Monessen native’s family foundation donates $40K to WCCC for scholarships

Robert “Bob” Miner Jr., who was raised in Monessen, has a deep connection to Westmoreland County.

For the MVI

The Robert Miner Family Foundation, based in Greensburg, recently donated $40,000 to Westmoreland County Community College’s Educational Foundation to establish new scholarships for local students. These scholarships are specifically designed to support programs that equip students with the skills needed to immediately enter the workforce, with a focus on business, technology, health professions and various trades.

Robert “Bob” Miner Jr., who was raised in Monessen, has a deep connection to Westmoreland County and a strong commitment to supporting education and the local community.

After starting his studies in business and economics at California State University, he faced financial challenges and had to take a year and a half off from school to work and save money so he could continue his education.

He eventually graduated in 1978 and went on to become a partner and CEO of Donegal Construction, where his leadership helped grow the company significantly. Selling the company positioned him to start the Robert Miner Family Foundation.

“I know firsthand the struggles of trying to afford a college education,” Miner said. “I had to pause my own studies to work and save money just to be able to finish my degree. This experience inspired me to help others avoid that struggle. Through these scholarships, we’re providing local students with the opportunity to gain valuable skills, secure good jobs, and build a future in Westmoreland County without the heavy burden of student debt.”

In 1990, he married his wife Debbie, and in 1997, the couple adopted their daughter, Kaylee, from China when she was just 10 months old.

“She’s been an overachiever since day one,” he said, reflecting on her growth and accomplishments. Kaylee, who served as the CFO at Donegal Construction, is now highly involved in the family foundation, playing a key role in its operations and decision making.

Kaylee Miner shared the family’s vision for the future.

“Carrying on my family’s legacy is incredibly important. We’ve had many discussions about the direction we want this foundation to take,” she said. “With my husband being a journeyman lineman, I have a deep respect for the trades and I know the value they bring to our community. My dad built this foundation with a commitment to helping others, and I’m dedicated to making him and our family proud by continuing that mission.”

Megan Sheesley, Westmoreland County Community College Educational Foundation executive director, praised the donation and its impact on the college: “This incredibly generous gift from the Robert Miner Family Foundation will have a transformative effect on our students and the broader community. By focusing on programs that provide tangible skills and lead directly to employment, we are not only supporting our students’ academic success but also empowering them to contribute to the local economy. This donation reflects a deep understanding of the challenges our students face and demonstrates a commitment to ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We are profoundly grateful for the Miner family’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of our students and our community.”

Dr. Kristy Bishop, interim president of Westmoreland County Community College, expressed her gratitude for the donation.

“The Robert Miner Family Foundation’s generous contribution is not just a gift,” she explained, “it’s an investment in the future of our students and our community. These scholarships will open doors for many students, enabling them to gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. We are incredibly grateful to the Miner family for their unwavering support and commitment to education in Westmoreland County.”

The Robert Miner Family Foundation, established in 2023, contributes to various charitable causes, including the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and local initiatives. The foundation is committed to making a lasting impact within the local community by keeping as much of its philanthropic work as close to home as possible. The foundation has also given scholarships to graduating high school students in Westmoreland County.

Westmoreland County Community College enrolls approximately 4,000 students each fall and spring semester in career preparation and associate to baccalaureate degree transfer programs. Classes are conducted at the main campus in Youngwood, the Advanced Technology Center at RIDC-Westmoreland and education centers in Latrobe, Murrysville, New Kensington, Indiana and Uniontown, as well as online.

For more information, visit www. westmoreland.edu.