June 24, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
I am pleased to share that the University is bringing back an undergraduate Theology program. Through a bequest from an alumna, we have funds to provide financial support for the program. Additionally, the University, in partnership with the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, is searching for a priest to rebuild the curriculum and teach courses. This priest will live on campus and immerse himself in the lifeblood of our community. This is a start to restoring this essential program, and I promise to keep you informed of the progress we make.
Monday, the University will welcome 59 new Cardinals and their families to campus for our June New Student Orientation – the largest orientation we have hosted in three years! We have planned an exciting day to help acclimate students and families to everything Wheeling offers. A panel discussion with current students and alumni is a chance for our guests to ask questions and talk about life on campus. The Campus Activities Office has planned several icebreakers to allow the incoming students the opportunity to bond and get to know one another. There will be a special session where campus departments will give an overview and answer questions from the families and guests. Our Admissions team will provide tours, and faculty will be on hand in the afternoon to review schedules and answer questions. Each new student will even get the chance to have their photo taken with Iggy the mascot! This is a very exciting day on campus that we all look forward to. We are excited to see our Cardinal Family grow and meet our new Cardinal students and their families.
Through the efforts of our alumni and friends, donations to the University have increased about 15 percent over last year. It appears that the fundraising plan we have put in place is making an impact. Not only have gifts to Wheeling increased but so have the number of donors. I am grateful to all of you who made gifts to the University. Your support allows Wheeling University to make a private, Catholic education more affordable to our students.
Speaking of support, two alumnae, Kate Carrigan-Hill ’84 and Martha Buckley Shields ’64 made donations for the University to purchase flowers that could be placed around campus. Recently, a local florist prepared several colorful hanging baskets that adorn light poles along the walkway around the Chapel and Swint Hall. I am grateful to Kate and Martha for their donations, which have added much color and beauty to this area of the campus.
Remember all faculty, staff or administrators, housekeeping, maintenance, and food services are invited to the second annual Cardinal Employee Picnic on Saturday, July 9th. Feel free to bring the entire family to the event, which will feature games, a WU Cornhole Tournament, a bounce house (socks must be worn to use), lots of great picnic food, and plenty of cold beverages! The fun begins at 11 a.m. If you plan to attend, email kklubert@wheeling.edu to make your reservations. I hope that all our employees are able to attend! Last year was a blast, so I’m looking forward to this year. Coach Nemo Washington’s father, who lost to my son in the Corn Hole Finals, is looking to capture the Wheeling University Cornhole Champion title this year. Of course, as you all know, Frankie is recovering from rotator cuff surgery and will be unable to defend his title. So, the field is wide open this year!
With another academic year coming to an end, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all that you do to make an impact in the lives of our students and our University as a whole. Your support, and the work you do, are deeply appreciated.
Luceat Lux Vestra!
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University