July 8, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Cardinal Family,
Much to my delight, I received a copy of a Forbes Magazine article from local businessman Bob Robinson of Robinson Auto Group that featured Wheeling University on Thursday. The article features San Diego’s National University and how it has grown and prospered. As part of the magazine’s investigation into the financial health of the nation’s private non-profit colleges, Forbes listed the 10 institutions it classified as “achievers” – colleges whose financial grades increased substantially in the past year. Low and behold, Wheeling was listed fifth among the ‘achievers.’ In addition, the University was given a score of B-, up from a D in 2021. Such an improvement in our overall grade proves that living within our budget and is being recognized. I am so grateful that Mr. Robinson took the time to send me a copy of the article so that I could share this fantastic news with all of you.
The campus is quiet now, but in less than a month, student-athletes participating in Fall sports will move in. Before our students return, however, we have several camps during July. This weekend, more than 50 high school students will make their way to Wheeling University to participate in a leadership workshop sponsored by the iBelieve Foundation. This marks the first time since COVID-19 – three years – that we will host outside groups at the University. iBelieve sponsors the Youth Leadership Workshops for students to develop real-world leadership skills that prepare them to grow into successful leaders. Following iBelieve, the University will host the OVAC All-Star Football camp, which includes all football players, coaches, band members, and Queen of Queen candidates who participate in the annual football game on Wheeling Island. We are all looking forward to welcoming these groups to our campus. We miss our students when they’re home on summer break and look forward to the activity of the campus buzzing with the sound of students learning and laughing.
Saturday morning, I will join the Alumni Council for its quarterly meeting. The Council will discuss the schedule of events for Alumni Weekend in October, and we hope to publish that schedule as soon as possible. I am excited that our new Career Development Coordinator, TeAnn King, will be at the meeting to discuss her plans to involve alumni in career activities. I think the Council will be excited to hear how they and other alumni can get involved in career opportunities for our students. This is the first meeting for the new Alumni Council officers: President, Jennifer Elias Merryman ’13; Vice President, Jake Lucas ’12; and Secretary Audra Macri Scalfaro ’12. Many thanks to outgoing president Dr. Joe Munhall ’93 and secretary Paula Scott Felt ’72 for their service and dedication to Wheeling University.
Also, we will hold our second annual Employee & Family Picnic on Saturday. The picnic is a chance for all employees and their families to share a relaxing day of fellowship. Last year, it was wonderful to watch our employees, and their families enjoy themselves and get to know one another’s spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and grandchildren. It’s also a great opportunity for new employees to become acquainted with other staffers. We have several students living on campus this summer as well, and they’ll hopefully be joining the fun as well. We will have something for everyone – games, activities, great food, a bounce house (don’t forget your socks), and cold beverages! In addition, there will be a corn hole tournament, so be sure to sign up when you arrive! Everything gets started at 11 a.m. in the Munhall Library Plaza. I look forward to spending Saturday with everyone.
I forgot to mention last week the achievements of two alumni. Alumnus John Beilein, class of 1975, will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame – the first Wheeling basketball player or coach to earn this distinction. Coach Beilein will be inducted, along with other members of the Class of 2022, on the weekend of November 21st. Another alumnus, Tom Bechtel, class of 1973, has been named the Wheeling YMCA’s 2022 Light of the Valley for his 45 years of service to the youth through his work at the city’s Recreation Department. He will be honored during a luncheon on August 24th. Congratulations to Coach Beilein and Mr. Bechtel on their well-deserved honors. Both these men embody this University’s mission to be men in service to others.
Masses will not be held at the Chapel until the University is back in session. Until then, Fr. Carlos at nearby St. Michael Parish welcomes members of our community to Masses held at his church. Sunday Mass times are 7:30 a.m.; 9 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. A weekly schedule of Masses for St. Michael’s is posted on the Chapel door.
The weekend is upon us! I hope you take some time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
My best!
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University