September 22, 2023

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling University Family,

The residents in Ignatius Hall received some excellent news this week – Elevator 1 is back in service. Keith Price, our head of maintenance, reported to me Thursday morning Schindler Elevator arrived with the new parts necessary to complete the repairs to the elevator. Following installation of the new components, Schindler technicians remained on site to ensure it continued to operate without any issues. The elevator company continues searching for the parts needed to fix the second elevator. When I receive any news, I will be sure to share it with everyone. Additionally, new air compressor units arrived on Friday for the building, and crews were working to install them.

Saturday, the University will host its first open house event this year. Our Admission’s team has partnered with the Football program to put together a great day that will introduce these prospective students and their families to academic programs, the Admissions process, and changes to the FAFSA form. Following the program, the group will gather next to Bishop Schmitt Field for a tailgate lunch prior to the start of the Wheeling vs. Concord football game.

Congratulations to Dr. Krissy Grubler, PT, DPT, Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, who was recently honored by the America Physical Therapy Association( APTA) – West Virginia in August. Dr. Grubler received the Nancy Tonkin Distinguished Service Award, which acknowledges and honors an outstanding APTA-West Virginia member whose contributions to the profession are of exceptional and enduring value while serving others through her profession in the same dedicated way that Nancy Tonkin did. She was presented the award by Dr. D. Scott Davis, PT, MS, EdD, OCS, Director at Marshall University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Congratulations, Dr. Grubler, on this well-deserved award!

Rugby alumni from around the country are hosting a reunion weekend, September 29-30. The weekend coincides with the Rugby team’s final home match of the Fall and senior day. I have been told between 25 to 35 former players are returning to support the current team and see old friends. On Friday, the alumni have a golf outing planned and an informal social. Saturday, the alumni will host a tailgate beginning at 12:30 p.m. near the McDonough Center patio. They then plan to cheer on our Cardinal at their 4 p.m. game against Thomas More. Following the game, there is a dinner where the former players can meet today’s squad. Wheeling rugby alumni can click this link to register and pay for golf and the Saturday evening dinner. I am so grateful to these alumni who provide such tremendous support to Coach Geibel and his players.

There is still time to make your reservations for Family and Homecoming Weekend, set for October 6 – 8 –which has activities for families, students, and alumni. In addition to several athletic games each day, I will host a reception Friday evening in Munhall Plaza beginning at 7 p.m. During the Saturday President’s Red Zone Tailgate, there will be a live band, athletic team tents, games, and much more. Food trucks will be on hand for fans to grab a snack during the Football game. The schedule of events, along with a link to register for the weekend, can be found by clicking here.

The University learned this week of the passing of friend and benefactor Commander Robert Lantz Miller, Sr. Commander Miller, and his family donated the Lantz Farm in Jacksonville, W.Va. to Wheeling University. The Farm has been used to host retreats such as Kairos for many years. We extend our sympathies and prayers to the Commander’s family and ask God to grant him eternal rest.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and Go Cardinals!

With gratitude,

Ginny R. Favede 
President, Wheeling University