February 10, 2023

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling University family, 

Activities to allow our students to grow in their relationship with God and showcase their talents are planned for March and April. 

Kairos, the annual Spring retreat at Lantz Farm, is set for March 24-26. This retreat offers students the chance to grow in their faith, relationships, and connection to God’s role in their lives. Kairos is a true journey of the heart, mind, and soul, that gives participants the opportunity to discover Jesus in a personal way and learn more about themselves. Also, Kairos helps to build community and encourages reflection. Any students who would like to learn more about Kairos or would like to sign up can contact Christy Nieman in Student Services at 304-243-2350 or cnieman@wheeling.edu. 

Students will bring to life two one-act plays on the Troy Theater stage on April 17 and 18. The first play – Clark and Bruce – is a tale of two superheroes who commiserate over their not-so-heroic futures. The cast for this production is Chief Chipfumbu, as Clark; Tino Ajay as Bruce; and Jenay Soumahro, as the Waitress. A second one-act play, For Whom the Bell Tolls a parody of The Glass Menagerie, will also be performed. The cast includes Salem Mwelwa as Lawrence; Divine Chikaeze Alum as Tom; Olivia Moyer as Amanda and Sophia Tomana as Ginny. The curtain rises each night at 8 p.m. I hope members of the Wheeling community will come and see our students show off their acting talents in these two exciting productions. 

I am eager to share with you that we have a new vending service on campus, that is offering students and employees more snack choices. Vending machines from Snack Brothers, a local company from Eastern Ohio, can be found inside Swint Hall’s 24-hour Lounge and the McDonough Center lobby. The machines are located in these high-traffic areas to offer easy access to anyone wanting a snack or beverage.  

Once again, I remind all undergraduate and graduate students who intend to graduate in May to please complete a Graduate Application as soon as possible. Students must fill out this form if they are planning to graduate this Spring. The form provides the Registrar’s Office with important information it needs for a student’s diploma, and gives the University a head count of how many students will participate in the Commencement – all vital information necessary to prepare for the ceremony. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the Registrar’s Office or email the office at registrar@wheeling.edu. 

Finally, alumnus Shawn Straughn, class of 1990, has been selected for enshrinement in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements while at Bishop Donahue High School in the 1980s. Shawn was an outstanding athlete – playing safety and quarterback on the football team and center on the basketball squad. He won numerous awards in both sports, including a nomination for the McDonald’s All-American Team for basketball. After high school, Shawn came to Wheeling to play for the Cardinal basketball team and still holds many single-season, team, and career records. In recognition of his outstanding play at Wheeling, Shawn was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 and is one of two men’s basketball players to have his jersey retired. You can read more about his career and his upcoming induction online. All of us at Wheeling congratulate Shawn on this recognition. 

Tuesday is Valentine’s Day – a time to let those in our lives know how special they are. In honor of this day, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire Wheeling community. Your dedication to this University is why it continues to thrive and achieve so many great things. 

With deep appreciation, 

Ginny R. Favede 
President, Wheeling University