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William `Bill' Scott Roh Scholarship Endowment Established at Ferris State University

Bill Roh and familyA scholarship endowment for Ferris State University Construction Management students has been established in the memory of William "Bill" Scott Roh, a long time construction superintendent in the Grand Rapids area. Roh (right) is pictured with his daughter, Shannon Esselink and son, Jason.

Many of the buildings on the greater Grand Rapids skyline were built under the supervision of William “Bill” Scott Roh. He spent over 40 years in the construction industry, including three decades as the lead superintendent at Pioneer Construction.

Roh directed a variety of high-profile projects, which include the award-winning Richard M. DeVos Center at Grand Valley State University, the clubhouse and events center at Thousand Oaks Golf Club, 20 Fulton, Ellis Parking and many more. Roh passed away in 2017 after a short battle with cancer.

To honor Roh’s legacy, his children, Jason Roh and Shannon Esselink, established the William “Bill” Scott Roh Scholarship Endowment in the Construction Management program at Ferris State University. The scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Construction Management program who have earned a 2.75 minimum GPA. Selection preference will be given to students seeking a career in field supervision, just as Bill did.

A native of the Grand Rapids area, Bill Roh was a leader and mentor to many, well known for his intelligence and quick wit. His children wanted to be sure others knew he was also humble.

“Dad would think this was unnecessary, but we wanted his contributions in construction to be honored and continued into the future with his name,” Shannon said. “A scholarship seemed like a perfect fit and we believe everyone our father worked with would agree it is well deserved.”

Through Jason and Shannon’s efforts, and a significant matching gift from Bill’s long-time employer Pioneer Construction, the scholarship endowment was established. The endowment also saw benefit from proceeds of the inaugural “Bill Roh Memorial Golf Outing,” which was held Sept. 28, 2019 at Scott Lake Golf Course in Comstock Park. Nearly 100 of Bill’s family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the event to remember, celebrate and support his legacy and passion for field supervision.

“We are so excited that our second annual event is in the works and will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Scott Lake,” Jason said. “Shannon and I are looking forward to seeing all our Bill Roh players returning, and welcoming new players, to further Dad’s legacy of excellence in the construction industry.”

The generous gifts to the William “Bill” Scott Roh Scholarship Endowment receive a full match through the Ferris Futures Scholarship Challenge, made possible by The Ferris Foundation.  For more information on how you can make a gift to the William “Bill” Scot Roh Scholarship Endowment, please contact The Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365