WHEELING — A late founding faculty member of West Virginia Northern Community College has given what college officials are calling a “transformational” gift to the institution.

The late Jack E. Cisney has gifted WVNCC $600,000 to help with scholarships and emergency assistance to the college’s business students.

“Jack Cisney’s impact on West Virginia Northern Community College is immeasurable,” said WVNCC President Daniel Mosser. “He helped lay the foundation for the College’s success, inspired generations of students, and continued to give back long after his retirement. His legacy will live on through the students whose lives are changed because of his generosity.”

Cisney joined West Virginia Northern Community College in 1972 as one of its founding faculty members and spent 28 years teaching and mentoring students. Following his retirement, he continued his service as a member of the WVNCC Foundation Board for 16 years.

The Jack E. Cisney Memorial Fund will provide scholarships and emergency assistance to business students, ensuring they have the resources they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. His gift will also support non-credit learners seeking new skillsets in business-related fields as well as small business owners looking to enhance their operations through training in areas like social media and customer service.

In addition, the Foundation will use a portion of the gift to name the College’s Business & Entrepreneurship Center in his honor – the Jack E. Cisney Business & Entrepreneurship Center. The fund is a contributor to the Project BEST Executive Conference Center.

Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1936, Jack earned degrees from Susquehanna University and Scranton University before beginning his teaching career. In addition to his many years of service at WVNCC, he taught at West Liberty University and was active in the Wheeling community, serving on the WVNCC Foundation Board of Trustees and the Russell Nesbitt Board of Directors. Jack was also a member of the Wheeling Elks Lodge 28, a supporter of Oglebay Institute, and a proud descendant of the Mayflower Society.

Jack passed away on May 24, 2024, at the age of 87. Though he requested no formal service, college officials said his generous spirit and love for education will continue to inspire and support WVNCC students for generations to come.

“Jack’s dedication to our students extended far beyond the classroom,” said Rana Spurlock, Executive Director of the WVNCC Foundation. “His gift ensures that future business students will have access to opportunities that reflect Jack’s values of hard work, compassion, and lifelong learning.”