March 22, 2024
Wheeling University March Update
Dear Wheeling University Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Friends:
Each month, the University will provide an update to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. The update will include brief reports from the various departments around campus. I hope you find this University Update informative.
ACADEMICS
Planning is under way for this year’s Commencement exercises. Anyone planning to graduate this year please be sure to order your cap and gown packages no later than March 28th. Orders can be placed by clicking here.
The month of April brings a number of academic events to celebrate student research and academic achievement. The complete schedule of honor society induction ceremonies can be found on the Commencement page. These events are open to the inductees, as well as their families. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements throughout April.
Dr. Edward Younkins ’70, Professor of Accountancy and Business, will present the Henry Hazlitt Memorial Lecture entitled “Ayn Rand and the Austrian Economists” during the Austrian Economics Research Conference. The conference will be this weekend in Auburn, Alabama.
ADMISSIONS
The Admission’s Team continues work to recruit the Fall 2024 incoming class. Despite delays in receiving FAFSAs this year, deposit numbers are trending similar to last year. New student applications are still arriving, high school visits continue and our staff is working with a number of students from Notre Dame College who are looking to transfer due to the college’s impending closure this Spring. The Admissions representatives also provided about 80 students from Wheeling Middle School an inside look at what the University has to offer this month.
The Admission’s Office recently moved to new offices inside the Center for Educational Technologies building. The offices are located next to Financial Aid, creating a true one-stop shop for visiting families.
Finally, Financial Aid has been preparing for the receipt of this year’s FAFSA results, while providing families with an estimate of the aid they can expect to receive. Our team is doing its very best to help parents and students who are trying to make a college decision, easing their anxiety due to the delays with FAFSA reporting.
ADVANCEMENT/ALUMNI
Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 21-23 with the classes ending in 4’s and 9’s celebrating anniversaries this year. Alumni Council is putting the finishing touches on the schedule of events, with registration site to go live in late April.
During Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Council will recognize alumni who are excel in their chosen career and in service to others, in service to the university and young alumni who are making a difference. If you know of someone deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Award (outstanding in career or outstanding in service); The Clifford Lewis Award for service to the university, the James O’Brien Alumni Award honoring young alumni; please email the person’s name and a short nomination letter to alumni@wheeling.edu.
Finally, the Council is looking for new members! If you would like to be a member of the Alumni Council, please email your name and class year to alumni@wheeling.edu.
ATHLETICS
Our Spring sports are in full swing, with Baseball, Men’s/Women’s Golf, Lacrosse, Rugby, Softball, and Track all competing currently. If you cannot attend games, please check the Athletic page to live stream any competition.
Former Wheeling Softball standout, Mallory Chapman, was named new head coach of the Cardinal program. She played at Wheeling University from 2015-18, leading Cards to the MEC Championship game during the 2018 season. The Softball team began Mountain East play this past weekend. We wish Mallory much success in her new position.
Former Cardinals Jarett Haines and Jordan Reid signed pro contracts with the West Virginia Grind of The Basketball League (TBL). Both have played in the first three games of the season for the Grind, with Reid averaging just over 20 PPG, and Haines averaging just over 10 PPG.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Last weekend, 26 members of the Wheeling community traveled to Lantz Farm for the Spring Kairos Retreat. Among them, were 13 retreatants who made the retreat for the first time. This was one of the largest groups in some time. The three days were packed with spiritual exercises enabling a wonderful journey into new life. It was a highly participant-driven approach of change of one’s life. Kairos inspires the retreatants to make a difference in one’s life and that of others.
Please note our Holy Week and Easter Masses in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph are as follows:
Holy Thursday – 4 p.m.
Good Friday – 4 p.m. (Commemoration of the Passion of Christ)
Easter Sunday – 11 a.m.
PHYSICAL PLANT
Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration continues work to remedy moisture issues in Ignatius Hall. The company is working in 34 rooms on several floors in the residence hall. As work is completed, students are returning to their renovated rooms. Additionally, all the showers in Campion/McHugh are being refurbished.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
This month the Office of Student Affairs welcomed Heidi Dziak, as the new Coordinator for Student Activities & Events. Heidi will not only work with student clubs to plan events, but she will be the main point of contact for any on-campus and external events hosted at the University. Anyone who has questions or needs assistance can contact Heidi for guidance.
The process to apply for student housing for next fall is under way. Returning students and new students began submitting housing applications in March, and the process will remain open until October.
Many activities and events have been planned for the upcoming months including a Solar Eclipse Celebration and Culture Fest. The department is planning additional events in April including an Earth Day event in collaboration with the Ohio County Solid Waste Authority and a week-long series of events for Last Blast.
Finally, the University will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday. As we prepare for Holy Week, let me take this opportunity to wish you a blessed Easter and extend my heartfelt thanks for your support of Wheeling University.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
Interim Chief Operations Officer