August 25, 2023

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling Family,

Our new students have arrived and today, we officially welcomed them to the Wheeling University community. Members of the Football and Rugby teams were on hand to assist the new Cardinals move into their residence halls. This annual tradition – Move In Day – is one of my favorite days of the year. This simple act of kindness helps teach these young men what it means to live our mission to serve others. Late Friday afternoon, we hosted a reception for the parents of the new students – an event that provides the parents the opportunity to meet other families. It also allowed them to meet the faculty, administration, and staff – the men and women who will be teaching and caring for their children throughout their time at Wheeling University. At our final event Friday, the faculty, staff, and student leaders formally welcomed the new students into the University community during the New Student Convocation. We are so happy to have this wonderful group of young adults join our Wheeling Family!

Since last week’s update, we have enrolled more students! I am happy to report that the incoming class is 30 percent larger than a year ago. Our Admission’s team reports we have increased the number of international students, transfer students, and first-year students. These new students come to Wheeling from 23 states, 21 countries, and 17 local high schools. Twenty-one Alderson Broaddus students are part of the new students we welcomed on Friday and we are happy we could provide them a home to finish their education. It took the work of many to achieve these enrollment numbers – truly a team effort. I am grateful for everyone who worked so hard to recruit this class.

New banners were hung this past week just in time to welcome all of our students and families when they arrived. There is a series of four banners that line the main road through campus. The first highlights that we are a Catholic institution, and the next three lift up the three pillars of our mission – Life, Leadership, and Service. They were provided at no cost to the University and were hung thanks to the generosity of our friends at United Electric of Wheeling. I hope the banners serve as reminders to our students, employees, and alumni that Wheeling University remains true to its Catholic roots and core mission.

Thursday, University employees gathered to honor seven individuals during our annual Employee Appreciation Breakfast. It was a privilege to recognize each of these men and women who marked employment anniversaries. Dr. Ed Younkins, Professor of Accountancy and Business, received a rousing round of applause when he was introduced as having worked at the University for 50 years. Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Professor of Physical Therapy, was honored for 25 years of service. Security officer Joseph Gorayeb and Dr. Alison Kreger, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the DPT program, were honored for 15 years of service. Dr. Mohammad Hadadzadeh, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, was recognized for working 10 years at Wheeling, and Campus Nurse, July Bilyeu and Assistant Football Coach, Mott Gaymon, were honored for five years of service. The breakfast was also a chance to introduce new employees of the University. Wheeling University is blessed to have so many wonderful men and women who are dedicated to educating and serving the students who attend our University.

Our first cohort of Master of Science in Athletic Training students are on campus and helping our sports teams prepare for the upcoming season. In addition to treating our student-athletes, the students are working at local high schools as part of their first clinical education experience. The program is currently accepting applications for the 2024 MSAT cohort that begins in May. Anyone interested can click this link to fill out an application to enroll through the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS).

I want to congratulate the Cardinal Volleyball team which was recognized for its hard work in the classroom.  Christy Benner’s team is known for winning on the court and also achieving great success in the classroom. The squad was awarded its 10th consecutive United States Marine Corps/American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. Once again, the Cardinals placed among the best academic teams in the nation, collectively earning a 3.47 grade point average during the 2022-23 year. I am so proud of these young women for excelling academically!

Finally, we hope to see everyone on campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend which will be held October 6-8. We are planning a weekend full of activities for students, their families, and our alumni. The schedule of events and registration portal will be posted on the University website in the coming weeks. Please circle this weekend on your calendar and join us for a fun-filled weekend!

As we begin this new academic year, may God watch over this community and keep it safe. May each of us strive to support, encourage, and help not just the students, but one another each day.

Welcome Home Cardinals!

Ginny R. Favede 
President, Wheeling University