October 6, 2023

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling Family, 

The campus community has been buzzing with activity all week in preparation for Homecoming. Our students have had events and socials, and the entire student population voted to select this year’s Homecoming King and Queen. Wednesday, students, coaches, faculty, and staff participated in our annual Fall Beautification Day – and they were certainly able to get a lot of work around campus completed. The volunteers washed the vans we use to transport students, power washed the grandstands at the field and patio outside of Donahue Hall, and picked up trash. They painted curbs, fire hydrants, and parking lines in several lots, not to mention directional arrows in the lots. Those who participated were on a mission and thanks to their help, we were able to accomplish so much. I am grateful to everyone who took time out of their schedule to make the campus look beautiful for parents, friends, and alumni.

There is a full schedule of activities and athletic games planned for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2023. We have over 200 alumni and family members we will be welcoming to campus. The highlight of the weekend will be the crowning of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of the Cardinal Football game. Five senior women and five senior men make up this year’s royalty. The students selected for this year’s court are Cassandra Feyh; Zayna Hampton; Keala McCurry; Delaney Miller; Eva Tolliver; Izaiha Browning; Bailey Brunner; Joseph Iye; Jose Oltra; and River Pappas. Each will walk across the field, escorted by family or friends, before the winners are announced. You can read their bios by clicking this link.  

Twenty-three nursing students received their White Coats during a ceremony Thursday evening in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. This wonderful ceremony signals a transformation of status from an ordinary student to that of one studying to become a nursing professional. After donning their White Coats, Fr. Freddie blessed each of their hands – a spiritual moment meant to recognize the importance of the healing touch. They then recited the Nightingale Pledge and A Nurse’s Prayer as well. I always enjoy being a part of this ceremonial tradition and sharing this day with the students and their families and friends. 

While this has been a busy week, we look forward to two significant events happening next week. On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia will be on campus for the grand opening of the Challenger Learning Center’s new Blue Origin Space Simulator. Thanks to the Senator, the CLC received $3 million to upgrade its simulator to better teach local and regional students science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition to Sen. Capito, Lance Bush from CLC Headquarters will be here to mark this special occasion. The Senator plans to observe Corpus Christi students doing a drone activity and then watch students from a Pittsburgh school inside the new simulator. Wheeling University is grateful to Sen. Capito for providing the funding to transform our nearly 30-year-old simulator into a state-of-the-art learning environment. 

The campus will end next week when The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will be on campus to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit. This annual Mass is held by Catholic schools at the beginning of the academic year and is celebrated each year to allow for the Wheeling community to pray for guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. The Mass, which will be held in Troy Theater, also gives students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to celebrate the solidarity of our community, while understanding the importance of the spirit of truth, love, and mercy. I look forward to seeing all of our students and employees at this Mass and thank Bishop Brennan for celebrating this Mass with our community. 

I hope Homecoming and Family Weekend attendees enjoy being on campus and the many activities and sporting events that are planned. 

Go Cardinals!