Wheeling University Remembers Ben Stout

By Cindy Rank

For those who knew Ben Stout, or worked with him, or heard about him, or read some of his research or court testimonies about the value of headwater streams and healthy water, here’s a bit of happy news – something we can all use these days.

On June 18th family and friends gathered at one of Ben’s favorite spots along Wheeling Creek near Wheeling University where Ben taught for many years, engaging and entertaining students in class as well as out in the field sampling streams, identifying bugs, and explaining the connections between healthy waters and a healthy world.

Ben’s sister Nancy noted that it was one of his students, Jacob Keeney, who suggested it might be nice to honor Ben by developing a reflection area on campus in his honor. “A peaceful place where faculty staff and students could come when they just needed some time and space to reflect.” – Ben would love this spot.