Donor Testimonials
Mariah Tasz Day, ’75
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
So much of what I am today is a consequence of the time I spent at Wheeling. The professors that cared so much and shared so generously, the classmates that have become lifelong friends and the curriculum that expanded my horizons have all enhanced my life. I believe that through the many changes over the years WU has remained a place that builds character and influences lives that make a difference in this world.
Marybeth Murray Emmerth, ’85
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
It is obvious that my affection runs deep or I might not have returned to my alma mater. I am currently in my 25th year of teaching here at the University. So much has changed physically since I was a student, new buildings and lots of changes in upper administration, but the one thing that has not changed is the dedication and care given to our students by our faculty and staff. Many who taught me have retired in the last few years, but those faculties who came with me and the following 5 years are still here, following the examples set by our mentors. The faculty remains committed to giving WU students an excellent, well-rounded education.
Tyler Glover, ’12
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
I have an incredible sense of pride in my school. There were constant improvements and upgrades while I was a student there, and I want new and current students to be able to experience that same excitement. The staff at WU, from Alumni Relations to the President, know the graduates and take time to really talk and listen to them whenever they have the opportunity. The friendly, small school atmosphere will continue long after I’ve graduated.
Valerie Grimes Piko, ’09
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
So much of what I am today is a consequence of the time I spent at Wheeling. The professors that cared so much and shared so generously, the classmates that have become lifelong friends and the curriculum that expanded my horizons have all enhanced my life. I believe that through the many changes over the years WU has remained a place that builds character and influences lives that make a difference in this world.
Stacy Keller Kelleher, ’09
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
I received more than a degree from Wheeling Jesuit, I became a better person for myself and others as a direct result of my Jesuit education. My experiences at Wheeling Jesuit were priceless, and I will never be able to repay the professors, administrators, priests, and staff for the impact they had on me. The only thing I can do is be an ambassador for the school I love so much and give what I can to ensure that current students have similar experiences.
I think about the seemingly small things I experienced at WJU; a peaceful prayer service on the feast of St. Nicholas followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree on campus, a bus trip up the hill to attend an away basketball game with friends, the many campus ministry holiday parties. I look back with fondness on these memories. As a twenty-something year old who is still financially figuring things out, I realistically cannot give a large sum of money. The small amount I give may not be enough to buy new computers or lab equipment, but it will ensure that students experience the seemingly small things that made all the difference for me.
Adam Levitsky, ’06
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
Wheeling Jesuit was a transformative time in my life, and I know it was as well for my fellow classmates. The Jesuit mission to educate for life and to instill in its students an obligation to lead and serve has resonated with me. I have one goal I strive to achieve every day – help people. It is now our time to help pay forward the life-changing experiences of WJU that will enable the next generation to continue that mission. Still at the beginning stages of a career, I try to give what I can to support my alma mater so that others may have the opportunity to have the same character-building experiences and receive the same exceptional education as I did – right here in the Mountain State.
Melissa DiPietro Myers, ’02
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
I had such an amazing and rewarding college experience, and I really credit WJU for my professional success since graduation. I feel forever indebted to the people that believed in me, encouraged me, and invested in me. In addition, I personally benefited from multiple generous scholarships when I applied to WJU. Without this aid, I would have not have been able to attend this University. It is for these reasons that I make a donation every year in an attempt to pay it back. Giving back is so important to me!
Jim Osborne, ’74 & Maureen Osborne, ’77
Why we give to WU: Wheeling College had a huge impact on both of our lives. It was an incredible time of growth – academically, socially and spiritually. The contacts we made during our college years (friends and faculty) became like family to us and continued to support us in many ways even after we graduated. Both of us learned from our parents the value of giving back. We choose to “pay it forward” by donating to WU so other young people can benefit from the same education we are so grateful that we received.
Al Reed
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU :
Why give? First of all, although we have lived in Texas for many years, we consider ourselves West Virginians (my wife is from Williamson WV). Secondly, our country needs colleges like WU where you can examine the big questions in small classes led by outstanding teachers. Third, the truths and lessons I learned at WJU, particularly in the core curriculum classes like Ethics, Logic and Philosophy became more helpful and important to me as I passed through life. We want those lessons to be available to future generations.
Richard A. (Dick) Riley, Jr., ’84
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
Wheeling College transformed my young life. My parents helped build a solid foundation and then WJU opened my eyes to possibilities, encouraged curiosity and developed confidence, ingredients for leadership. For all of that, I am forever grateful. Giving back time, treasures and the fruits of labor helps create similar opportunities for tomorrow’s WU.
Ed Shahady
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU :
Paying back for the gift of learning, how to think, and paying forward so others can have similar opportunities.
Lou Volpe, ’70
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU:
The College, as it was then called, was both a place and a people who helped form me (to the extent that I have any positive form whatsoever!) intellectually, spiritually, and socially. My classmates brought me the gifts of affection, encouragement, and inspiration to be and do something positive with my life, while many of my professors deepened my intellectual curiosity and nurtured my budding spiritual growth. As a high school teacher at St. John’s Central and Wheeling Central Catholic High Schools for thirty-eight years, I have seen many of my students (over three-hundred, I estimate ), go on to WJU and graduate with a deeper love for study, for reflection, for service – most of all – with a greater confidence and maturity about who they are and their part in the world’s drama. I believe many of them emerge from their four years at WJU as I did (light years ago!): more critical (in the best sense of the word, meaning “able to look at self, world, and God more closely and intimately”), compassionate, centered, and convinced in their role (small or large) in bringing goodness to the world and its people.
Kristine Malmgreen Yeater, ’06
Why I Give or Why it is important to stay connected to WU :
The academic, spiritual, and social experiences at WJU completely shaped my life goals and accomplishments to date. Through an education that focused on the development of the whole person and integrating all aspects of our lives, I was able to develop a sense of what truly matters in my life. Family, friends, and community deserve as much energy as the job I go to every day. Simply put, a Jesuit education trains men and women to achieve a work-life balance (even before the term “work-life balance” was cool).
It is important to give to the University so that young men and women can continue to receive a Jesuit education in a place as welcoming as Wheeling, WV and that they might have the best that the University can offer students. It is also important to stay connected to WU to live out an important tenet of a Jesuit education – that we are men and women for others. Giving and staying connected enriches the Wheeling University community that enriched me. I would encourage my family of alumni to do the same, whatever their level of abilities.
Thank you for making an impact in our students’ lives and for supporting WU!