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Update from the President

Dear Cardinal Family, 

Last week, local media outlets were on campus to spotlight the relaunched the H.E.S.S. (Help Enrich Someone Special ) Mentoring Program. In March 2020, the University had to stop H.E.S.S. due to COVID-19 and it was restarted this year thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Hess Family Foundation. Throughout the 10-week program, 12 seventh-grade students from Wheeling Middle School come to the campus where our Education majors serve as mentors – guiding them when they participate in fun, educational activities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) each week. The H.E.S.S.  Program began on February 2 and runs until April 20. Dr. Dianna Vargo, Director of Education Programs and H.E.S.S. Program Coordinator, said the program is enhancing education for our students, as well as the seventh graders. Our education majors are gaining valuable skills that will help them when they begin teaching, while their mentees are developing critical thinking skills and learning more about STEAM. I am grateful to the Hess Family Foundation for supporting this program that is enhancing education for students at Wheeling University and Wheeling Middle School. 

To help students prepare for life after Wheeling University, our Student Success Coordinator TeAnn King has organized the “I Will Hire You If” Panel and Career Event. This program is Friday, March 17 from Noon to 2 p.m. inside the Troy Theater, and is open to all students. Representatives from 12 area businesses, agencies, and organizations will participate in a panel discussion about the dos and dont’s of interviewing, networking, resumes, and applications. The panel will also talk about specific skills needed to work in each of their respective fields. Each participant will have an information table where students can learn more about each business/organization. In addition to career opportunities, students can discuss what internships might be available. I encourage our students to take advantage of the expertise and advice the representatives can offer them as they begin to search for employment or internship opportunities. 

Congratulations to Eli Lambie, an adjunct instructor in our Education Program, who was recognized by the state of West Virginia this week. Eli was named the 2023 Society for General Music Teacher of the Year for his work as a music teacher at Washington Lands Elementary School in Marshall County. This award is given annually on behalf of the West Virginia Society for General Music and the West Virginia Music Educators Association. This gifted educator, musician, singer/songwriter, pianist, and composer enjoys sharing his musical talents with his students. Eli is teaching a music course for elementary teachers this semester at Wheeling University and our students just love him!  

The Wheeling Rugby team adopted a two-mile section of Interstate 70 near the exit to the University and regularly picks up litter along this stretch of the highway. Recently, the West Virginia Department of Highways installed a sign that recognizes their efforts. Near the eastbound side of the roadway near the Washington Avenue exit is a sign that reads “Adopt a Highway Litter Control Program. Next 2 Miles … Wheeling University Cardinals Rugby.” This sign is a wonderful tribute to Coach Geibel and his team, but I know they do this service to make a difference in our community and not for the recognition. I am grateful for the Rugby team’s commitment to serving others as our mission calls us to do. 

Life around campus was quiet this week since many of our students were gone due to Spring Break. That will change this weekend, as students will be returning to start the final weeks of the semester. I find it hard to believe that Commencement is just eight weeks away – this academic year has flown by! I encourage our students to continue to work hard in the classroom and to finish the semester strong. 

Have a safe and wonderful weekend! 

Ginny R. Favede 
President, Wheeling University