September 30, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Cardinal Family,
Our Nursing faculty gave the local media a tour of the new Health Care Simulation Lab on Wednesday. Earlier this year, Wheeling University received nearly $540,000 through West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s Nursing Workforce Expansion Program to attract, train and retain nurses in the Mountain State. A large portion of the grant was used to update our simulation lab with new, state-of-the-art equipment, which our students in the Nursing, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, and Biology programs are excited to use. One of the new pieces of technology purchased is an Anatomage Table – the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tools available today. This new simulation equipment will allow faculty to present students with hard to find clinical experiences so they are better prepared to treat patients when they graduate.
Today was one of my favorite days; our friends from St. Michael’s School held their annual Angel Walk at Wheeling University’s track and stadium. This yearly walk is a fundraiser for the school, and the University was thrilled to have once again the students, faculty, staff, and families from St. Michael’s on our campus for this wonderful event. Bishop Schmitt Field and our track were swarming with little kids and parents. The Cardinal Football Team participated in the event by running around the track with them, playing football and other games. The kids loved having them there. I love the growing relationship we have with St. Michaels. I should share that their Advancement Director, Bailey Fredrick is a 2020 alum and doing a fantastic job. In the afternoon, Munhall Library Plaza was alive with students sharing food and music from their native lands during Culture Fest 2022. The festival celebrates the many different cultures represented by the Wheeling student body. This yearly event gives our students from countries across the world the opportunity to showcase their talent through native dance and cultural presentations.
Wheeling has two exciting events in October. First is Homecoming and Family Weekend, which will be held next Friday through Sunday. There are activities throughout the weekend – including sporting events, receptions, food trucks, and much more. During halftime of Saturday’s football game, we will introduce the Homecoming Court and crown our king and queen. If you are planning to attend, please make your reservations soon. A full schedule of events and online reservation form can be foundonline.
Our second event is Alumni Weekend, whichis set for October 21-23. We cannot wait to welcome alumni back to campus to celebrate class reunions after a two year hiatus due to COVID. Alumni will find the weekend filled with induction ceremonies, great food, award presentations, parties in the RATT, and Sunday Mass. Alumni can find the link to the schedule of events and the registration page on the University and Alumni homepages. Please make your reservations in advance if you plan to attend any weekend activities. We have designed a weekend filled with induction ceremonies, lots of great food, award presentations, parties in the RATT, and Sunday Mass. Any alumni who have questions about Alumni Reunion Weekend can call 800-888-2586 or email wuengagement@wheeling.edu.
I want to remind our campus community that our Fall Beautification Day is next Wednesday, October 5, from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Every year we work as a Cardinal family to ready the campus for our Homecoming guests and families! Cardinals plan to come prepared to work! We will gather in front of Donahue Hall at 9 a.m. and distribute work assignments. As usual, we will need volunteers to bring yard tools, including rakes, shovels, pruning shears, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers. We’ll end the afternoon with a delicious picnic lunch, including hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, and potato salad, cookies and more!
I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Noah Fraley as our new executive chef. Noah comes to Wheeling University from our neighbor across the creek – The Linsly School, where he served as the school’s executive chef for the past six years. Noah studied at the Culinary School of America and I am positive he will be a great addition to the Aladdin staff and will offer our students new culinary options to enjoy!
A reminder that The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, will celebrate our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit at Noon on Friday, October 14th. The Mass will be held in Troy Theater, and Bishop Brennan will be joined by Wheeling University’s Fr. Praveen Malella and Fr. Carlos Melocoton of St. Michael Parish. Catholic institutions celebrate this Mass each year to call on the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom throughout the academic year.
Finally, this week the parishes around Wheeling will participate in the national program of the Diocesan Rosary Congress. They start tomorrow and run through Oct. 8th. Sunday, October 2, from 6 to 7 p.m., the University will host a service at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph that will consist of Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament followed by the recitation of the Rosary and concluding with Benediction. Consider taking time for yourself to pray the rosary. The service is open to all members of the community. I hope that you will find the time to attend and have an opportunity to sit and talk to God.
Our hearts break as we witness the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Ian. As the storm continues to make its way along the East Coast, please keep all those impacted by the hurricane, including our alumni, in your prayers.
With gratitude,
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University