October 1, 2021

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling University Community, 

After classes today, Fall Break will begin giving our students time to spend with family and friends. To all members of the Wheeling family, please remember to guard against becoming infected with COVID-19 and continue to be cautious over the break.  This week, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice shared that the state may have reached a peak in overall COVID cases, and the surge may be easing up. Let’s remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and continue to follow our protocols.  

Today, the Most Rev. Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, joined our students, faculty, Jesuits, and staff to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit – an annual tradition observed by Jesuit institutions, as well as many Catholic schools. This Mass was an opportunity for the entire Wheeling community to seek guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit as we undertake the work of our mission throughout the academic year. We are grateful to Bishop Brennan for once again joining our community in prayer this year. Bishop Brennan offered a wonderful Homily encouraging communion with God and with one another. He said, “Wherever you are in your journey, trust that God is calling you to communion with Himself and with others. Remember that when you mess up, you’ve got a savior who forgives, shows mercy and strength.” 

This week, our Campus Activities Office held a Diversity Fair inside the Benedum Room. The lively event provided an opportunity for students and staff to share information and food from their native culture. This Fair was held in conjunction with the First-Year Seminar (FYS) Diversity Week instruction and gave the FYS students a chance to learn about the various cultures represented and enjoyed. Students involved in clubs ranging from the Asian Culture Organization to Foreign Language Study set up tables to share their ethnicity’s different aspects, cuisines, and customs during the lunchtime event. Students represent several different countries on Wheeling’s campus, including South Korea, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, and the United States African American and West Virginian communities. Residence Life Director Daniel Olack transported students to Pittsburgh’s famous Strip District to purchase ingredients from the international store. The Diversity Fair was a huge hit. The dining hall smelled delightful with the aroma of Korean barbecue (bulgogi), Puerto Rican Arroz con salchichas, rice, sausage, and pigeon peas dish, Kimchi (Korean beef wrap), noodles and dumplings, Black Student Union’s baked mac and cheese, and pepperoni rolls. In addition, fr. Hadi provided an Indonesian dessert of mung bean with plantain banana porridge. This exchange of culturally diverse learning groups is particularly valuable in preparing our students to participate in a globalized world. 

Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration for October 22-24 is just three weeks away! We are featuring a packed schedule for students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni. This weekend will be an excellent opportunity for Wheeling students, families, and alumni to reconnect on the Wheeling University campus. The weekend includes activities for the whole family, Cardinal sporting events, campus tours, games, activities, Mass with our Jesuit community, and more.  

The weekend will include a tailgate from 10:30 am to 12:45 pm on Saturday, October 23, at Bishop Schmitt Field scoreboard area before the football game. Game time begins at 1 pm as the Cardinals take on backyard rivals West Liberty University Hilltoppers. The half-time festivities will include the crowning of the Wheeling University 2021 Homecoming King and Queen. The schedule of events can be found on the University’s webpage, where you will also find a link to register for the weekend.  

This is another busy sports weekend for our athletic teams. Tonight at 7 pm, the Volleyball team plays at Frostburg. Saturday, the rugby team will play Army at West Point at 1 pm, Football is at home against West Virginia Wesleyan beginning at 2 pm, and our Swim Teams hit the pool at Frostburg. Finally, Sunday, our soccer teams are in action – the women’s team plays Alderson Broaddus at 1 pm on Bishop Schmitt Field, while the men travel to the University of Charleston for a 4 pm game. Good luck to all of our teams this weekend! 

I hope our students and faculty take some time over Fall break to rest, relax and recharge.  

Have a great weekend and Go Cards! 

Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University