February 18, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
The University has more than 11,000 alumni who are making an impact in the world, and this week one of our own was recognized for her efforts in the classroom. Marshall County first grade teacher Heather Haught, who completed the University’s Education Leadership program, received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. Heather was surprised when WV School Superintendent W. Clayton Burch and Stephanie Bishop, Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards, showed up at a school assembly Thursday to present the award. Ms. Bishop said Heather understands that developing lifelong learners begins with educating the whole person. She plans to use her grant to enrich her school and its students. All of us at Wheeling University congratulate Heather on this outstanding recognition and applaud her for the impact she is making in the lives of her students. She embodies what it means to be a person for life, leadership, and service.
Big performances last week by our student-athletes caught the attention of the Mountain East Conference, which recognized four Cardinals from three sports. Last Friday, the softball kicked off their season with two wins over Salem, and Wheeling swept this week’s awards. Aubrie Lafferty earned the MEC Pitcher of the Week Award for her first shut-out effort of the season, while Gina Fogle was named the MEC’s Softball Player of the Week for blasting four hits, including a home run. Jacob Murray earned the MEC Baseball Player of the Week honor for his five hits last weekend. Men’s Basketball player Jarett Haines has been on a roll lately and was named the MEC Co-Player of the Week for his offensive efforts, scoring 63 points for the Cardinals in two games. He and Jordan Reid jointly contributed 65 points in last week’s Glenville State game. The last two home games played by our men’s and women’s basketball teams have seen a huge attendance of students and fans! The Alma Grace McDonough Center performance gym has been electrifying with excitement and cheering. After a long and depressing season without spectators, your attendance at the games and support of our teams are so immensely appreciated by all of us! Thank you for being there for your friends, classmates, kids, coaches, and being the terrific fans you are.
February marks Black History Month, an annual celebration of African Americans’ achievements and a time to recognize blacks’ central role in our country’s history. We join our country and others in celebrating this month with a calendar of events that embrace history, enrich our knowledge, and encourage us to celebrate our Wheeling family’s diversity. The Office of Student Services, which recognizes Black History Month as a time for thoughtful celebration, community, and empowerment, is hosting a number of events for Cardinals throughout February, including Black History Trivia, a Black History Festival, Trap & Paint, Open Mic, Bracelet Making and Movie Mondays. In addition, Wheeling University teamed up with the Wheeling Martin Luther, Jr. King Committee to host a March along MLK Way in Wheeling, followed by an Interfaith Service on January 16th. This coming week, Movie Mondays will host a screening of “Becoming,” Michelle Obama’s Netflix documentary, which looks into the former first lady’s childhood, and how she defied the odds and became the woman she is today. The following week, Movie Mondays will host a screening of “Who Killed Malcolm X?” This documentary features previously unseen interviews and archival footage. Both movie premiers will be held in Swint Hall’s Troy Theater, and concessions will be available … by that, I mean POPCORN and SODAS will be free.
On Wednesday, we had an unexpected and unfortunate disruption in day-to-day operations in Swint Hall. A clogged drain overflowed while a local contractor, Mr. Rooter, attempted to clear the clog. This resulted in stagnant, grease water spilling into the tile area of the Benedum Dining Room and the kitchen. University maintenance responded quickly to address the situation and immediately brought Panhandle Cleaning to campus to clean the area. Mr. Rooter was back on campus on Thursday and today to excavate and replace a crushed cast iron pipe that created the clog initially. I applaud our students and staff who handled it with grace and appreciate your understanding that unfortunate events happen. The smell was not exactly pleasant; although the backup was not sewage, we all learned that the smell of stagnant grease water is horrifically worse.
May this weekend – which is a long holiday weekend for some – be an opportunity for rest. Remember the saying; rest is a weapon given to us by God. The enemy hates it because he wants you stressed and occupied. So, take time for yourself, and don’t forget to express your gratitude for the blessings in our lives.
Have a peaceful and blessed weekend!
With appreciation,
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University