November 27, 2024

November Campus Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to our tremendous students for their hard work and commitment throughout the semester. You are the spirit and soul of this great University and we look forward to your safe return after the holiday. Thank you also to our dedicated faculty, staff, and alumni for your continued support and encouragement of our students throughout the year.

Academics

Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Professor of Physical Therapy and Professor of Psychology, was a keynote speaker at the International Conference on Obesity and Chronic Diseases held this month in London. He spoke on the effects of active/first-person video game play on body image, weight, and overall health as well as how the manipulation of a gaming avatar size can be an influence. 

Four Business and Accounting students, along with several faculty members, attended a dinner at Wheeling Country Club hosted by West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. This annual event is a great opportunity for our students to network with professionals while gaining knowledge outside the classroom. You can read more about this experience by clicking HERE.

Amber Cool has been hired as the Coordinator of Career Services. She will be assisting our students with internships, resume’ preparation, and other skill sets. You can learn more about Ms. Cool HERE.

Admissions

The Office of Admissions is awaiting the launch of the FAFSA for 2025-2026 on December 1. They are also working with new students who plan to attend the University in January. Admissions welcomed 20 families to campus during its final Open House of the year. The prospective students heard from faculty, students, and staff about academic programs, student life, support services, housing, and financial aid. Additionally, students from Weirton Madonna Middle School and High School as well as Paden City High School visited campus in November. 

Advancement/Alumni

Alumni and friends can impact the lives of our students this holiday season by making a Year-End Gift.

Athletics

The Women’s Rugby team made it to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Division I National Championship game. The team will travel to Houston, Texas, for the title game which will be held on Saturday, December 7. Please check the Wheeling University Athletics page for information about the game and viewing options.

Zack Zeigler, Sports Information Director, organized a food drive to benefit Catholic Charities West Virginia. During the Wheeling University West Liberty football game, students, employees, and fans donated nonperishable food items. In all, nearly 600 pounds of food was taken to the Catholic Neighborhood Center with the help of Noah Fraley of Aladdin Dining Services and Mr. Zeigler. Thank you to everyone who made donations.

A number of our Cardinal athletes are collecting postseason honors for their performances this Fall. To read about the honorees, go to the Athletic website.

Campus Ministry

Fr. David Griffin, Director of Campus Ministry, is hosting a Thanksgiving gathering for all students staying on campus over the holiday break. Students will be able to enjoy a meal with their Wheeling University family.

Campus Ministry and students are planning a Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. Following the concert, the tree in the CET Circle will be lit and refreshments will be served. All students, employees, alumni, and friends are invited to help ring in the Christmas season.

Physical Plant

Robert Yahn, Assistant Professor of Engineering, and Michael Muleya, student, are working with Physical Plant staff to install high efficiency lights in the pool area. The new lighting will brighten the area and will be more cost efficient.

Student Affairs

A special thanks to our students, faculty, staff, and families who walked in the Fantasy in Lights Christmas Parade in downtown Wheeling. More than 200 members of the Cardinal family proudly represented Wheeling University. 

As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.

Sincerely,

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.

President, Wheeling University