February 12, 2021
Update from the President
February 12, 2021
Greetings Cardinal Family,
As we continue to navigate the pandemic and its impacts on our campus, I am reminded of a quote from Albert Einstein – “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Nearly one year since COVID-19 changed all our lives, each of us has faced difficulties, and we have found ways – opportunities – to not let this virus overtake how we live and work. It has not been easy at times, but we have not been distracted by our goal to provide our students a quality, face-to-face education. I cannot say often enough how humbled I am by our community who has worked together to overcome each challenge, and at the same time, worked to support our students and one another each and every day. Your ongoing dedication to our University is inspiring.
As we continue celebrating Black History Month, there are several on-campus events planned. I encourage our students to attend these special events as we recognize Black History is American history. This week Fr. Richard McCouch, S.J. will preside over Ash Wednesday mass beginning our Lenten season. It is the perfect time to reflect on all of us being called to be Ambassadors of Christ. We will focus on beginning this season in private prayer and reconciling ourselves to God by examining our past to discern our future. This mass will be live-streamed on Wheeling University YouTube channel, and on this day lunch in the Benedum Room will be extended until 2:00 p.m. “Starting the Conversation” a discussion on the meaning of Black History will begin at noon on February 19 in the Benedum Room and will also be live-streamed. I am excited to share with you details about a new campus housing opportunity for our graduate students. Graduate students now have the option of affordable, living quarters just a few blocks from the University campus. Residents in graduate housing will enjoy quick, easy access to the University and affordable rent that covers all utilities including high-speed internet as well as 24-hour Residence Life coverage. Students will also be offered a commuter meal plan option. We will be offering a limited number of housing units that will be assigned to students who meet the eligibility requirements, on a ‘first come-first served’ basis. This is a wonderful opportunity that provides a private space to study in peace while granting students premium access to all the buzz and excitement of campus life.
Providing our students with an exceptional college experience is always our highest priority. Accordingly, our network systems will be undergoing an upgrade to improve connectivity and provide more bandwidth to the internet. Phase one of this upgrade will begin over the next few weeks, upgrading the network connections in Campion/McHugh and Sara Tracy Halls. Our IT department will be installing new fiber switches between the primary connections on campus to move student dorms to a separate path up to the firewall. Phase two will include upgrades to Ignatius and Kirby Halls. These improvements will positively impact students especially when remote learning is needed.
This week, Mother Nature sent us a reminder that winter is still here! Tuesday’s snowfall took the local weathermen and many of us by surprise! It is critically important for all campus members to be alerted when we have a delay, must move to remote learning, or need to close the University. Therefore, I encourage all students and employees to sign up for Cardinal Alert to receive real-time campus text/email notifications. The University will communicate any delays and cancellations through the campus alert system first. Notifications will also be sent to our local television stations – WTRF and WTOV – and posted on the University’s social media channels. The safety of everyone is extremely important to me.
With the weekend upon us, and Valentine’s Day on Sunday, use this holiday as an opportunity to extend your appreciation and gratitude to those who have positively influenced your life. Share your love and respect to show the people you care about how important they are. I hope you will also use the time to rest, relax, and recharge.
As always, I offer my sincere thanks for all that you do to make our University successful.
In prayer, gratitude, and appreciation,
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University