May 27, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Cardinal Family,
Teaching our students to live our mission is at the heart of a Wheeling University education. However, sometimes actions speak louder than words. So, when Chancellor Chad Carter and Deacon Douglas Breiding of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston asked for help to prepare Mount Calvary Cemetery for Memorial Day, our Student Services staff and student workers answered that call. On Wednesday, VP for Student Services, Andrew Lewis, his Administrative Assistant, Christy Nieman, graduate assistants Brian Shaw and Xavier Thomas, and students Landree Wilkin and Lorenzo Pearson spent the day preparing the cemetery for those visiting their loved ones this weekend. Their service to our community is what we work to instill in our students. I am thankful to these individuals who brought our mission to life. They are true examples of what it means to men and women in service to others.
After much discussion with members of the Alumni Council, we have decided to reschedule Alumni Weekend, initially planned for June 24-26, to October 21-23. My sincere apologies for any inconvenience this date change may cause you. Due to numerous on-campus activities, summer camps, and scheduling conflicts with University personnel and Council leadership, Alumni Council and I wanted to make sure we allow for enough staff and time to plan a wonderful reunion for all of our alumni. Since we haven’t had an in-person Alumni Weekend in two years, I want to ensure this reunion is as special as possible for those attending, especially those three classes celebrating their 50th and 25th anniversaries. Therefore, in October, we will honor the 50 Year Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 during a special ceremony and reception, and an event will be held to honor the 25th classes from 1995, 1996, and 1997. As in the past, all classes are invited to attend. The Alumni Council is finalizing a schedule of events for the weekend, which we will announce as soon as possible. In addition to our 50th and 25th celebrations, we will present four alumni awards during this weekend. I hope that as many of you as possible will be able to come home and spend time with members of your Cardinal family this October. I look forward to visiting with you and showcasing this wonderful University and our beautiful campus. See you in October!
Earlier this week, I introduced new Women’s Basketball Coach Anna Kowalska to the campus and local media. She is an excellent basketball coach who believes in our mission and educational philosophy. Anna’s commitment to her faith, excellence, and Catholic values aligns with Wheeling’s values, making her the perfect choice to lead the program. Her passion extends far beyond the game – she is committed to developing her student-athletes into outstanding women who will make an impact in the community once they graduate. You can read all about Coach Kowalska on our website.
Finally, the Cardinal Rugby squad qualified for the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7’s Tournament for the second straight year. They play number six seed Harvard tomorrow in the first round of the tournament in New Orleans. Information and scores from the games can be found on the tournament website. If you have followed Coach Geibel and this tremendously talented team, you already know they’re amazing. Good luck at the tournament guys – we’ll be cheering you on and looking forward to yet another incredible win!
As we enter the long Memorial Day weekend, we honor and remember the service men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. We are forever indebted to these courageous men and women who gave their lives for those of us they’ve never even met. Thank you for your time, bravery, and sacrifice for this country. We remain forever grateful for what you’ve done to maintain America’s freedom. As we gather this weekend with family and friends, please keep our fallen heroes in your hearts and your prayers.
Respectfully yours,
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University