Homecoming & Family Weekend

Friday, October 6 – Sunday, October 8, 2023

This weekend is an opportunity for Wheeling students, families, and alumni to reconnect on the Wheeling University campus. This weekend includes activities for the whole family, Cardinal sporting events, campus tours, games, activities, Mass, and more. Family Weekend is a great time for everyone!

Attention Alumni! See our Alumni Reunion Weekend schedule here.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Registration: 4pm–6:30pm

Swint Hall – Benedum Dining Hall Foyer
Stop by to pick up your name tag, updated schedule, Homecoming Weekend t-shirts, and giveaways!

President’s Welcome Reception: 7pm–8:30pm

Swint Hall Munhall Plaza
Join Wheeling University staff, faculty, and our Student Government Association and Black Student Union for light refreshments and appetizers, as we kick off Family Weekend.

Volleyball vs. Notre Dame College – 7 pm

Alma Grace McDonough Center

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Registration: 8:30am–9:30am

Swint Hall– Benedum Dining Hall Foyer
Stop by to pick up your name tag, updated schedule, and Homecoming Weekend T-shirt and giveaways!

Celebration of Wheeling Breakfast: 7am–9am

Benedum Dining Room
Meet and mingle with fellow Cardinal families and alumni as you enjoy coffee and pastries. 

Alumni In Recruitment (AIR) Training 101: 9:30am

Benedum Dining Room
Alumni interested in becoming an AIR Student Recruitment Volunteer can attend a one-hour training session. AIR volunteers help Wheeling University’s admissions recruiting efforts.

Wheeling University Disc Golf: 9am–1pm

LaRosa Field Hole #1
Want to learn how to play disc golf and the rules associated with disc golf? Meet the designers of Wheeling’s new Disc Golf Course from Northern Panhandle Golf Association at Hole #1 on LaRosa Field between 9-1 to learn how to play and more! Wheeling University Disc included in Registration Packet.

Campus Scavenger Hunt: 10:30am

Hosted by Student Services
Join us for an exciting scavenger hunt. Meet at McShain Plaza in front of the Chapel of Mary and Joseph at 10:30am

Campus Tours: 10:30am and 3pm

Admissions ambassadors will host walking tours of campus for alumni and families. Meet at McShain Plaza at 10:30am or 3pm. 

President’s Red Zone Tailgate: 9:30am – 12:45pm

In the endzone located at Bishop Schmitt Field’s scoreboard
Enjoy Eggs & Kegs, live band, tailgate games, and celebrate school spirit as we get ready for kick-off! Special gatherings for alumni and athletic alumni teams.

Football vs West Virginia Wesleyan: 1:00 pm

Bishop Schmitt Field
Cheer the Cardinals on to victory as they take on West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats. The half-time festivities will include the crowning of the Wheeling University 2023 Homecoming King and Queen.

 Love Letter to Your Student: 10:30am–3pm

Starbucks – Swint Hall Lower Level
Write a love letter to your student and give them words of encouragement for the end-of-the-semester crunch time. Letters will be delivered to your student before finals in December.

Cardinal Games and Activities: 9:30am – 12:30pm

McDonough Lawn
Take part in exciting activities for all ages including inflatable bounce house, corn hole, Knocker Balls, Ladder Golf, and many more exciting activities for all ages. Activities and carnival games are free. Then, grab lunch at one of our FOOD TRUCKS located in McDonough Parking Lot.

Volleyball vs. Slippery Rock – 4pm

Alma Grace McDonough Center

Men’s Soccer vs. University of Charleston: 4:30pm 

Bishop Schmitt Field

Oglebayfest: 9am–11pm

Wheeling University Shuttles available
Featuring regional foods and an extensive display of fine handcrafted wares, some of the tri-state’s best artisans at work, displays of elaborate quilts, homegrown foods delicious fair foods and more.

Shopping in Wheeling’s Historic Center Market: 4pm–8pm

Wheeling University Shuttles available
Visit the eclectic mix of shops and unique dining at the Historic Centre Market in downtown Wheeling. Grab lunch at Later Gator or dinner at Market Vines!

Women’s Soccer vs. University of Charleston: 7:30pm 

Bishop Schmitt Field

Family Swim

Alma Grace McDonough Center
Sit back, relax, and swim with your family at the WU Pool!
Cost: Free

Open Gym 6-9 pm

Alma Grace McDonough Center Cardinal Performance Gym
Come and enjoy a fun game of either volleyball, basketball, or just toss around a frisbee! The Cardinal Performance Gym is set up for anyone to just stop and participate.
Cost: Free 

Oblebayfest Fireworks

A crowd-pleasing favorite, the Oglebayfest fireworks display will light up the evening sky over Schenk Lake at dusk.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Alumni, Family & Friends Grab and Go Breakfast 8:30am – 10:30am

Stop by the Benedum Room for complimentary coffee, muffins, and donuts before heading home or joining us for Mass.

Alumni and Family Mass: 11am

Chapel of Mary and Joseph

Don’t forget to stop by the University Apparel Shop located in Starbucks while you are visiting campus.
Friday, October 6  8am – 9pm
Saturday, October 7 10am – 6pm
Sunday, October 8 10am – 6pm

Registration is $10 and includes a signature Homecoming T-shirt, *official Wheeling University Disc, Welcome Reception, Celebration of Wheeling Breakfast, tickets for the tailgate, football game, Grab & Go Breakfast, children’s activities, and coupons to use throughout the weekend. Call 304-243-8141 to register by phone.

When you arrive, pick up your FAMILY WEEKEND all-access badge and WRIST BAND at the Registration Table.
Your student does not need to register.

Hotel Accommodations

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wheeling at The Highlands

660 Cabela Dr, Triadelphia, WV 26059
(304) 219-2020
Book your group rate for Wheeling University Homecoming
Please say Wheeling University Homecoming & Family Weekend when booking to receive a special rate.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wheeling

908 National Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 232-8903, Press 0
Please say Wheeling University Homecoming & Family Weekend when booking to receive a special rate.
Special rate offered on all reservations made no later than October 1.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Wheeling

45 Wayfarer Drive, Triadelphia, WV 26059
(304) 907-4470
Please say Wheeling University Homecoming & Family Weekend when booking to receive a special rate.

Hampton Inn & Suites Wheeling – The Highlands

35 Bob Wise Dr, Triadelphia, WV 26059
(304) 547-4222
Make reservations here.
Please say Wheeling University Homecoming & Family Weekend when booking to receive a special rate.