October 28, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Last weekend our beautiful campus, awash in the colors of Fall, was the stunning backdrop for Alumni Weekend 2022. We welcomed alumni from near and far, and it was an exciting weekend for all those who attended. The 50 Year Club inducted the classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 into this special society. Thanks to each of those class representatives – Vince Gallagher, Jim Gilligan, and Robby de Andrade – for introducing their classmates during the ceremony. In addition to the 50 year classes, I had the chance to meet alumni from the 1977, 1982, and 2000s classes. Several Rugby alumni from the 1980s attended Saturday’s rugby game and presented me with a Wheeling Rugby hat, which I will wear proudly. The best part of this reunion was the smiles I saw on the faces of our alumni – they truly enjoyed being together once again at their beloved alma mater. This was my first Alumni Weekend, so watching everyone enjoy one another’s company was an absolute joy. I was delighted to hear how pleased they were to see how beautiful and well-cared for our campus is, but more than anything, I appreciated their remarks of praise for our students. Over and over, our guests commented on how respectful and kind our students were. Aladdin did a spectacular job with an array of fantastic meals and delicious hors d’oeuvres, and the MSM Band at Saturday evening’s Alumni Awards Dinner was fantastic. The night culminated in dancing, and our own Chijioke “David” Anayo being pulled up on stage to sing a beautiful rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads! Alumni Council, under the leadership of Jennifer Elias Merryman ’13, was present throughout the weekend, and I am grateful for their help. We look forward to planning next year’s reunion and hope to announce those dates in early 2023.
Representatives from 67 colleges, universities, and organizations from numerous states converged on our campus Wednesday for the 39th Annual Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce College Fair. This marks the first time in many years that Wheeling University has served as host for the largest college fair in the Ohio Valley. Last winter, when Kurt Zende was named President of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, our Director of Admissions, Jennifer Board, and I met with Kurt to share our desire to have the college fair return to our campus. I’ve had the good fortune of knowing Kurt and his wife, Rose, for more than twenty years and wasn’t surprised when he quickly agreed the fair’s ideal location was indeed on our campus. The College Fair is an excellent place for area students to learn more about the colleges they’re interested in, talk to admissions representatives, and pick up informational materials. In addition, the visit gave area students a sneak peek into life on Wheeling’s campus. It was incredible to see students from Martins Ferry, Wheeling Central, Wheeling Park, Bellaire, Olney Friends, Shadyside, Union Local, Saint Clairsville, River, Cameron, Linsly, Monroe Central, and Beallsville High Schools from Marshall, Ohio, and Belmont counties inside the McDonough Center. I remember my kids attending the College Fair on Wheeling’s campus during their senior year in high school. I am thrilled more than 500 area students had the opportunity to do the same. The campus community was thrilled to share our home with so many different colleges and universities from all over the tri-state area, and we are already looking forward to next year’s fair.
While many of our students were heading home for Fall break last Friday, members of the Cardinal Rugby team could be found walking along Interstate 70, picking up litter. The team, under the leadership of Coach Mike Geibel, officially adopted a section of the interstate near the campus. Soon a sign will go up on the highway denoting that the team, under the leadership of Coach Mike Geibel officially adopted this section and are committed to keeping it litter-free moving forward. The WV Adopt a Highway program empowers citizens to take ownership of their communities by assisting in cleanup and recycling efforts. I am so proud of Coach Geibel for empowering our students’ holistic development through community service. Our mission at work helps our students make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Well done, boys; thank you for leading lives of leadership and service for the common good.
Wheeling University will celebrate All Saints Day Tuesday, Nov. 1, during the 12:10 p.m. Mass. The following day, we will observe the Feast of All Souls Day. Campus Ministry invites all alumni, students, and employees to submit the names of deceased loved ones to be remembered in prayer throughout the month of November. Names can be submitted to camp-min@wheeling.edu, or you can drop off a list of names in the Chapel vestibule.
As we enter the final days of October, may you find time this weekend to enjoy the wonderful Fall colors God has provided us this year – they are truly spectacular here in the Ohio Valley.
Blessings and Go Cards,
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University