WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has announced a generous donation from community supporter Mike Ross, which will directly support the hospital’s 2026 Foundation Campaign: Transforming Spaces, Enriching Lives.
Hospital President and CEO Skip Gjolberg and Foundation Director Paula Cutright met with Ross on January 5, during which time he committed a substantial gift to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. The donation will be applied to the hospital’s current capital improvement campaign focused on enhancing patient care environments.
“Philanthropic support like this allows us to continue investing in the comfort, safety, and overall experience of our patients and their families,” Gjolberg said. “We are incredibly grateful to Mike Ross for his ongoing generosity and belief in the mission of St. Joseph’s Hospital.”
The 2026 Foundation Campaign: Transforming Spaces, Enriching Lives builds on the success of the hospital’s 2024–2025 campaign, which exceeded its $125,000 goal and funded critical improvements such as a new treadmill for Cardiac Rehabilitation and furniture upgrades in the Medical Surgical, Critical Care, Obstetrics and Emergency departments.
Funds raised through the 2026 campaign will support modernization efforts in the Medical Surgical and Critical Care units, including updated flooring, paint, lighting, mirrors and faucets, as well as the conversion of tubs to showers where feasible to improve patient safety. The campaign will also refurbish the Medical Surgical waiting room furniture to create a more welcoming space for families during their loved one’s care.
“These enhancements may seem simple, but they have a powerful impact,” Cutright said. “Creating calming, modern, and accessible spaces helps support healing and dignity during some of life’s most challenging moments.”
St. Joseph’s Hospital leaders emphasized that gifts like Ross’s play a critical role in advancing the hospital’s mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the Buckhannon-Upshur community and surrounding region.
For more information about the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation or to contribute to the 2026 campaign, community members are encouraged to email stjfoundation@wvumedicine.org or visit www.stj.net.
