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.

Former Mountaineer basketball letterman Michael Heitz recently established an endowed scholarship fund in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences to be named The Michael and Janette Heitz Arts and Sciences Scholarship. The Heitzes also have established a scholarship in the WVU School of Journalism.

Heitz, a native of Garrett, Ind., played center for the Gold and Blue from 1970-1972, appearing in 74 games, scoring 731 points and grabbing 523 rebounds. His career-scoring high came against Penn State on Feb. 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 Bachelor of Arts (RBA) program, which is housed in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at WVU . Recipients should 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,said 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 WVU .