May 19, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
The quiet of Summer has arrived, but much work continues around campus. Summer courses are underway, the residence halls are being cleaned, and we continue to recruit future Cardinals.
On Saturday we will welcome nearly 30 new students and their guests to campus for our second New Student Orientation. This day is a chance for the incoming class to get many items taken care of prior to their arrival in August. We will offer information sessions on student support services, academics, and financial aid, as well as information about navigating our online services at Wheeling, including email, self-service, and our learning management system – Canvas. Also, we will offer a resource fair to introduce students and families to the various campus and academic offices. The campus is excited to welcome this group of future Cardinals to campus and help them get ready to start their academic careers in August!
Our Football program is expecting more than 150 high school juniors to participate in its Junior Day/Skills Showcase, which will be held Sunday. The camp will serve as a recruiting event, where participants will get to meet with Wheeling Football coaches and players, and learn about what the program has to offer. The campers will learn about the University’s academic programs and tour the campus. After lunch, the players will join the coaching staff on Bishop Schmitt Field where they will go through speed, agility, and position-specific drills. This is a great opportunity for Coach Zac Bruney and his staff to assess the talent of each player.
The University has received $5,000 from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) Nursing Education Expansion grant to offer a two-day Summer Nursing Academy to middle and high school students in the Ohio Valley. Last year, the HEPC awarded funding to Wheeling to develop a one-day academy to expose the students interested in nursing to gain insights into the career. This year, the Summer Nursing Academy will feature faculty-led activities inside our state-of-the-art simulation lab. Careers in nursing are in high demand, and this program can show middle and high school students what they need academically to prepare to pursue a nursing degree. Our staff will be sending information to schools in the Northern Panhandle to promote the Academy that will be held in early August. I will share more information soon on how area students can register.
Wheeling University continues to be recognized as a top institution by national ranking services. Recently, Niche once again ranked Wheeling the number one private university and best small college in West Virginia. This type of recognition shows students and families this University provides a quality, Catholic education that is grounded in our mission. In the 2023 Niche rankings, Wheeling also finished second in the Best Colleges category, which scored 20 public and private institutions in the state. These ranks are a tribute to our faculty and staff who prepare our students to be successful once they graduate.
I want to remind everyone that Fr. Jim O’Brien, S.J., a long-time faculty member and a man beloved by this community, will be inducted into the City of Wheeling Hall of Fame on June 10th. The ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place at 6 p.m. at Wesbanco Arena in downtown Wheeling. I hope that members of the University community will attend the ceremony to celebrate this well-deserved recognition for this wonderful man.
Finally, our community garden behind Sara Tracy Hall has been adopted by Alumnus Paul Renowicz, class of 1982. Paul lives across the street from our main entrance and he visits with my husband Lee and I when we water the flowers nightly at the front gate. Those visits by Paul have grown into a great friendship, and now have blossomed into his willingness to oversee the garden. I am grateful to Paul for his service to Wheeling University – he is another example of alumni who lives our mission!
With another weekend set to begin, I would like to express my gratitude to the Wheeling University family. By working together and through the support of our employees, alumni, and friends, Wheeling University continues to provide students with a quality education grounded in the Catholic faith. Thank you for the impact you make in the lives of our students.
With deep appreciation,
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University