Making a Difference: Chris Muroski
Retired chemist Chris Muroski, 67, moved to Wheeling in 1989. She began her career at Mobay Chemical Corporation — a joint venture between Monsanto and Bayer — in 1982, when the company was based in New Martinsville, West Virginia.
“Since 1955, the Ohio Valley has been the heart of the polyurethane chemistry industry and continues to be the global leader in these core chemicals,” Chris said. These chemicals are essential to a wide range of applications, including coatings, paints, adhesives and medical products such as catheters and general-purpose tubing.
While her professional career took her from New Martinsville to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chris’ personal life has been shaped by a deep passion for community service and a lifelong love of golf.
“My parents were hardworking, loving people. From an early age, I understood the importance of giving back to the community thanks to their example,” Chris said. “My personal giving focuses on causes that matter to me — where I can see the impact of my gift in the near future.”
Chris is an active volunteer with Wheeling’s Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), serving as a member of the YWCA’s HartfordSmart529 scholarship committee. This summer, she and a team of others are developing a YWCA STEM summer camp — an all-expense-paid week that provides high school girls with exposure to the sciences in a fun and interactive way.
When asked about her support for youth golf at Oglebay, Chris explains, “Golf is one of the few sports you can play throughout your life — truly the game of a lifetime. It’s you against the course. There’s no team, no competitor and no special physique required. Golf is all about technique.”
“Encouraging young people to get involved in a sport like golf not only increases the likelihood that they’ll lead more active lives, but it also teaches them sportsmanship, patience, honesty and perseverance.”
Chris continues, “The golf program at Oglebay is successful because it’s customer focused. They offer both resort and resident pricing, the courses are immaculate, accessible to all skill levels, and the staff is incredibly friendly. The Youth Golf Program is a cornerstone of Oglebay’s success — and one of the reasons it continues to thrive, unlike many clubs that are struggling or closing.”
“I often wonder — when you didn’t grow up with Oglebay and Wheeling Park as your backyard, maybe you appreciate it even more. The concerts, the festivals, the sports — the opportunities here are endless.”
Chris has generously included Oglebay in her estate plans — talk about making a lasting difference in the parks.
