October 31, 2024
October Campus Update
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Mr. David Hendrickson, Wheeling University Board Chair, and members of the Board of Trustees convened their October 25 Board Meeting on the campus of Wheeling University. Updates were presented by Cabinet members and Student Government representatives. Following lunch with students, the afternoon session focused on positioning Wheeling University for the future. A tour of the campus concluded the agenda for the day.
Academics
Four members of the faculty were in Chicago for the Higher Learning Commission’s Assessment Academy Midpoint Roundtable. The Assessment Roundtable was an opportunity to share progress, seek advice from other participants, and receive in-person guidance on assessment. Wheeling University just completed the second year of an assessment program to conclude in October of 2026. It is designed to maximize the assessment practices and to help grow student learning. This focus on growth ties into Wheeling University’s mission of preparing students to be future leaders.
Thirteen members of the Nursing program received their White Coats during a ceremony held in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. In attendance were faculty, staff, family, and friends. This ceremony is a rite of passage for nurses and other medical professionals which marks the beginning of the students’ clinical education. Fr. David Griffin performed a blessing of the hands which serves as a reminder of the way that nurses’ hands, in addition to their minds and hearts, serve as key instruments of compassion, care, and healing for their patients. Finally, the students recited the Nightingale Pledge and the Nurse’s Prayer.
An open house was held to showcase our health science programs and their new classrooms and labs inside Donahue Hall and Kirby Hall. Also, students from those programs, along with WVU Wheeling Hospital, the University Counseling Center, and community partners hosted a Health Fair inside McDonough Center. Students and employees of the University as well as the general public took part in various health screenings and received health information.
Two members of the Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty, Dr. Alison Kreger, Director of the program, and Dr. Rhonda Haley, Clinical Assistant Professor, attended the 19th Annual Physical Therapy Leadership Conference. Also, Associate Professor of Nursing, Silvia Myndresku, attended an international conference on Gastroenterology and Hepatology & Team Based Treatment of Common Medical and Mental Health Problems in Primary Care.
Admissions/Financial Aid
The Office of Admissions hosted the first Fall Open House on October 19. Admissions collaborated with the Football program and welcomed approximately 25 prospective students and their families to campus. Those attending had the opportunity to ask questions of our student and faculty panel, to hear about financial aid, and to learn about filing the FAFSA. Tours of the campus preceded a tailgate brunch and the Cardinal football game against West Virginia State.
In October, Admission Representatives completed approximately 60 high school visits and/or college fairs.
Dylan Nowakowski, Director of Financial Aid, Gabriel Garrison, Elijah Edwards, and Dr. Vargo attended the West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities (WVICU) Donor Appreciation Luncheon at the University of Charleston. Gabriel and Elijah had the opportunity to thank the donors who sponsored the scholarships they received through the Circle of Vision Scholarship Program. Wheeling students received more than $40,000 in scholarships this Fall from the WVICU.
Advancement/Alumni
Alumni Weekend 2025 will be held on June 20-22. Additional information will be provided early next year. Gather your friends and classmates and return home in June.
Athletics
The Men’s Golf team finished fourth in the Mountain East Tournament. This was the highest finish since 2016. The Cardinals posted a three-day combined score of 906. Sophomore Ryan Courtney tied for second place overall, earning his first MEC All-Tournament Team honor. Robin Duzmann finished in sixth place overall.
The Wheeling University Men’s and Women’s Rugby Teams are nationally ranked this Fall. The undefeated women’s team is seated at the top of the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Top 20 Coaches Poll. The men’s team is in the top five nationally, sitting at the number four position in the NCR Top 20 Coaches Poll.
Members of the 2024 Men’s Rugby Team, who finished the top team in the nation last spring, received their championship rings from Coach Mike Geibel during a ceremony on Saturday, October 19. The Cardinal Rugby team is the second team to earn a National Championship at Wheeling University.
The Athletic Department opened nominations for the 2025 Hall of Fame class. Individuals or teams may be nominated for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Nominations will be accepted through January 1, 2025. To learn more about the criteria for induction and how to submit your nomination click here.
Campus Ministry
As Catholic Christians, it is good to pray for the dead with their resurrection in mind. The Church sets aside the month of November to remember in a special way all those who have departed from this earth. Please submit the names of deceased that you would like the community to remember in our prayers to Father David Griffin at dgriffin@wheeling.edu or at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph.
Information Technology
The University is transitioning to a new phone system. The system will provide employees with easier access to calls and messages. One feature that is unique, employees will receive a transcribed email when someone leaves a voice message. The new system should be fully operational in early November.
Physical Plant
Lighting upgrades continue throughout campus. Additionally, the heating boilers are ready for the winter season.
Student Affairs
The Office of Student Affairs hosted a Club Fest that provided students with the opportunity to learn more about club offerings at Wheeling University and how to get involved. Trivia night, bingo, a video game night, and a drive-in movie were some of the activities.
The Counseling Center held educational programs during Mindful Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. This year’s Fresh Check Day included an engaging mental health event that featured various informational and interactive stations. The Counseling Center is planning an arts and craft session with the Sexual Assault Help Center.
As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
President