July 2, 2021

Update from the President

July 2, 2021

Dear Campus Community, 

It is hard to believe we are halfway through 2021 and what a year it has been thus far. In the midst of a pandemic, our faculty and staff maintained in-person instruction while keeping our students healthy and safe. Students were able to showcase their scholarly work during April’s Research Day. The Cardinal athletic teams – all of them – competed and captured team and individual accolades. Numerous ranking services recognized our academic programs and the University. One of the best highlights was honoring the Class of 2021 Commencement on Bishop Schmitt Field on May 1. The University has achieved so much in the first half of 2021, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Please join me in applauding their heroic efforts. In true Cardinal fashion, this University seized the crisis and managed to accomplish something short of miraculous.  We are looking forward to the upcoming academic year with great anticipation and exciting plans. 

After more than 25 years of service to the University, Dr. Jane Neuenschwander, assistant professor of Education, has retired. During her time at the university, she has made a lasting impact in the lives of her students and co-workers. Before she taught courses in our Education Department, Dr. Neuenschwander ran the CET’s NASA Teacher Resource Center and was a flight director with the Challenger Learning Center. In those roles, she provided local teachers with information and educational aids to use in their classrooms and guided middle and grade school students through simulated space missions at the Challenger. While we are sad that Dr. Neuenschwander will not be teaching at the University, we are certainly happy that she will be able to spend more time with her husband and family – and watching her beloved Pittsburgh Pirates! The University has begun dispersing the third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to our students with checks mailed earlier this week.  I encourage any student who has not done so yet, to fill out an application to receive HEERF assistance.  As we prepare for the Fall semester, all faculty, staff, and students are reminded to complete this short COVID-19 Vaccine Survey. to assess the percentage of the Wheeling University population that are fully vaccinated. This information is crucial to address our COVID policy for the fall semester and continue to provide an in-person environment that is safe for everyone. Additionally, for members of the campus community who have not received a vaccination but would like to, VP Andrew Lewis of Student Services, in conjunction with the Ohio County Health Department, has scheduled an on-campus clinic to offer free vaccinations on campus next month. The clinic is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Troy Theater.  

Wheeling is growing, which will require the opening of another dorm to accommodate our incoming freshman class. We are preparing Sara Tracy as our freshman residence hall for women. The dorm is receiving a fresh coat of paint, newly waxed floors, updated lounges, and we are looking for part-time summer help to assist with basic maintenance tasks and painting. We would like to hire several individuals, so if you know of someone who might be interested in this type of work, please have them contact our Human Resources Office at hr@wheeling.edu or 304-243-8161 to apply. We have day and afternoon shifts available.  

Make this Fourth of July memorable by counting your blessings and truly appreciating your freedom. President John Adams said, “It is to be celebrated with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other”.  In observance of Independence Day, the University will be closed on Monday. Have a fun-filled and safe celebration!  

With gratitude and prayers, 

Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University