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Wheeling Jesuit University to Present Five Alumni Awards During Annual Reunion

  Tuesday, May 14, 2019 11:44 AM
  WU News

WHEELING, WV

Five alumni will be recognized for contributions made to their profession, society or to Wheeling Jesuit during the university’s annual Alumni Weekend set for June 21-23.


“We look forward to welcoming hundreds of alumni back to campus in June to reconnect with classmates and friends,” said Kelly Klubert ’85, director of alumni relations at WJU. “The awards presented during Alumni Weekend by the university and the alumni association are just one way that we recognize our graduates who make a difference at our university and in their professions.”

During the Alumni Recognition and Awards Dinner Saturday, June 22, WJU President, Dr. Michael P. Mihalyo will present the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards to two individuals for their contributions at work and in service to others.

The St. Ignatius Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who exemplifies the Jesuit ideals of extraordinary competence and personal compassion in one’s chosen profession. Dr. Janet Huang Fitzpatrick, class of 1989, will receive this year’s award.

Dr. Fitzpatrick is a clinical associate professor of medicine and junior medicine clerkship site director at Hahnemann for Drexel University College of Medicine, where she also received her medical degree. She completed her residency at MCP Hahnemann University and was chief resident in the 1998-1999 academic year. In 2005, she joined the full-time faculty at Drexel University College of Medicine.


The Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Distinguished Alumni Award will be given this year Marilou Gross Doughty, WJU class of 1977. The award recognizes a graduate who embodies the ideals of Ignatian spirituality and someone who is living a life committed to serving others.

Doughty is the director of Social Services of Children and Youth at Montgomery County, PA.  She has been involved in the Child Welfare field since 1977 and her experience includes work in child welfare for the public and private sectors, as well as providing extensive training for foster parents and staff.

The Alumni Council president will give the Rev. Clifford M. Lewis, S.J. Award, the highest honor presented by the alumni association, to a member of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, Marguerite Hogan Fritsch, class of 1982. The award recognizes extraordinary service, contribution and dedication to Wheeling Jesuit University in the spirit of one of the university’s founding Jesuits, Fr. Lewis.

Fritsch has served as the alumni chapter’s treasurer since approximately 1994 when the chapter was formalized.  She has not only managed the funds, Fritsch has been instrumental in organizing and implementing all of the chapter’s annual events – some of which she and her husband Kevan, have hosted in their home. She is part of the glue that keeps the Chapter organized and raising funds for WJU.

The 2019 Magis Award, will be given to Martha Buckley Shields, class of 1964. This award recognizes individuals who act in the Ignatian spirit of Magis – of doing more and giving more to others. It is given in light of an individual’s hidden, faithful service to the University and its people.

Shields is a lifelong educator and coach. She has spent her time since graduating from WJU, in service to the young people in the Philadelphia area and to her alma mater. When it comes to Wheeling Jesuit, Shields has always given of her ‘time, talent, and treasure.’ She has been involved in the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter since its beginning, helping to organize the chapter’s activities, hosting parties and fundraising events and actively recruiting prospective students. Her brother Edward Buckley ’73 said in his nomination letter, “Martha has been tireless in support of her alma mater.  Whether it be a college night at one of the local schools, active participation at alumni events both in Wheeling, and in the Greater Philadelphia area, or the Philadelphia Annual Golf Outing, Martha answers the call.”


The final award to be presented at Alumni Weekend will be the Rev. James O’Brien, S.J. Award, which will be given to Noah Mull, class of 2009. The award recognizes young alumni who manifest a growing competence and personal compassion in ones chosen field and who exhibit strength and promise in areas reflecting WJU’s mission.

Mull operates Noah Mull State Farm Insurance in Wheeling. Prior to opening his business, he worked for his alma mater’s Advancement Office, where he raised money for various projects including the Homefield Advantage Project. When he left WJU in 2017, Mull was the director of Advancement, overseeing the development and alumni operations.


This year, alumni from the classes of 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 will mark reunions.