Private gifts from Rolls, Brights boost new cancer center at Summersville Regional Medical Center

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Generous gifts from dedicated WVU supporters with Nicholas County roots are strengthening efforts to expand cancer care and other outpatient services at WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center (SRMC). 

Rob and Penni Roll, of Oakton, Va., and William and Patricia Bright, of Summersville, contributed to SRMC’s ongoing $16 million expansion project, which involves the construction of a new cancer center at the site of the hospital’s former extended care facility. Spaces within the new facility will be named in recognition of each couple’s generosity. 

The new cancer center will be part of the WVU Cancer Institute network, offering convenient access to high-quality cancer care for residents in a region where access is limited. 

“When our community comes together to invest in something this meaningful, it speaks volumes about who we are as a region,” Leslie K. Lawson, M.B.A., F.A.C.H.E., president of Summersville Regional Medical Center, said. “We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of the Rolls, the Brights, and our other donors. Their gifts will ensure that patients right here in Nicholas County have access to world-class cancer care close to home, surrounded by the people who love them.” 

Generous donors in Nicholas, Braxton, and Harrison counties have also contributed with gifts made through the Nicholas County Community Foundation.   

The cancer center project relocates and expands infusion services and the hematology/oncology practice, allowing more cancer patients than ever before to receive treatment in Summersville. The partnership with the WVU Cancer Institute also brings new opportunities for local patients to participate in clinical trials, advancing research, and offering access to innovative treatments.

“Everyone deserves compassionate, integrated cancer care – no matter where they live. Expanding access to care and treatment in our most rural communities improves outcomes and reduces some of the burdens patients face by keeping them closer to home, their jobs, and their support system,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, said.  

“The generous support from the Rolls and the Brights is transforming what’s possible for families in the Nicholas County region who are facing one of life’s most difficult journeys.” 

Penni Facemire Roll is a Summersville native who spent most of her career as a chief financial officer in the alternative investment management industry. She and Rob met as accounting students at West Virginia University, and they have made many gifts to their alma mater, including a 2019 contribution to establish the Roll Capital Markets Center at Reynolds Hall. 

Penni serves as vice chair of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors, encouraging private philanthropy across the WVU system.  

“Everyone deserves to have access to the highest quality healthcare right in their community, and that is what WVU Medicine continues to deliver to Summersville,” Penni Roll said. “We have many family and friends in Nicholas County, and I am delighted to support the expansion of healthcare in my hometown.” 

“We have been impacted by cancer in our family, so we are driven to honor our loved ones through this gift and to support others who will need to have this incredibly valuable local care through their journey,” Rob Roll said.  

Bill Bright graduated from WVU with a business degree in 1960. Since then, he’s led more than 30 successful business ventures with his wife Patty’s support. He also served on the WVU Foundation Board of Directors.

The Brights have made significant contributions to WVU and the Summersville area, including a $1 million match for community gifts to support SRMC. Much of their support for the University has gone to the WVU Cancer Institute, which honored them with the Winged Victory Award in 2024. 

“If we share our love and kindness and helping hand with others, then our embrace with God becomes even more powerful,” Patty Bright said. 

As WVU Medicine officials look toward completion of the Summersville Regional Medical Center expansion project this fall, leadership is working to raise a total of $5 million in private support. About $1.6 million has been raised to date, including the Roll and Bright gifts.  

Supporters interested in making a gift to support the Summersville Regional Medical Center work should contact Jamie Cooper Moales, vice president for developmentfor WVU Medicine and Health Sciences, at 304-554-0222. 

The Roll and Bright gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.