MOOREFIELD, W.Va. — Merritt Purol, an Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College alumnus, has donated the car he drove while attending Eastern in 2017 to the college’s Automotive Technology Program.
Purol said he wanted to pay it forward to support future students because his time at Eastern was invaluable to launching his career. The Automotive Technology Program, located at Eastern’s Technology Training Center in Petersburg, offers students hands-on coursework in mechanical systems.
Purol earned a certificate in accounting and an Associate in Applied Science in business management. After, he transferred to Shepherd University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 2019.
Purol also had a student success story focusing on his educational journey, which can be read at: https://easternwv.edu/student-success/alumni-student-success-merritt-purol/.
“When I first started at Eastern, I was taking the bus to get up to the school. After my dad saw that I was serious about college, he purchased the car for me,” said Purol. “I used it the entire time while at Eastern and later when I began attending Shepherd University. On the weekends, I would come back home to visit and drive back during the week.
During their first year, Automotive Technology students work directly on vehicle systems—including the car donated by Purol—gaining experience with engines, brakes, tires, and electronics.
Students also train on state-of-the-art equipment, including an alignment machine and an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) calibration machine. The tools were acquired in May 2025 through a grant from the West Virginia Community & Technical College System.
Second-year students can participate in a Learn and Earn program that provides paid internship opportunities at Weimer Automotive.
“Merritt’s educational and career journey showcases the determination of our students, and his decision to give back is truly inspiring. Support through donations directly enhances student resources, programmatic equipment, and hands-on learning across our campuses,” said Eastern WVCTC faculty member. “Contributions like these help drive our mission forward, and Eastern always appreciates the generosity of those who support our institutional growth.”
