December 1, 2025
Wheeling University November Update
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Wheeling University kicked off its fundraising campaign, Light The Way, with the announcement of two gifts totaling $1 million. We are grateful to Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration and WesBanco, Inc., for their donations of $500,000 each. The funds will be used to renovate the outdoor athletic complex. On November 25, representatives from both businesses, Board Chair David Hendrickson, the Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, local government officials, community members, employees, and students filled the McDonough Center to launch the campaign. To read more about the announcement click here.
Academics
The students enrolled in the Introduction of Tourism and Hospitality class visited the Hampton Inn Wheeling. Jack Poling, general manager, spoke with the students about hotel management and conducted a tour. To read more about the visit click here.
Assistant Professor of Engineering, Robert Yahn, toured Touchstone Research Laboratory Ltd. in Triadelphia, West Virginia. Brian Joseph, owner, provided a tour of the facility and highlighted several of the current projects.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training December graduates presented their capstone projects to members of the community on November 21. This is the first cohort to complete the program.
Dr. Zahra Mohebbi, Business Chair, and Dr. David Corbett, Business faculty member, attended the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Region 2 Conference on November 8-9 at Fairmont State University.
Shawna Safreed, Director of Education Programs, and education majors attended the West Virginia Reading Conference. They explored new strategies and learned new ways to engage students in fun and meaningful reading activities. To read more click here.
Admissions
Representatives from the Office of Admissions are registering new students for the Spring 2026 semester.
Advancement/Alumni
One way to support the Light the Way campaign is to purchase a chair for Troy Theater. Each chair purchased will help Wheeling University make upgrades to Troy Theater. Upgrades include new flooring, drapery, and lighting. Donations will also help support the arts on campus.
Athletics
Zack Ziegler, Sports Information Director, and the Athletic Department partnered with Kroger to collect non-perishable food items for the Catholic Neighborhood Center in Wheeling.
Campus Ministry
Father David Griffin commemorated All Souls Month by offering prayers at each Mass for the souls of the faithful departed.
Physical Plant
Members of Physical Plan made upgrades and repairs throughout the campus.
Student Affairs
Jason Christopher, hypnotist and magician, performed in Troy Theater. More than 150 students enjoyed the performance.
Tina Tordella, Director of Counseling Services, held activities to highlight National Gratitude Month. On World Kindness Day, she provided students with information about the importance of kindness and its benefits.Wheeling University participated in the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade again this year. More than 300 students and employees from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, along with faculty and staff, represented the University in the annual Christmas parade. The Men’s and Women’s Rugby Teams had the distinction of serving as a Grand Marshal. Team representatives escorted our float throughout the streets of Wheeling. Our students, faculty, and staff, decked in red, walked behind the float. Our ‘sea of red’ was the largest group to participate in the parade.
As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support. We have had much to be thankful for in November.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
President