September 17, 2021

Update from the President

Dear University Family, 

Wheeling University’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed as U.S. News & World Report Best College Guide was released this week, and Wheeling University was selected as a top-tier institution among the Regional Universities – South. This latest ranking maintains our 25-year tradition of being named one of the best institutions in our region. It also shows that Wheeling University offers students an affordable, quality, Catholic education grounded in Ignatian principles to educate the whole person. Remaining faithful to our core values and mission is why our University continues to receive accolades for our student’s educational experience. I also believe Wheeling University is consistently ranked among the best of the best because of our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. U.S News is one of several ranking services to recognize our University this year.  

The students at Wheeling University live our mission to be men and women for life, leadership, and service. Last Saturday, our men’s lacrosse team honored those who perished on September 11, 2001, by running the stadium steps. Each player, who was not injured, climbed 110 flights. The team started this tribute last year, and according to Coach Nick Anagnostis, this year was extra special because transfer player Dakota Strong’s father is a member of the FDNY. Mr. Strong was one of the firefighters who responded following the attack in New York 20-years ago. What a special way to honor him and the memory of all those impacted by the tragedy.  

Another service project students have undertaken is the Season of Creation, which is currently sponsored among many Christian communities during September. The Season of Creation began September 1, World Day of Prayer, and will continue through the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 6, when Fr. Hadi Sasmita will host a blessing of pets and animals. Fr. Rich McCouch of the Appalachian Institute, with the help of soccer players from Scandinavia – Simen Moksnes Marcello, Martin Jacobsen, and Axel Grahn – assembled a tent outside of the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. Fr. McCouch explains that the tent is a symbol to help advertise the theme for this season, “A Home for All,” while homiletically examining the Season of Creation related to Economics, Ecology, Peace, and Hope for the Future of our Planet. 

Last Saturday’s performance by men’s soccer player Miguel Martin earned him the MEC Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week. Miguel scored the game-winning goal to lead the Cardinals to a 3-2 victory over Alderson Broaddus in the team’s Mountain East Conference (MEC) opener. The game-winning goal came with 18 minutes left in the match, with the score tied at 2-2. He also netted a goal in the first half. He is the third Wheeling University athlete to be recognized as a MEC Player of the Week this season. Women’s Soccer players Mikayla Yarwood and Braedynn Porter took home Player of the Week Awards last week for their performances against Lake Erie College. 

As a reminder, the University uses an online reservation system, MIDAS. MIDAS allows all faculty, coaches, and staff to reserve rooms and other areas around campus right from their computers. It is an easy four-step process that will ask you for the room you wish to book, time, and the date and ask for specific details concerning setup and food needs. All employees should use this reservation link to make a room reservation. Once a reservation has been made, you will receive a confirmation email. If you would like to view what rooms might be available, this link takes you to a calendar where you can view all bookings and rooms in use. Your cooperation will help us streamline the booking process.  

I cannot stress enough the need for all of our students, employees, and visitors to follow our COVID-19 protocol to wear a mask in all classrooms, hallways, lounges, and common areas. It is through our collective efforts that we can reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. In addition, the University will continue to test 10 percent of all unvaccinated students and staff each week. 

Fall officially begins on Wednesday. It ceases to amaze me how quickly time has gone by. Wheeling University is especially beautiful in the Fall with the changing colors of the trees. The changing of seasons brings with it new hope and fresh expectations. Fall means seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and of course football. Wheeling’s campus also means soccer, rugby, golf, volleyball, and cross country! I do hope you will find the time to support our student-athletes. You can find all our athletic team’s schedules, rosters, and news articles on the Wheeling University Athletic Website by clicking here. 

 Good luck to our teams competing this weekend! Go Cards!  

With appreciation,

Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University