West Virginia University President Michael Benson (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG – West Virginia University President Michael Benson will be the featured speaker at the 57th annual Kootaga District of the Buckskin Council Scouting Community Leadership Dinner on May 19.

Benson became the 27th president of West Virginia University on July 15. He brings three decades of academic and administrative experience in higher education to his role leading West Virginia’s flagship, land-grant university.

An accomplished athlete, Benson played basketball at both Brigham Young University and Oxford, and his best marathon time – 2 hours, 41 minutes – won his age division in the St. George (Utah) Marathon. He also finished among the top 25% of all runners in the 1984 Boston Marathon, one of only 19 teenagers from around the world to compete in the race.

An avid traveler, he has visited all 50 states and five of the seven continents.

“I want to thank President Benson for taking the time from his busy schedule to speak about Scouting at our annual leadership dinner,” said Brandon Mercer, Kootaga District chairman. “He is (as) committed to Scouting as I am. The program brings the best out of young people.”

This year’s dinner will be held at the Parkersburg Country Club, 4910 First Ave., Vienna. A reception with a cash bar will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner at 6:30.

This year’s dinner menu includes a choice of chicken or prime rib. Individual tickets are $150 each. All proceeds support Scouting programs in the Mid-Ohio Valley, said Shawn Taylor, 2026 dinner chairman.

Corporate tables and sponsorships are available at five levels. Dinner Sponsor is $10,000 and includes two tables of eight, featured in all advertising, headline on the banner, featured in the program and special recognition during the dinner. Platinum Sponsor is $5,000 and includes one table of eight, preferred seating, recognition in the program and special recognition during dinner. Gold Sponsor is $2,500 and includes one table, recognition in the program and preferred seating. Silver Sponsor is $1,500 and includes seating for eight and recognition in the program. Bronze Sponsor is $1,000 and includes seating for four and recognition in the program. Scout Sponsor is $275-$1,000.

The district has a fundraising goal of $88,000 to help with programs and other expenses.

For ticket or sponsor information, people can contact Taylor at 740-525-2333, the Parkersburg Scout Office at 304-422-4507 or Kootaga District Executive Andrew Murphy at 330-631-5244.

“Scouting America wants to raise young people to be good citizens and good leaders for their community and all levels of society,” Taylor said. “Every week, millions of Scouts raise their hands and make a promise. It is not a pledge to an organization. It is a lifelong commitment to themselves, their families and the community they share.”

The Kootaga District serves Scouts and volunteers in Wood, Jackson, Wirt, Roane, Ritchie and Calhoun counties in West Virginia and the communities of Belpre, Little Hocking, and Coolville in Ohio.