Rostraver couple's $1M donation will help complete Westminster College science center

Bill Maurer of Rostraver got the straight to the point when asked about his family’s $1 million donation to Westminster College.

“I’m getting old,” he said. “I know there’s a need for all independent colleges as opposed to a state school, and I think it’s appropriate for those who can to share in their good fortune.”

Maurer and his wife C.J., both graduates of the New Wilmington college, were recognized Friday with the dedication of the Bill and Carolyn Jean Young Maurer Atrium, part of the renovation and expansion of the Hoyt Science Center, which their donation will help complete.

Along with additional funds, the Maurers’ donation will be used to complete the fourth and final phase of the Hoyt project, which includes the creation of a nursing simulation lab; establishing the Harms Center for the Environment; updating computer science, mathematics, psychology, neuroscience and physics offices, labs and classrooms; adding an exercise science lab and major mechanical updates.

“At our institution, a gift of this size is still unusual,” said Westminster President Kathy Brittain Richardson. “We’ve had some really lovely estate gifts of that size and larger in recent years, but we’re deeply thankful to the Maurers for helping us finish expanding our science center.”

Maurer’s family also has endowed scholarships at the college over the years.

“We had a chance to talk with one of them today,” he said. “It’s a thrill to find out that young people are taking advantage of those scholarships and working to make a life for themselves and be successful.”

The scholarship, established in 2017, provides assistance to incoming first-year students from Belle Vernon Area High School or Elizabeth Forward High School, where Maurer’s wife worked. Richardson said there are roughly 3,200 Westminster alumni living in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties.

The Maurers have contributed to a variety of campus projects including the construction of the Berlin Village townhouses, renovations to Burry Stadium and the creation of the a reunion fund for the Class of 1953, the year Maurer graduated with his economics degree.

Maurer said he’s happy to help whenever he can, but especially now.

“I’ve been frugal and I’ve been successful,” he said. “I’ve saved my money into my 90s and I don’t need it anymore.”