September 10, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Family,
We are at the end of the summer and already into September. The heat last week was a bit unbearable, and I know it’s been particularly rough in Campion Hall as we continue to wait for the repairs to be completed. According to Mr. Price Wheeling’s Facilities Director, H.E. Neumann was on site Thursday and Friday and will be back on campus Monday to finish the work. The AC was out briefly in Ignatius Hall last week, making everyone completely miserable. Our facilities department acted quickly and got the air back on late morning. Additionally, the elevators continue to be a painful issue. Schindler Elevator was also on-site Thursday and Friday to correct problems and install parts that have finally arrived. At the time of this update, I am being told one of the elevators has had momentary movement. New chiller compressors for Ignatius Hall are anticipated to arrive on campus late this coming week, with planned installation the following week. Once the air compressors are in place, the temporary dehumidifiers, which have been in place to remove moisture from the rooms, will be removed. There is a great deal of work being completed. I understand the frustration and have been painfully frustrated as well, but parts continue to be delayed due to the post-COVID supply chain backup. I appreciate your patience and understanding in this trying time.
I appreciated the communication Residence Life Director Dan Olack was able to provide to the hall residents to keep everyone updated. Students, please continue to report issues to your RA, who will convey them to Director Olack.
On Friday, October 13, our Wheeling community will celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Most Honorable Bishop Mark E. Brennan presiding. The mass is a more than 500-year-old tradition for students, faculty, and staff to gather and seek the guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit as it begins the academic year. I invite you to join us at the Troy Theatre beginning at noon. Following Mass, lunch availability in the Benedum Room will be extended to 2:00 p.m., and a special menu will be offered. I look forward to celebrating this special Mass together.
Cardinal Athletics had a jam-packed weekend, with the Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country teams kicking off the 2023 season on Saturday at the Bethany Invitational. It was a big day for the teams; the Men finished 13th, and the Women took 17th overall. Men’s Soccer dropped their home opener against Findlay. Rugby fell to Queens, Women’s Soccer had a 5-1 win over Salem, and Volleyball returned from the Bash at the Beach Tournament in Boca Raton, Florida. Cardinal Football fell to Frostburg State on Saturday, and the JV team took on Bethany earlier today. Men’s and Women’s Golf are headed to the Charleston Invitational tomorrow. As you can see, our students are incredibly busy seven days a week and working full-time in the gym and the classroom. Their schedules can be hectic, but the student-athletes study and do assignments while traveling.
Wheeling University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration returns to campus October 7-9. The event combines activities to include current students and family members and old friends and classmates in the weekend festivities. As part of traditional Homecoming events, all are invited to join us for Wheeling Homecoming & Family Weekend Red Zone Tailgate from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the end zone located at Bishop Schmitt Field’s scoreboard before the football game. The tailgate will feature Eggs & Kegs, live music with the Easy Street Band, a Corn Hole Tournament, and Mason Dixon BBQ’s food truck. Alumni, friends, and family will have the opportunity to enjoy a Meet & Greet with all our athletic teams by visiting their team tents. Children can enjoy inflatables and more. Game time is 1 p.m. as the Cardinals take on West Virginia Wesleyan. The half-time festivities will include the crowning of the Wheeling University 2023 Homecoming 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 found online.
Finally, I want to remind our campus community that our Fall Beautification Day is Wednesday, October 4, 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, potato salad, cookies, and more!
Blessings and Go Cardinals,
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University