December 20, 2024

Wheeling University December Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

To our treasured students, please be safe and joyous throughout this blessed Christmas season. Your faculty, staff, and administrators pray always for your happiness and success.

Academics

Final exams are complete, and all grades have been recorded. 

In early December, seventeen Doctor of Physical Therapy students received their pins during a special ceremony in Troy Theater. 

Admissions

The Office of Admissions hosted more than fifty students from Martins Ferry High School and forty students from the Switzerland of Ohio School District. 

Additionally, the Office of Admissions led a service project among employees. Through their efforts, employees donated toys and books that were given to Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling. 

Advancement/Alumni

In this season of giving, alumni and friends can impact the lives of our students by making a year-end gift to Wheeling University. To make a gift, please click here.

Alumni from the Charleston, West Virginia, area attended a reception hosted by Board Chair, David Hendrickson. The reception was held prior to the men’s and women’s basketball games against the University of Charleston. We are grateful to Mr. Hendrickson for sponsoring this gathering.

Athletics

The Wheeling Women’s Rugby team finished its inaugural season with a National Championship. The team advanced to the National Collegiate Rugby Division I championship game in Texas and defeated Southern Nazarene by a score of 58-17. Alexis Dallas was named MVP of the tournament, scoring one try in the championship match. 

The Men’s Rugby team finished their Fall 15s schedule with a loss to Queens University of Charlotte in the NCR semi-finals.

The Women’s Volleyball team made it to the NCAA DII regional tournament for the first time since 2021. The Cardinals fell to Gannon University in the championship game.

Campus Ministry

The talents of students and employees were on full display at the Christmas Concert in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph on December 5. Through the leadership of Fr. David Griffin and the direction of Robert Troeger, Wheeling University students rang in the Christmas season with music, poems, and Bible readings. A special thank you to Fr. David and Mr. Troeger for bringing back this wonderful campus tradition.

As a reminder, no Masses will be held in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Physical Plant

The lights that illuminate the Bell Tower at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph have been repaired following a lightning strike earlier this year.

Student Affairs

The Fall Semester Late Night Breakfast served more than 125 students where faculty, staff, and coaches dished out breakfast favorites as well as special treats. 

This month, the Student Affairs staff led a drive where Wheeling University students, faculty, staff, and athletic teams sponsored children who were part of the Salvation Army Angel Tree project. In all, Wheeling University sponsored 114 children and purchased items such as bikes, winter coats, books, and toys. This is another shining example of how we live our mission to serve others.

As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support. I offer you my warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas and a happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.

President, Wheeling University