December 1, 2023
Update from the President
Our Wheeling family embraced the true essence of gratitude by generously donating to the University during our Fall Giving Days. As of today, thanks to gifts from 121 individuals we raised $55,591 in those two weeks – with more than $31,000 of that amount donated on Giving Tuesday. The generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends is truly amazing. Gifts made will allow us to nurture the next generation of Wheeling students, instilling in them the values and knowledge they need to make a positive impact in the world. On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your support of our beloved University – your support allows us to do God’s work!
The Fall semester Late Night Breakfast, one of the students’ favorite activities, will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. on Monday, December 11th in the Benedum Room. Each year, our faculty, staff, and coaches volunteer at this breakfast – serving food, scooping ice cream, clearing dishes, and cleaning up. Any employee who would like to assist Student Affairs that evening should contact Dean Mike Kochka at mkochka@wheeling.edu to sign up. I am excited once again to be a part of this fun evening with our students before they begin final exams.
After a four-year pause due to COVID, I am excited to announce we will begin holding alumni events – both in Wheeling and throughout the country! Our first event, an alumni holiday gathering, is set for Tuesday, December 19th in the Troy Theater and is open to all of our alumni – near and far! This event begins at 6 p.m.! Also, Kelly Klubert and I will be heading to Philadelphia in January for the relaunch of the Philly Post Holiday Party. This year, Marilou Doughty ’77 will host the event at her home in West Norriton, PA on Saturday, January 20th. Check your email inbox for your invitation to both of these events and contact Kelly at kklubert@wheeling.edu or at 304-243-8165 to make your reservation. I am thrilled to start reconnecting with our alumni around the country in their home cities! I will keep you posted on additional alumni events once they are scheduled.
The annual employee Christmas party is set for the evening of December 8th at 7 p.m. Once again, Easy Street will be here to provide music, and our friends at Aladdin will prepare a selection of tasty treats for everyone to enjoy. Please make your reservations by Wednesday, December 6th to events@wheeling.edu. I hope all of our employees will join me for this wonderful evening of fun and fellowship.
Saturday two students, Tessa Wise and Kylea Chapple, will don our Iggy costume and participate in the Salvation Army Mascot Challenge. Iggy will be by the Salvation Army red kettle located at Walmart at the Highlands from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ringing the bell and raising money to help local residents. If you are out, please stop by, make a donation, and have your photo taken with Iggy!
Lou Vargo, Director of the Wheeling-Ohio County EMS, and other city/county officials will present a tabletop scenario of an Active Shooter on Campus at Noon, Tuesday, December 12th in the CET Recital Hall. This scenario leads up to a full-scale training exercise that will take place on campus in April, where students and staff will re-enact the scenario presented this month. This tabletop exercise for the staff and faculty not only deals with the events of a shooting, but also the continuity of operations on campus in the hours and days that follow such an event. Members of the faculty and staff should attend this training exercise, as they will be active participants and gain valuable information on how to respond to such an event.
Lastly, Fr. Freddie has announced the Christmas weekend Mass schedule at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. The service for Sunday Mass obligation will be held Saturday, December 23rd at 4:30 p.m. The Mass for Christmas will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 24th. These dates and times are also posted at the Chapel.
It is hard to believe we are entering the final days of the Fall semester. I am so proud of our students who have worked hard and accomplished so much so far this year. I encourage them to remain vigilant in their coursework, and I wish each success on those final projects/exams. Remember – believe in yourself! You’ve got this!
With gratitude,