December 9, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling Community,
Finals week is upon us! Get ready for a week of excitement, challenges, and… Late Night Breakfast! This Monday, the annual tradition returns to the Benedum Room, serving up a feast fit for champions (or at least those about to conquer finals week!). During this event, faculty, staff and coaches serve students a variety of breakfast foods from eggs to waffles and everyone’s favorite, ice cream. There are many activities planned as well during breakfast. The Student Government Association will be collecting food and clothing items for those in need this Christmas. Students who bring a donation will be eligible for a chance to win a television. Join the Campus Activities Board for Bingo and the Black Student Union for trivia, with prizes for the winners! It’s a night of fun, connection, and fuel for the challenges ahead. Don’t miss out!
This past week, our students kicked off a new Christmas tradition: a festive evening of decorating a Christmas tree in the Benedum Room! Filled with the sounds of holiday music and the aroma of hot cocoa and cookies, students personalized ornaments with their names, class years, and heartfelt messages. The result? A tree adorned with memories and joy, spreading cheer throughout the campus. These personalized ornaments will be cherished year after year, connecting current and future Cardinals through this heartwarming tradition. So next December, keep an eye out for new ornaments waiting to be personalized and become part of our growing Christmas legacy!
Thursday night, the International Student Club sponsored an event in the Benedum Room. During dinner, music native to Africa was playing, and students savored delectable Peri chicken and fragrant cornbread, prepared with care by the talented Aladdin staff. This social gathering was more than just a tasty meal; it was an opportunity for the club to share the rich culture and cuisine of Africa with the wider student body in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Students can look forward to more engaging cultural events like this in the future!
During the final First Year Experience class on Wednesday, Nic Kjaerholt took the students down memory lane via a video of photos from the New Student Convocation, the opening weekend Pig Roast, Make a Difference Day, and other activities the class took part in. This video also showed the service work the students achieved this semester and the bond they forged as a class. Each year FYE provides our incoming class with valuable skills to help them transition to college life. I am grateful to Nic and the other FYE mentors for all their work to help our first year students settle into life at Wheeling University.
There is still time for alumni to make their reservations for the Alumni Holiday Gathering that will be held in Troy Theater on Tuesday, December 19th. Our first such gathering since December 2019, it is nice to be able to join together for a fun evening of fellowship, cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres with members of the Cardinal alumni family. If you are planning to attend, please make your reservations by Friday, December 15th to Kelly Klubert at 304-243-8165 or kklubert@wheeling.edu.
I would like to congratulate members of the Cardinal Football program who represented the University at the FreeAgentFootball.com Pro-Pouch Senior Bowl, showcasing outstanding talent and dedication both on and off the field. Defensive Coordinator Mott Gaymon served as the Head Coach for the South team, while the team’s long snapper Shane Tomlin played in the contest. Two of the team’s graduate assistants, Tyler Bradley and Adriel Miller, joined Coach Gaymon as coaches at the bowl game, lending their valuable knowledge and support.
As a reminder the Mass schedule in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph will change for Christmas weekend. The Mass to meet the Sunday obligation will be held on Saturday, December 23rd at 4:30 p.m. Father Freddie will hold a Christmas vigil Mass on Sunday, December 24th at 4:30 p.m. Mass will not be celebrated on Christmas Day at the Chapel.
As finals week approaches, I want to encourage each and every one of you to believe in yourselves. You have put in the hard work and dedication throughout the semester, and now is the time to shine. Have faith in your preparation – I have faith in you! Approach each exam with confidence and a positive attitude. Remember, you are capable of achieving great things.
Good luck on your finals! May your hard work and dedication be rewarded with success.
Wishing you well,