Michael T. Escue, a native of Point Pleasant, W.Va., has committed $1 million to West Virginia University to establish the Ronald E. & Jo Ann Reynolds Escue Neurology Endowment named for his parents.
The gift will be used to assist the Department of Neurology in the WVU School of Medicine in meeting its mission of patient care, treatment, outreach and healthcare access. Specifically, the endowment will help patients and their families or caregivers with various needs associated with treatment including medication costs, lodging and transportation to and from University healthcare facilities, and other supportive services. It may also be used for training of rural doctors/health professionals.
A New York attorney, Escue earned two degrees from WVU. In 2014, his father died after suffering from Lewy Body Dementia. Escue said that he decided to make the gift in hopes that it will help give West Virginians access to cutting edge research and promising treatment options underway at the WVU Department of Neurology and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.
“Patients, families and caregivers need fewer things to worry about," Escue said. "Our hope is that this will help alleviate some of that while getting the best medical care possible.”
The endowment also may be used by WVU health care providers in neurology for travel expenses related to outreach and care for neurological patients, including telehealth outreach and other useful purposes that promote healthcare access for patients with neurological issues.
“The impact of Mike’s generosity will be felt by families across this state and region who will benefit from access to quality, cutting-edge care without having to leave West Virginia,” Clay Marsh, M.D., vice president and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, said. “Peace of mind over any aspect of care – be it travel or specialist training – is a gift indeed to those most in need.”
Escue received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from WVU in 1992, and his juris doctorate from the WVU College of Law in 1998. He is a partner in the New York office of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and is a member of the firm’s financial services group. Escue advises U.S. and foreign banks and other financial institutions regarding U.S. banking laws and regulations. He has been with the firm since 1998.
Escue currently serves on the WVU Foundation Board of Directors.