June 3, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Cardinals,
Summer is anything but slow around campus. Work continues to improve both the inside of our buildings and the campus grounds. Additionally, summer courses are in full swing, and we are preparing for the start of the Fall semester – which will be here before we know it! This week, a welcome sight was the delivery of an air conditioning unit for the Center for Educational Technologies building. The unit should be up and running next week! I am so incredibly grateful to the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese and their assistance in addressing this crucial need for our University. Unfortunately, the heat has been unbearable, and our employees will be working alternative schedules and locations until our building is adequately cooled.
It is true that Wheeling alumni can be found everywhere! During my recent travels to South Carolina to visit my daughter over Memorial Weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Barry, Class of 1978, at the Salty Dog Cafe. He noticed my husband wearing a Wheeling University shirt and came over to ask if he was an alum. I enjoyed meeting him and hearing some stories about his time at Wheeling. Steve spoke fondly of his classmates and his love of our University. Like so many others, Steve looks forward to returning to campus and spending time with his friends this Fall during Alumni Weekend, which will be held Oct. 21-23.
In early May, a mailing was sent out to our 50 year classes – those graduates from 1959-1972 – asking this dedicated group of alumni to support our fundraising efforts. To date, nearly $30,000 has been donated. The 50 Year Club, led by Col. Philip Rusciolelli, president, and past presidents Dr. Edward Shahady and Dan Haller, are the driving force behind this fundraising effort. The 50 Year Club has raised significant amounts of money for the University in years past. This leadership group is also engaging the senior ambassadors from each class, who are calling their classmates to encourage them to support the University. Thank you to Col. Rusciolelli, Dr. Shahady, Mr. Haller, and the Senior Ambassadors for their help and continued support. And to those who have made gifts, I appreciate all that you do to make a Wheeling education affordable for today’s students.
Our spring athletes continue to gain accolades. During the Memorial Day Weekend, two members of the men’s track and field team – Jabez Reeves and Andrew Taylor – competed at the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships, finishing in the top 10 in their events. It was their first time qualifying for the outdoor nationals for the two sophomores. Running against some of the top sprinters in the country, Jabez broke a University record in the 100-meters during a qualifying race. He finished ninth during the championship heat and was named an NCAA Second Team All-American. Andrew cleared the bar at 2.13 meters in the high jump, good enough for ninth place and an NCAA Second Team All-American selection. Additionally, the Cardinal Rugby team competed at the National Collegiate Rugby CRC 7’s tournament. They went 3-2 in their five matches at the tournament. The Cardinals finished the 2021-22 campaign as the sixth-place team in the country. Congratulations to Jabez, Andrew, and our rugby team on an outstanding year.
As we begin another weekend, I would like to take a moment to thank all our employees, alumni, and friends for your continued support of Wheeling University. Through your efforts – your time, talent, and treasure – this institution can provide our students with a quality Catholic education.
With gratitude,
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University