October 27, 2023

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling Community,

I am always amazed at the many ways our students and faculty make a difference in the lives of others in our community. Students and faculty from the Department of Physical Therapy program once again marked Global Physical Therapy Day of Service/National Physical Therapy Month by undertaking a project to aid the city of Wheeling. During the program’s annual Kick Ball Tournament today, each student was asked to donate cold weather items, such as hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and blankets. The items donated will be given to local community organizations – Catholic Neighborhood Center, Project Hope, Winter Freeze Shelter, and Wheeling Health Right – who will distribute them to those in need. After the kickball tournament, the students and faculty traveled to Warwood’s Garden Park for a service project. Each year, the DPT program partners with the city of Wheeling, and this year they helped decorate and set up for the Family Fun Halloween Night held at Garden Park. Their work and donations today will make a big impact on the lives of many local residents and families. I thank the faculty and students for giving of their time and treasure to help others in our community – you are true stewards of our mission!

Students and employees will see new faces around campus this week, as we transition to in-house housekeeping and maintenance services. Newly hired Mr. Mike Paree, Director of Facilities will lead the Physical Plant staff. Mike is a local resident who has vast experience in building maintenance. He is a practicing Catholic and is committed to our mission. I am pleased that Roy Dutcher and Jerome Ross will continue as maintenance staff and Tinnie Galbreath will continue as a custodian under the University’s Physical Plant department. Several other new full-time housekeepers were also hired this week. Please be sure to welcome these new staffers into the Wheeling family.

Planning is underway for the Fall Kairos Retreat sponsored by Campus Ministry. Set for November 17-19 at Lantz Farm, Kairos is designed to help students grow in faith and contemplate God’s role in their lives. While the retreat also is a process of inner discernment and discovery between the student and God, there is also strong community building, sharing, reflection and trust that retreatants experience during Kairos. Its primary focus is on one’s relations with God, self, and others. Those who take part in Kairos say it is a life-changing experience. Any students who have questions about Kairos can contact Keala McCurry at kmccury192@cardinal.wheeling.edu or Fr. Freddie.

Saturday, there are two games on Bishop Schmitt Field. The Lacrosse team will host a Fall scrimmage against Mount Union. The game will begin at 1 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. the Cardinal Rugby team will play Marion College in the semifinal round of the Big Rivers Rugby Conference tournament. A win on Saturday would mean Coach Mike Geibel and his team would travel to Chicago next weekend to play in the Conference championship game on Saturday. For those who cannot attend the Rugby game in person, you can watch the game live at https://mountaineast.tv/wheeling/ — just click the link for Saturday’s rugby match. Best of luck to both our teams – Go Cards!

As a reminder, in observance of All Souls Day, the University will pray for deceased loved ones on that day and through the month of November. Members of the Cardinal family can submit the names of those they wish to be included in our prayers to camp-min@wheeling.edu, by dropping a list off at the Chapel or mailing your prayer request to Wheeling University Campus Ministry, 316 Washington Ave., Wheeling, WV 26002. Fr. Freddie will offer up prayer intentions for those individuals whose names are submitted at all Masses held in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph throughout November.

Finally, many employees gathered today for a potluck lunch. It was a wonderful time filled with great food, good conversation, and fellowship. What a great way to end the week – by sharing time with members of the Cardinal Family!

With gratitude,