September 29, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
We are one week away from Homecoming and Family Weekend! Many events are being planned for students, including voting to pick the Homecoming King and Queen candidates and class attendants. We will announce the Homecoming Court once all the votes are tabulated, and this year’s king and queen will be crowned during halftime of next Saturday’s Football game. I want to remind all of our families and alumni that time is running out to register for the weekend. The cost for all the events is $10 per person and includes entry into all the athletic games, Friday’s reception, Saturday’s Red Zone Tailgate, and much more. Our athletic teams will have tents set up during the tailgate, and there will be live music. Several local hotels are offering special rates to our guests that weekend as well. Attendees can pick up their registration packets outside the Benedum Room on Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. To view the entire schedule of events or to register, click this link. We look forward to welcoming our students’ families and our alumni to campus for this community celebration.
Earlier today, hundreds of students and families from St. Michael Parish School participated in the school’s annual Angel Walk – a fundraising event held at the University’s Bishop Schmitt Field. This is a wonderful event to witness – students are joined by siblings, parents, and grandparents who walk around the track with all the money raised going to assist the school. The field was full and alive with activity throughout the walk. Included in the hundreds of participants and volunteers were members of our Cardinal athletic teams who helped with some of the activities. Iggy was also there to kick off the walk and high-five the St. Michael’s students. Watching our athletes interact with these young students was amazing—they certainly live our mission to serve others. Fr. Freddie was there offering support to the students from St. Michael’s where Father previously served. Wheeling University is pleased to partner with St. Michael’s for this annual event!
Saturday we will celebrate the senior members of the Cardinal Rugby team – Josh Blankenship, Bailey Brunner, and Jose Oltra. During a pre-game ceremony, each of the players will be introduced and escorted across the field by their parents. Coach Geibel will meet each family at midfield where he will present them with a gift honoring them for their time as a Cardinal. I will be there to applaud our seniors and cheer on the team. Also planning to cheer on the team will be 25 to 35 former Rugby players from both the club and varsity teams. These alumni span many decades and are returning to campus from near and far. On Saturday, the alumni will hold a pre-game tailgate, and following the game, there will be a social/dinner where the alumni will host a meet and greet with Coach Geibel and his players. These former players are so supportive of today’s program, holding fundraisers and traveling to watch them play around the country. I had the chance to meet many last Fall when they were here for a game in October and met many more in Maryland in April for the Collegiate Rugby Championship tournament. I look forward to welcoming these alumni back to campus on Saturday!
The Wheeling community is excited that alumni, families, and friends will be on campus the next two weekends to take part in events. I hope all those here for the Rugby event and Homecoming activities enjoy spending time back HOME with their friends, students, and classmates. There is a saying, “Life takes you to unexpected places, love brings you home.” This community loves when members of the Cardinal family return home.
With gratitude,
Ginny R. Favede
President, Wheeling University