October 21, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Yesterday, alumni from across the country returned home for Alumni Weekend. We have not hosted an in-person reunion since June 2019, so it is wonderful to have alumni back on campus to see our beautiful campus and the updates we have made. Most importantly, it was nice that alumni could gather with their classmates and friends at the place where they forged those friendships and where many met and married the love of their lives. It was my honor to participate in the 50 Year Club Induction Ceremony for the classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 and celebrate this milestone with the classes. A special thank you to the 50 Year Club President, Phil Rusciolelli, for serving as the host of this event. A beer tasting in the Ratt had our guests sampling some West Virginia and pumpkin brews. Today is packed with lots of great activities; Vice President Lewis, SGA President Batson Sheets, and BSU Brennon Reid will join me in the Benedum Room during breakfast for a Q & A session for alumni, a 50 Year Club Presentation by Paula Felt, class of 1972, who will offer “From Wheeling to Dealing: How my education at Wheeling College prepared me for my career as a congressional and conflict resolution specialist and influenced my interest today.” In addition, we will have Alumni in Recruitment Training for those interested in helping in our admissions efforts, and tours guided by our Leceat Ambassadors are available. Alumni Family Lunch will be in the Benedum Room at noon, and Alumni Mass at 4:30. Chef Noah is excited to present a Holy Guacamole Taco Bar Saturday culminates with the Alumni Recognition and Awards Dinner when we will bestow awards on four outstanding graduates. We will end the evening with live music by the fantastic MSM Band and a Farewell Party at the RATT.
Just a reminder that our Cardinal Football team will travel up the hill to take on the West Liberty Hilltoppers at 1:00. The game will be streamed on the TVs in the RATT for those who want to stop in. Rugby takes on Adrian College at 1:00, and Women’s and Men’s Soccer both face Davis & Elkins at 5:00 and 7:30 on Bishop Schmitt Field. Volleyball and Cross Country are both on the road today. I encourage all of our visiting alumni to stop by Bishop Schmitt field to support our students.
Thursday, the Lua Project offered students, employees, and the community a glimpse into the Mexilachian culture. Through their music, Lua Project blended original and traditional music of Latin America, Appalachia, and the Atlantic basin to educate, explore and build bridges between these cultures. Wheeling is home to students from all over the World, and providing cultural programming enriches their educational experience and connects them to traditions that are a part of this region. I am grateful to Tom Breiding of the Appalachian Institute for arranging this cultural performance for all to enjoy.
The month of November begins with two significant liturgies celebrated by Catholics reminding us of the fullness of this community that we call the Communion of Saints. Tuesday, Nov. 1, is All Saints’ Day when we recall and thank God for the many holy men and women in our lives. All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics, and there will be a Mass at the 12:10 p.m. in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. Wednesday, Nov. 2, is All Souls Day, when we continue an ancient Christian and Jewish practice of praying for all who have died and may still need assistance. Members of the Wheeling University community can send the names of deceased loved ones to be remembered and prayed for during all Masses in the Chapel throughout November. You can email the names of your loved ones to Campus Ministry at camp-min@wheeling.edu.
Next Wednesday, high school students from all over the region will come to campus for the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce’s 39th Annual College Fair. Wheeling University is delighted to host the area’s largest college fair once again. More than 60 colleges, universities, and businesses are scheduled to set up exhibits from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seniors from high schools up and down the Ohio Valley will be bused to campus, where they can walk through the maze of college displays inside the McDonough Center’s Performance Gym. The entire campus looks forward to welcoming all of the college representatives and high school seniors to our campus next Wednesday.
Yesterday, many of our students left campus for Fall break. All of us hope they use this time to recharge, so they are ready for the final weeks of the semester. May our students have a restful and safe break!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University