As a two-sport standout for the blue and white, Melanie Dunn Ross (1988-92) competed in four years of softball and three of basketball for Hall of Fame coaches Brett and Jenepher Banker.  

On the basketball court, Ross was solid on both offense and defense.  The softball field is where she some real damage, leaving Behrend as a career leader in hits, runs, and RBIs. She posted a career batting average of .326.  She remains the all-time leader in career putouts and total chances. Ross was part of the College's first ECAC softball playoff team in 1989 and first championship team in 1992.  The 1992 team has been inducted to the Hall of Fame as one of Behrend's all-time greatest teams. Ross earned back to back All-American Scholar Athlete honors and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges recognition in 1991 and 1992.  In 2001, she was inducted into the General McLane Hall of Fame. 

Ross lives in Erie with her husband Michael.  She has been Team Captain for the March of Dimes in Erie for many years now and holds office as the treasurer of the Children's Program for the Salvation Army. She earned a degree in management from Behrend in 1992 and has worked as a retail manager in Erie for K-Mart for twelve years.