Students at West Liberty University have the opportunity to study and analyze the foundations of capitalism and the free market economy thanks to a $350,000 grant from the BB&T Foundation.

“The class examines all perspectives of capitalism, pro and con,” said Erik S. Root, assistant professor of political science. “A number of large universities are also engaged in this study of the foundations of capitalism and have received BB&T grants in varying amounts.”

This is the fourth year WLU has benefited from the BB&T Foundation’s support for teaching the course on ethics and capitalism. The program encourages inquiry of all economic philosophies, Root said. The BB&T Foundation grant also enables the West Liberty Economics Club to present speakers on related topics at events open to students, staff, faculty and the community at large.

“It is a worthwhile investment in the development of future leaders,” said Mato Kret, BB&T’s city executive, who is based at the Wheeling branch and presented this year’s grant installment to Root. “It will go a long way in providing educational opportunities at West Liberty University.”