September 23, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Family,
Another ranking service has recognized Wheeling University as a best value institution in the state and the nation. Niche.com listed Wheeling as the second Best Value College in West Virginia, giving the University a grade of A- for value, the highest grade given to any campus-based institution in the state. Nationally, Niche ranked our institution 356 out of 1,875 colleges it reviewed, which places Wheeling in the top 19 percent of institutions across the country for value. In addition, wheeling received an overall score of B+. Rankings from services like Niche, who recognize us for academic rigor, affordability, and providing an outstanding learning environment, are a tribute to our faculty and staff, who provide students with a well-rounded educational experience. Thank you for your commitment to our students!
Alumni, do not forget Alumni Weekend is set for October 21-23. The schedule of events and the registration page is live and ready for you to purchase tickets. A link to the schedule and an online registration form also can be found on the University and Alumni homepages. We are so excited to host an onsite reunion once again after a two year hiatus due to COVID. During the weekend, we will induct three classes – 1970, 1971, and 1972 – into the 50 Year Club and invite the classes of 1995, 1996, and 1997 back to celebrate their 25th anniversary. We hope alumni from all years, especially those in the classes ending in 2s and 7s, will return to celebrate with classmates and enjoy this fun-filled weekend. In addition, the University and the Alumni Council will present four awards at Saturday evening’s dinner. Set to be honored are: Patrick Gannon ’72, who will receive the Rev. Clifford Lewis Award; Andrew Tran ’12, is the winner of the Rev. James O’Brien Award; Robby de Andrade ’72, is the recipient of the St. Ignatius Loyola Distinguished Alumni Award; and Tom Burke ’72, will receive the Magis Award. We cannot wait to welcome everyone home to reconnect with classmates and see all the great things happening at your alma mater. If you have any questions about Alumni Weekend, you can call 800-888-2586 or email Alumni and Family Engagement at wuengagement@wju.edu.
In preparation for our two big events in October – Homecoming and Family Weekend and Alumni Weekend – the University will hold its Fall Beautification Day from 9 a.m. to Noon, Wednesday, October 5. Anyone who plans to help during clean-up day should gather outside Donahue Hall at 9 a.m. Students, faculty, coaches, and staff will be trimming bushes, painting, raking up leaves, and many other tasks to make sure the campus is ready to welcome families, friends, and alumni to campus next month.
I encourage any families, alumni, and friends who plan to attend Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 7-9 to make your reservations soon. The weekend activities schedule and the Homecoming registration link are available online. The entire University community cannot wait to welcome our students’ families and our alumni back to campus for a full weekend of events.
Just a reminder that the University will be the host site for the YWCA’s Third Ohio Valley Festival for Filmmakers of Color tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Troy Theater. Ronald Scott, Jr., the YWCA’s Director of Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach, and our Black Student Union have teamed up to hold the event. The film festival is open to the campus community and the general public and is free of charge. Wheeling University is happy to support culturally relevant community events that expand our students’ learning beyond the classroom.
On Friday, October 14 at Noon, the University will hold its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit in Troy Theater. This ALL CAMPUS Mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, along with our Director of Campus Ministry, Fr. Praveen Malella, and Fr. Carlos Melocoton of St. Michael Parish in Wheeling. Held each year at Catholic schools worldwide, the Mass of the Holy Spirit is an opportunity for the entire Wheeling community to pray for the guidance and wisdom of God’s Spirit as we embark on a new academic year.
I want to remind our faculty, staff, students, and alumni that a Memorial Mass for former Nursing Professor and Associate Academic Dean, Dr. Helen Faso, will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, October 14, in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. I hope members of the Wheeling family – past and present – will join us to pay tribute to this wonderful woman who impacted the lives of so many students over the years.
During tomorrow’s football game at Bishop Schmitt Field, Coach Zac Bruney requests that no students or guests stand along the fence. Signs will be posted to remind fans of this request.
That coolness in the air affirms that Fall is here! I hope that you enjoy this first weekend of Autumn, spending time with friends and family!
Luceat Lux Vestra!
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University