May 12, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Last Saturday was a wonderful day for the Class of 2023 and the University. As a campus, we celebrated each graduate completing his or her degree, as well as applauding their academic achievements during Commencement. It was very exciting to welcome families and friends to our beautiful campus to honor these students. I had the great pleasure of handing each one their diploma and saying one last goodbye. The University was honored to have West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice offer the class both advice and words of wisdom – he made sure to make everyone laugh as well! He reminded the class that in August 2019 when they were entering the University, he visited campus under very different circumstances. Gov. Justice said, “There was a time not too long ago that we could have lost this institution and all the odds makers were saying its gone … we would not be here today without all of you. Everyone was pulling the rope together … All of us made this day happen.” Babydog, the Governor’s English Bulldog, was seated by his side as he spoke and as he greeted and congratulated each graduate after they received their diploma. I am grateful to the Governor for his unwavering support of Wheeling over the last four years and the ongoing commitment he has to our success. Thanks to his guidance and help, Wheeling University continues to educate students for life, leadership, and service. He was right – by working together, WE made last Saturday happen! We at Wheeling University wish the graduates nothing but success in their future endeavors.
Our Cardinal Baseball team is competing in the MEC Conference Tournament for only the second time in team history. The team lost to Concord on Thursday, moving the Cardinals into an elimination game against rival West Liberty this morning, who they defeated 5-3. The win keeps their championship hopes alive. They will be back in action on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. against either Frostburg State or Concord. You can watch the game online at MEC TV.
The University looks forward to welcoming new Cardinals to the Wheeling family during the upcoming May 20th orientation. We have a full slate of activities planned for these students and their families – a day that will help them make a seamless transition to Wheeling University. The students will meet with their academic advisors, pick up class schedules, and get their Cardinal Cards. We have information sessions planned with various offices including Financial Aid, the Student Success Center, Academic Affairs, and Information Technology. Each new student will learn how to log into their student email, as well as get their photo taken with Iggy. I cannot wait to meet each student and their guests in a few short days.
In preparation for the new academic year, Wheeling University is implementing two new systems that will make online bill payment and class management easier for faculty and students. Nelnet, which we will begin to implement next week, is a financial management system that domestic and international students can use to make payments. This new system streamlines our processes into one easy-to-use program. Canvas will be implemented this Summer, replacing Blackboard. This new Learning Management System will make the delivery of courses more streamlined. Both Nelnet Canvas will be accessible through the self-service site, making it easy to find and use.
The countdown has begun – Alumni Weekend is just six weeks away! I hope our alumni near and far return HOME June 23-25. We have special receptions planned for our 60th (1963) and 25th (1998) anniversary classes on Friday. That same evening, we will induct the class of 1973 into the 50-Year Club. There are other activities planned such as a beer tasting, picnic, and an awards dinner. Please be sure to visit the website to view the schedule of events and to make your reservations. If you have any questions about Alumni Weekend, email alumni@wheeling.edu or call 1-800-888-2586. Don’t miss this chance to see your former classmates and renew friendships. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus at the end of June!
The academic year may be over, but we are already preparing for next year! Our staff began cleaning the residence halls and making repairs around campus, while faculty are updating courses! The students may be gone, but our work continues!
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University