.

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