June 16, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Cardinal Family,
We are one week away from Alumni Weekend and the excitement here is building to welcome our alumni back to campus for three fun-filled days. The online registration portal closed today, and I am happy to tell you more than 110 alumni are expected to attend. The 50th Anniversary Class – 1973 – has the largest group returning for the reunion. These alums will be inducted into the 50 Year Club on Friday night, and three members of the class, Mike Denkler, Mary (Rosenburg) Prunchak and Mike Quinlan, will speak at the annual 50 Year Club Presentation on Saturday morning. Our 60th Anniversary Class – 1963 – will gather Friday in the Erickson Alumni Center to celebrate as a group. And Saturday night, the University and Alumni Council will present awards to four individuals during the Alumni Recognition and Awards Dinner. We cannot wait to see everyone back here at HOME next weekend. May you have a safe journey!
Last Saturday, our very own Fr. Jim O’Brien, S.J. came back to Wheeling to be inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame. There were more than 60 alumni and friends at the ceremony to celebrate this honor with Fr. O’Brien – some traveling from as far away as California, Utah, Georgia, and Maryland. As he was introduced, he stood in front of a large screen watching a montage of photos that spanned several decades of his life in the Friendly City. As he started up the ramp to the stage, Father received a standing ovation from the crowd – which was the first ever I was told. Father gave an outstanding speech, which we plan to post to our social media sites soon to allow those who could not attend the opportunity to watch it. In true Fr. O’Brien fashion, he posed for photos with his guests, and took time to catch up with each person who stopped to say hello. Kelly Klubert and I were invited to join Father and his family for a private Mass on Sunday. What a blessing it was to experience a Mass said by Fr. O’Brien. On Monday, before heading back to Baltimore, Fr. O’Brien had his niece and nephew drive him through campus to see friends. I extend my sincerest congratulations once again Father!
Monday was our third orientation for the incoming class. The University community welcomed over 150 students and family members for a day that helped them prepare for their next step – move in day and the start of their Wheeling University education. The size of this group was so large we had to move the venue for our information sessions to the Troy Theater. What an exciting day showing these students and families our beautiful campus! We look forward to welcoming this new class of Cardinals when they arrive in August!
It is not too late to enroll at Wheeling University either! Our Admission’s team is still accepting applications from traditional freshmen and transfer students. If you know of someone who is interested in attending Wheeling University, please encourage them to apply soon.
This week Aladdin Campus Dining named Chef Noah Fraley as interim Dining Service Director. For an interim period, Chef Fraley will oversee all operations of our dining services. I extend my gratitude to Terry Baker, who managed our operations, for his service to our students.
A NOTE TO EMPLOYEES, we will observe our normal business hours next week to prepare for Alumni Weekend. As a reminder, all University offices will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 19th through Friday, June 23rd. We will resume our Summer hours the week of June 26th.
I hope you have a relaxing and restful weekend – may you spend time doing whatever makes you smile!
Luceat Lux Vestra!
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University