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West Development Group Works with Ferrum College To Establish Environmental Science Scholarship Fund

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June 25, 2008

LaGrange, Ohio - Ferrum College, with financial assistance from West Development Group (WDG), is engaging with national corporate and foundation partners to establish a scholarship fund for high school students planning to pursue studies in environmental science at Ferrum.

Located in Ferrum, Virginia, the college's Environmental Science Program is the second-oldest academic program in the nation devoted to training environmental scientists. Only Stanford University has a longer history in this discipline.

West Development Group, an industry leader in sustainable roofing products and practices for commercial and industrial markets, made the initial contribution to the "Scientia Terrae Causa" (Knowledge for the Earth) Environmental Science Scholarship Fund and will donate a percentage of all future sales of its environmental products, such as its solvent-free silicone roof coating, to the fund.

"This scholarship fund is ideal for future students of Ferrum, current students, and the environment," explained Dr. Lee King, vice president for institutional advancement at Ferrum College. "First, it will provide financial help for high school students considering a career in environmental science. Second, it will help current Ferrum students gain practical experience because our Environmental Department will select research opportunities that provide learning opportunities for students, as well as application benefits for our scholarship fund partners."

Through its admissions office, Ferrum College will actively recruit additional students into its Environmental Sciences Program and help West Development Group, along with its funding partners, market the "Scientia Terrae Causa" Environmental Science Scholarship Fund to high school students.

To help further develop the next generation of environmental scientists, WDG is encouraging its business and research partners to contribute to the scholarship fund. Huntsman, a manufacturer of polyurethanes and specialties, based in The Woodlands, Texas, is the first company to contribute to the fund.

"Every time we install a roof using environmental products from our total silicone roof system, our customer benefits with a quality, cost-competitive roof," said Richard West, owner of West Development Group. "Better yet, WDG contributes to the Ferrum College scholarship fund. We're committed to better roofs, a cleaner planet, and providing financial assistance to young people who want to pursue a career in environmental sciences."

For more information about this scholarship fund, contact Dr. Lee King at P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088. Phone or email Dr. King at 540-365-4211 or hlking@ferrum.edu respectively.

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Ferrum College was founded in 1913 and provides life-long learning and outstanding career and graduate school preparation in a setting of rich natural beauty. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Ferrum is a four-year college that offers 33 areas of study ranging from business and environmental science to teacher education and criminal justice. The 1,000 men and women who attend Ferrum come from 25 states and 12 countries, and 80 percent live on Ferrum's 700-acre campus. Visit the Ferrum College Web site at www.ferrum.edu.

West Development Group (WDG) specializes in silicone and polyurethane foam technologies used in the commercial roofing industry. The company is committed to sustainability and protecting the environment through ecologically sound products and practices. WDG products are developed with knowledge gained from nearly 30 years of experience. The WDG roof system features the only total silicone roof that makes ecological sense. A quality silicone roof system helps save money in installation and maintenance. This one helps save the planet.