April 8, 2022

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling University Community, 

The end of the academic year is always an exciting time across campus because it’s the time when we recognize our students for their academic achievements and success. The university community hosted honor society inductions this week and held its annual research symposium. 

The Nursing and Psychology departments held honor society induction ceremonies on Tuesday and Thursday. The first ceremony was on Tuesday, where nine new members were inducted into Wheeling University’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society for nurses. Those new members are Nayab Abid; Nikki Anderson; Elexis Brown; Allison Collette; Stephanie Garcia; Adi Kline; Sarah Nally; Taylor Niven; and Genesis Ramirez. This honor society’s mission is to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Then on Thursday, six members entered the Psychology honor society – Psi Chi. Those new members are Corey Collette; Kimbria Lance; Aubrie Lafferty; JayLynn McClarren; Taylor Niven; and Allan Wyllie. Psi Chi encourages, recognizes, and advances excellence in scholarship in all fields of psychology. Congratulations to all these students for their induction into these honor societies. 

Wednesday, I had the pleasure to witness several of our students present their scholarly work at the 2022 Student Research and Scholarship Symposium. This day highlights months of work by the students and gives them the chance to present their findings to the campus community. Students benefit tremendously from research experiences and develop valuable skills from their participation. Undergraduate research also adds to our students’ overall academic development. I am grateful to this year’s Chairperson, Professor Teresa Busick, along with Librarian Toni Zbyl and the committee. They thoughtfully planned out a day that allowed our students to highlight their outstanding work. I only wish you all had the opportunity to be present as I can promise you you would be very impressed! 

After 39 years of service to Wheeling University, this community will bid farewell to Head Soccer Coach Jim Regan at the conclusion of the academic year. While alumni and friends gathered last Fall for his final home game – and victory – a ‘Last Blast Retirement’ weekend is being planned in his honor on April 29th-30th. The weekend will feature several events celebrating Coach Regan’s historic career at the University. Many former players from both the men’s and women’s programs and their families are returning to celebrate and commemorate the occasion. Click this link to view the schedule and registration information. We are looking forward to celebrating a man who has profoundly impacted the lives of countless student-athletes during his tenure! Let’s give Coach a well-deserved and memorable send-off! 

Please remember that our Annual Campus Beautification Day – Laudato Si‘– will be held Friday, April 22. We will gather at 9 a.m. outside Donahue Hall, where our Jesuits will send us off with a prayer. Then, all those volunteering can grab some breakfast and head out to tackle the projects we have identified. Watching our students, faculty, coaches, and staff come together to work as a community – all for the betterment of our campus – is a sight to behold. This day not only builds community but new friendships. And, once again, all those who come out to serve that day will be treated to a picnic lunch and a free Laudato Si’ 2022 t-shirt! Finally, the day ends back at Donahue Plaza – where we can reflect on what we experienced and share how this day of service impacted us.  

This week, Brian Vandusen was named the Mountain East Conference Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Co-Athlete of the Week. During last weekend’s High Point (N.C.) Verteklasse Brian won the long jump with a leap of 7.17 meters in a meet where he competed against athletes from all NCAA divisions. Congratulations to Brian on this recognition, and I wish him continued success the rest of the season. 

This Sunday – Palm Sunday – marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Christians mark the final days of Jesus’ life on Earth. May we each take time during this holiest week of the year to pray, fast, and decern. With the University closed on Good Friday, my next campus update will be Friday, April 22. May you have a blessed Holy Week and Easter season.   

My Prayers and Gratitude, 

Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University