April 1, 2022
Update from the President
Dear Campus Family,
It’s hard to believe today is April 1! This month looks exciting, filled with numerous activities and final preparations for final exams, Baccalaureate Mass, and Commencement. While April promises to be an exciting and busy time for everyone on campus — March ended with some very exciting news, thanks to new partnerships.
This University remains committed to finding creative and cost-effective ways to meet our students’ needs. This week, we forged two collaborations that will benefit our University. On Wednesday, we learned that our Cardinal Wrestling team now has a new home – the former Mount de Chantal gymnasium. After months of discussions with WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, the property owners, President and CEO Douglass Harrison, informed me the University could lease the facility. This new partnership will give our athletic programs additional space for practices and competition at a reasonable cost.
Secondly, during a recent conversation with Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Jamie Caridi, we discussed the reality our two small institutions face – limited resources. Together, we came up with a plan to share the position of Disability Services Director between our two colleges. This plan allows both of us to share the cost associated with this position while ensuring students’ needs at both institutions are met. I am grateful to Dr. Caridi for his willingness to build a partnership that benefits both our schools. Additionally, our University Librarian, Toni Zbyl, and Professor of Psychology, Teresa Busick will work collaboratively to continue the outstanding service of the Student Success Center.
Next week, we begin a jammed-packed month of activities and programs at the University. On Wednesday, more than 60 students from several majors will present their scholarly work at our annual Research and Scholarship Symposium. The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony. All of this year’s Research Day activities and presentations will be held inside Troy Theater. I hope students, faculty, and staff can take time from their schedules to support the students as they present their projects.
Our students will perform four One-Act Plays at 8 p.m. on April 11 and 12 inside Troy Theater. Under the direction of Dave Henderson, the plays will be brought to life by cast members Eva Tolliver, Jenay Soumahro, Susan Trammel, Chief Chipfumbu, Terrance Helm, Jr., and Salem Mwelwa. I cannot wait to see these young men and women on stage!
The May 7 Commencement will be here before we know it! Our Commencement site, which has a schedule of all the events for that week, can be found on the University’s website. This site provides graduates and parents with everything they will need to prepare for this special time – including a Graduation Application, how to order regalia, graduation photos, and hotels. We have added some special recognition for our graduates as well. This year, graduates who have a family member that is an alumna/us will receive a silver Legacy Cord to wear at Baccalaureate and Commencement. I ask graduates to please fill out this short Legacy Student Recognition form to share their legacy connection. Additionally, there will be an Alumni Council Champagne Brunch on Friday, where alumni will welcome the Class of 2022 into the Alumni Association. There is no charge for graduates to attend, but tickets must be picked up in advance. Graduates are welcome to purchase tickets for guests who would like to join them at this brunch.
Again, this week, we had athletes and coaches recognized by the Mountain East Conference for their outstanding achievements. After turning in a strong offensive performance in last week’s games, Jack Skantze was named the MEC Baseball Player of the Week. The MEC named Emily Holzopfel the Women’s Golfer of the Year. She was named an All-MEC First Team honoree, while Olivia Zampedro earned a spot on the MEC second team, and Nicole Lincicome received honorable mention accolades. Their coach, Sue Vail, was named the MEC Women’s Golf Coach of the Year for leading her team to a Conference Championship last Fall. The men’s golf team had one player receive post-season recognition – Yadhu Urs was named to the All-MEC First-Team. Congratulations to these men and women for their well-deserved recognition!
As we head into the final month of this academic year, I hope our students remain focused on their work in the classroom, finishing the year strong while also taking the time to enjoy the final weeks of school with friends.
With gratitude,
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University