August 4, 2023

Update from the President

Dear Cardinal Community,

This week, the University was saddened by the news that Alderson Broaddus’ authorization to grant degrees in West Virginia was revoked—a university that has been a part of the state’s higher education community since 1932. When the news broke, Wheeling University made a commitment to follow our mission and serve the students from Alderson Broaddus – giving them a seamless pathway to continue their education at a faith-based institution. Students at Alderson Broaddus are dealing with many emotions and uncertainty right now, so supporting them has been a priority. The Admissions’ team is processing applications and evaluating transcripts so that they can give these students a same-day decision on whether they are accepted. Tuesday night, Admissions hosted a virtual info session and six AB students joined. On Saturday morning, the University will host an open house where Alderson Broaddus students and their families can learn more about what Wheeling has to offer. Our goal is to help those students wishing to attend Wheeling make an easy transition to our university, support them in every way possible so they can achieve their educational goals. 

While we were hosting the open house in the CET building on Saturday, the members of our football team and student leaders will be checking in at the McDonough Center tomorrow. More than 150 new/returning students and athletes moved in to their residence halls in preparation for the 2023-24 academic year. The football players will begin practicing for the 2023 season, while the student leaders will attend training sessions so they can better serve the student population when the semester begins. With the semester to launch on August 28, we will have a steady stream of students returning to campus in the coming weeks – and we are excited to have them back HOME!

The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, appointed Fr. Frederick D’Souza as our Director Campus Ministry and Chaplain. Fr. Freddie will be in charge of all aspects of religious life at Wheeling University. I am thrilled that he is a member of the Wheeling family and know that he will serve our community well in this role. You can read more about Father by clicking this link.

New banners that recognize our Catholic legacy and mission have arrived and will be hung soon. There is a series of four banners that will be placed on the light poles along the main road through campus. The first banner dons the University seal with Wheeling University spelled out and the word Catholic below the name. The final three banners each displace one word from our mission – Life, Leadership, Service – in bold lettering alongside the University seal. It is important to note that they were produced at no cost to the University through our partnership with BSN Sports. Additionally, Bob Kubovicz of United Electric is going to provide a lift truck and a worker – at no cost – to assist with the installation of the banners and new brackets. These new banners will serve as a constant reminder of what makes Wheeling a special place to learn and grow – our Catholic heritage and University mission.

Alumnus J.T. Jerierski, who has worked in public service since graduating in 1997, was recently named Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. A native of Weirton, West Virginia, J.T. has been a member of the senator’s staff since her very first day in the U.S. Senate. Prior to this promotion, he was Senator Capito’s  Legislative Director. Senator Capito and J.T have been helpful to Wheeling University the past four years – pledging support and securing funding for projects. On behalf of Wheeling University, I offer J.T. our congratulations and wish him nothing but success as he continues to serve the people of the great state of West Virginia!

The new academic year is almost here. As we make the final preparations, I wish to thank everyone for the work you do each and every day on behalf of our students. By everyone working together, we are able to provide our students a quality education, grounded in our Catholic mission.

With Gratitude,

Ginny R. Favede 
President, Wheeling University