Milan Roh has been a staple in the Morgantown Community Choir for more than 50 years, and now, he’s giving back through a gift to the choir program at West Virginia University.

Roh first came to WVU 60 years ago as a part-time student studying accounting while working as an auditor for First National Bank of Morgantown. The son of a minister, Roh grew up singing in church and high school choirs. He loved the art of singing so much that he joined the Morgantown Community Choir during his years as a student.

The Morgantown Community Choir is a non-auditioned choir open to all members of the university community, including students from all majors, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The ensemble performs a diverse selection of music from a variety of time periods, styles and genres. The group is part of WVU’s School of Music and is led by faculty.

After graduating from WVU in 1961, Roh began singing with a local men’s choir before rejoining the Morgantown Community Choir a few years later and has been a member ever since. He has also been involved with the St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir for nearly 60 years.

“Singing has always been something that moves me,” Roh said. “It’s something that I’ve been able to take with me in every phase of my life and use as an outlet for creativity and inspiration.”

Roh has watched the Morgantown Community Choir shift and change throughout the years, and believes its next chapter under the leadership of Kym Scott, director of choral activities at WVU, will be its best yet.

“I really like what Kym is doing with the choir and the way she approaches the group,” Roh said. “The sound of the group has been taken to the next level with Kym, and our presence and opportunities in the community are expanding.”

Roh also appreciates the compassion Scott shows to all members of the group. She works within their abilities and provides necessary adaptions. Roh, who is in a wheelchair, always feels welcome and accommodated.

“Kym goes out of her way for me, and all other members of the choir,” Roh said. “She understands that nothing should bar someone who wants to sing from being able to do so, and I appreciate that.”

When asked why he wanted to support the choir program at WVU, Roh said the answer is simple: he loves it.

“When you love something, when you have a passion for something, you should support it,” Roh said. “If it means a lot to you, you’ll do whatever you can to watch it thrive.”