October 15, 2021

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling University Community, 

With one week until Homecoming and Family Weekend, everyone is preparing to welcome our alumni and students’ families to campus next weekend.  The Wheeling University 2021 Homecoming Court was announced today that includes King Candidates – Matt Greenwood, Max Baker, Ryan Gorman, Malkolm Barrett, and Richard White – Queen Candidates – Hannah Swisk, Landree Wilken, Kayla Bekier, Caroline Fodor, and Gina Fogle. The Homecoming Queen and King will be crowned during halftime at Saturday’s game. If you have not looked at the schedule, you should – we have a very exciting lineup of events planned for all guests. In addition, we have added another activity for Saturday morning – disc golf. We will have Wheeling University discs (frisbees) available at registration, and at 9 a.m., you can learn how to play the game from the experts who designed our course. 

You can help us prepare for Homecoming and Family Weekend by taking a quick moment to register. Registering in advance will ensure you receive a Homecoming t-shirt given to the first 200 registrants. The $10 fee gives you access to all activities happening on campus throughout the weekend, including admission to the football and soccer games, the President’s Tailgate before the football game, coupons, and much more. Each person can pick up their Homecoming packet on Friday evening and Saturday morning at the registration table located outside of Troy Theater inside Swint Hall – there will be signs in the semi-circle to direct you to the location. In addition to food trucks, children’s activities, and crafts, there will be raffles and giveaways on Saturday afternoon. We will also have a merchandise tent set up during the football game with new Wheeling University apparel for sale.  

To prepare for Homecoming and Family Weekend, the campus is holding a Fall Beautification Day this coming Wednesday from 9 a.m. to Noon. Anyone participating should gather outside of Donahue Hall at 9 a.m. Students, faculty, coaches, and staff will be painting, trimming bushes, raking, and many other tasks as we get ready to welcome families, friends, and alumni to campus.  

Teaching and learning at a university can take place in many ways. This week, Amy Gamble, former Olympian, author, mental health advocate, and peer support coach, offered “Let’s Talk about Mental Health.” This presentation gave the students insights into recognizing if someone is experiencing mental health issues and how to seek help. In addition, Amy shared her own battle with a mental disorder, how she overcame the stigma of her diagnosis, and how she counsels and helps people today. This type of ‘wellness’ programming is essential to educating our students to care for their minds, body, and soul. I am grateful to Amy for educating our students about this serious issue in our society. 

Wheeling University has received recognition from a Canadian-based publication – University Magazine. The magazine selected Wheeling as the eighth-best college in the state and the highest-rated institution in the Northern Panhandle in its 2021 rankings. This designation is the second magazine to give the University high marks since the academic year began. Our University has consistently ranked among the region’s best universities thanks to our faculty, who provide our students with an excellent educational experience grounded in Ignatian principles.  

As predicted, we see a drop in COVID-19 cases in the state and across the country. However, health experts have offered opinions on why cases have decreased on campus, and I believe our cases have remained very low because our students, faculty, and staff continue to follow our COVID-19 protocols. We must stay vigilant, though – so please continue to wear a mask indoors, get vaccinated if you haven’t already, and get your booster shot when you are eligible.  

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!  We are looking forward to welcoming you all home for Homecoming. Please take a minute to register or call Kelly Klubert or Adwit Lamichhane at 304-243-8141 and they’ll be more than happy to register you over the phone. 

With appreciation,

Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University