October 14, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Cardinal Family,
We had a fantastic Homecoming and Family Weekend! It was incredible to have so many alumni, and family members join us for a beautiful weekend on campus. Thank you to all of our fabulous staff, students, parents, and friends for making last weekend such a special and meaningful Homecoming experience! We had more than 200 parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and alumni returned to Wheeling to participate in a weekend packed with activities and sporting events. Saturday’s weather was fabulous for our tailgate and homecoming game. Congratulations to Kimbria Lance and Elijah Young, who were crowned Wheeling’s 2022 Homecoming Queen and King during Saturday’s halftime. Thank you all who came home to visit and to all the fantastic parents who spent the weekend on campus. You are greatly appreciated. As a parent, I truly believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is our time and support. Thank you for providing both to your child. I say all of the time what kind, thoughtful students we have at Wheeling. They are a reflection of their families and the love you give. I hope that all those that attended the weekend had a great time! We cannot wait until next year!
We are a week away from the start of Alumni Reunion Weekend – a time for our alumni of all ages to return home to reconnect with classmates, friends, and their alma mater. This marks the first in-person reunion since 2109, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to campus. A full schedule of events can be found online,and we encourage anyone planning to attend to please make a reservation no later than Noon, Thursday, October 20. PLEASE NOTE – we will now hold the Alumni Mass on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. to ensurethat alumni have the opportunity to gather to honor their deceased classmates. We feared some might leave early Sunday before the 11 a.m. Mass time we had set. Also, we added a BEER SAMPLING sponsored by Aladdin at 5 p.m. on Friday and look forward to live music with the MSM Band Saturday evening following the Alumni Recognition dinner. We look forward to seeing everyone next week!
This community welcomed The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, who celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit alongside Fr. Praveen Malella, WU Director of Campus Ministry, Fr. Carlos Melocoton of St. Michael Parish and Deacon Doug Breiding from the Cathedral on Friday. This annual celebration at Catholic institutions is held to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom throughout the academic year. Troy Theater was full of students and employees who welcomed the chance to pray with Bishop Brennan. During the Mass, Bishop Brennan officially installed Fr. Praveen as our Chaplain and Confirmed into the church Softball Coach Carissa DeRossett. Afterward, the Bishop joined students in the Benedum Room for lunch and spent time getting to know many of them. A special thank you to Chijioke “David” Anayo for arranging for Bishop Brennan to join many of our international students for lunch. I enjoy witnessing Bishop with the students and appreciate the time he spends with them.
Also, on Friday, the University held a memorial Mass for Dr. Helen Faso, where current and former faculty/staff, members of her family, alumni, and community members were present. Dr. Faso’s daughter, Aimee, and other family members were joined by former colleagues from the University, alumni, and current employees who attended the Mass for this remarkable woman. Seeing so many people on hand to pay tribute to Dr. Faso was nice. After hearing stories, it was quite evident the impact she made in the lives of her students and co-workers. A very special thank you to Chancellor Chad Carter and Fr. Cincinnati for arranging such a beautiful tribute to such an extraordinary woman who dedicated more than half her life to Wheeling University.
Students and faculty from our Doctor of Physical Therapy program celebrated National PT Month and Global PT Day of Service, having fun and undertaking two projects to help people in the Wheeling area. On Wednesday, the department gathered at Bishop Schmitt Field for its annual kickball tournament, where students and faculty donated cold weather items – socks, hats, blankets, and gloves – that were then donated to a community organization in Wheeling. Later in the day, a group went to Garden Park Playground in Warwood to spread new mulch around the playground equipment. This annual day of service by the DPT department is just one more example of how this community lives its mission. Many thanks to Dr. Carrie Abraham for organizing this service project and the students who made the playground safer for the children who play there.
Next Thursday, the campus will host the Lua Project, a cultural arts-based “Mexilachian” music project which blends original and traditional music of Latin America and Appalachia Folk music. Mexilachia Fandango will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 20, in the Chapel Plaza (CET Mount Recital Hall in case of inclement weather). I happened upon this group over the summer and was fascinated by the concept of Mexilachia, which describes the new culture created when a large population of Hispanic families found their home in Appalachia. This music group blends various music stylings to create, respectfully explore, educate, and build artistic bridges between cultures. Appalachian Institute Immersion Trips Coordinator Tom Breiding obliged when I asked that he arrange for their visit as it is in keeping with our institute’s mission and reflects so much about our global population as well as our commitment to the Appalachian region. The event is open to the public, and I hope the greater Wheeling community members will join us to enjoy this wonderful cultural event.
Finally, it is with deep sadness that I report that Dr. John Wack, professor emeritus of History, passed away last week. According to the family, Dr. Wack requested no viewing or services. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.
The changing colors of the leaves tell us that Fall has arrived in the Ohio Valley. Our alumni returning for the reunion should see some brilliant hues when they arrive in Wheeling next week!
Blessings and Go Cards,
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University