WesBanco has created a permanently endowed fund to establish the Jerome B. Schmitt Scholarship in memory of the bank’s executive vice president and president of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) board of trustees, who also was a WLU alumnus. This fund is a result of a $26,000 donation to the CFOV and will be used to assist students in obtaining a business, accounting, finance, or similar degree from West Liberty University. The fund also is open to additional donations from individuals in the community who would like to honor Schmitt.
From left President Robin Capehart, Jerry Schmitt’s widow Jeannie Schmitt, CFOV Director Susie Nelson and WesBanco CEO Paul Limbert gather at the luncheon announcing the new scholarship.
“We are honored to be entrusted with funds for scholarships dedicated to local students who are pursuing a degree in our expanded business curriculum. Jerry was a friend and long-time supporter of West Liberty University. His dedication and memory will live on at the school through these scholarships made in his name,” said President Robin. C. Capehart.
Schmitt joined WesBanco in 1972, the same year the community foundation was established in Wheeling. Schmitt was a graduate of both West Liberty and Ohio University. Prior to his passing in 2013, he was the executive vice president of Trust and Investment Services at WesBanco, managing the bank’s trust services and served as an investment advisor to the bank’s WesMark Family of Mutual Funds that he was instrumental in forming.
Schmitt became involved with the Community Foundation early in his career. Before the foundation was able to employ staff, he would administer the funds out of his office at WesBanco. As the foundation grew and staff was added, he became a board member, eventually serving as president of the board of trustees. Under his leadership, the CFOV grew to become an important organization for both donors and nonprofit organizations in the Ohio Valley. Schmitt also worked to merge the CFOV with the Community Foundation of Jefferson County, Ohio.
“We are pleased to honor the memory of our good friend, Jerome B. Schmitt, who passed away on January 3, 2013. With gratitude, we express to Jerry’s family and friends our appreciation of his 40 years of service to WesBanco. Over those years he served in a variety trust and investment capacities, accomplishing much, including his visionary work in establishing the WesMark Family of Mutual Funds. Jerry was dedicated to the work of the community foundation and a strong supporter of West Liberty University. Combining his passion for community service through scholarships to support his alma mater is a great honor,” said Paul M. Limbert, WesBanco president and CEO.
“Jerry was a dedicated leader of the CFOV. He truly cared about the foundation and worked hard to help it grow. He was especially proud of the scholarship program through the CFOV. To that end, WesBanco has established the Jerome B. Schmitt Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be available to students attending West Liberty University majoring in business. Applications will be available in January of 2014,” said CFOV Executive Director, Susie Nelson.
WesBanco, Inc., a bank holding company incorporated in 1968 and headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, offers a full range of financial services including retail banking, corporate banking, personal and corporate trust services, brokerage services, mortgage banking and insurance.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five vibrant colleges — the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and the Gary E. West College of Business — offer more than 60 majors and 30 programs that are nationally recognized or accredited. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. While emphasizing academic excellence, WLU also offer numerous extra-curricular activities including NCAA Division II athletics, fraternities, sororities, theater, art, music and social activities, as well as community and cultural outreach programs.
Since 1972, The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley has connected people who care with causes that matter by making grants to organizations working to improve the Upper Ohio Valley. With assets of more than $30 million, the Foundation assisted in making more than $1.7 million in charitable grants last year. From strengthening community schools to assisting local arts programs, from building health centers to helping lives affected by violence or natural disasters, the Foundation continues to enhance our region. To learn more, please visit the Foundation online at www.cfov.org.