December 16, 2022

Update from the President

Dear University Community, 

After a month-long process, our Education Program received official word Tuesday that it has been fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) for the next seven years. AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all educator preparation providers. Members of the Education Department submitted a self-study report last Spring and hosted a Quality Review Team in early October. While on campus, the members met with faculty, students, local school district faculty/administrators, Wheeling’s educational support services staff, and the University’s senior administration. AAQEP states that accreditation serves two primary goals—quality assurance and continuous improvement—through a standards-based process of self-study and peer review. In addition, this accreditation reinforces that our outstanding and dedicated faculty are providing students in the program with a quality education that prepares them to pass their licensure exams and to educate students in the classroom.  

Last Saturday, Vice President of Student Services Andrew Lewis, on behalf of Wheeling University, delivered a carload of toys and books to the Operation Toy Lift site at the Ohio Valley Mall. Seeing the many dolls, games, stuffed animals, and trains that everyone gave to the collection drive this year was overwhelming. In addition to all the presents for area children, our International Student Club hand-delivered a monetary donation to Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger. I am grateful to my friend Chief Schwertfeger for taking the time out of a very busy day to greet the students – Chijioke “David” Anayo and Abel Setegn – and pose for a photo with them. The Chief shared the photo and thank you on the department’s social media sites. All of us at Wheeling University appreciate the City recognizing and lifting up our employees and students for the university’s donation. Once again, this wonderful Cardinal family answered the call to help others in our community – your care for those in our community is heartwarming.  

This week, the students completed their final exams and class papers – and can now relax knowing the Fall semester is complete! A big thank you to the Campus Activities Office who worked with the Ohio County Animal Shelter to have dogs available for some ‘puppy therapy’ this week. The darling little dogs wagged their way into the hearts of our students, alleviating student stress leading up to finals as students stopped by the 24-Hour Lounge in Swint Hall to pet and spent time with the dogs. Spending time with the dogs is a nice way to release stress–it’s calming, and the students and the staff enjoy it immensely. We love dogs at Wheeling University and are always happy to get to spend time enjoying them.  

With Christmas break upon us, I wanted to share that Mass will be held at 11 a.m. this Sunday at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. Additionally, there will be Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve). No Mass will be offered at the Chapel on Christmas Day morning. Also, Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m., Sunday, January 1 (New Year’s Day).  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our faculty, staff, and administration for the incredible work they have done to support our students over the past year and especially this past semester. I have never been prouder of such an amazing group of people who genuinely care about our students. To allow our employees to spend time with their families this holiday season, please note that all University Offices will be closed Friday, December 23 through Monday, December 26th for Christmas, and Friday, December 30 through Monday, January 2 for New Year’s. With the campus closed for the next two Fridays, this will be my last update for 2022. You can expect to receive my December Newsletter on December 31st. 

In this season of peace, joy, and love, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your passion for our beloved University. Your commitment and love of this extraordinary institution are a blessing! As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we wish you God’s wonderful gifts of faith, hope, peace, and love at Christmas. On behalf of your entire Wheeling University family, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. 

May God bless each of you and go Cardinals! 

Ginny R. Favede 
President, Wheeling University