February 28, 2025

Wheeling University February Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

On February 14, 2025, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission approved the reauthorization of Wheeling University to confer degrees.

Academics

The ninth Interprofessional Education (IPE) event was held on Sunday, February 2.  Students from Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Nursing, and Physical Therapy worked across disciplines on a hypothetical case. The goal of the event is to prepare the students to work in a collaborative setting. You can read more about this event HERE.  

Dr. Krissy Grubler, Dr. Mohammed Hadadzadeh, Dr. Alison Kreger, and Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, members of the Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty, attended the American Physical Therapy Association Conference in Houston, Texas. This conference was an opportunity for our faculty to gather knowledge that will impact student learning.

The Help Enrich Someone Special (HESS) program launched this month. HESS is a mentoring program that benefits seventh grade students from Wheeling Middle School. Wheeling University students serve as mentors for the middle school students when they come to campus to take part in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics activities. HESS is held on Wednesdays during the Spring 2025 semester.

Admissions

The Office of Enrollment is planning two events. The first event is Accepted Student Day scheduled for March 14. The Junior Visit Day is scheduled for April 4. 

Advancement/Alumni

The University welcomed alumnus and former track/cross country coach, Ricky Moore, back to campus this month. Ricky has joined our team as Associate Vice President for Development. He will lead our fundraising and advancement efforts. Mr. Moore will be working closely with members of the faculty, staff, and coaches to identify funding sources and to forge partnerships to enhance all our academic programs, infrastructure, and endowment. Click hear to read more.

Ricky Moore, Kelly Klubert, and Dianna Vargo will be in Philadelphia on Sunday, March 16, to join alumnus Jack Bodkin ’69 at the Cornerstone Restaurant for a “Meet and Greet.” In addition, Mr. Bodkin will discuss his book, Briarhill to Brooklyn. To make reservations for the “Meet and Greet,” please click here. Wheeling alumni will receive a discounted price by entering the code Wheeling69 for the event that includes dinner.

Wheeling alumna and our former Academic Dean, Dr. Jeanne (Henry) Neff ’64, passed away at the end of January. Please keep Dr. Neff’s family in your prayers. 

Athletics

The Women’s Rugby Team traveled to Charleston, West Virginia, on February 18 where they were honored by the West Virginia Legislature. During the trip, the team was recognized by the House of Delegates, and they visited with Governor Patrick Morrisey who was presented with a signed jersey. To read more about the trip, click here.

Wheeling University was host to the Special Olympics Basketball Championships this month. Our student-athletes assisted with the event. The 2024 Ohio Division 4 State Champion Pickerington Jaguars and the 2024 West Virginia Division 2 State Champion Ohio County Eagles had a fun time competing in the McDonough Center. 

To read more about all of our Cardinal Athletic Teams, visit the athletic website here.

Campus Ministry

Father David Griffin and Campus Music Director, Bob Troeger, are working with students enrolled in our music course. The students will be performing musical selections during Mass at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph.

Physical Plant

The Physical Plant staff continues to deal with winter weather and looks forward to the coming of Spring.

Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs hosted several events throughout the month.  In honor of Black History Month, the movies, Selma, The Color Purple, and The Jackie Robinson Story, were shown. A Valentine’s Day Dance was held. Additionally, a spirited game of dodgeball between the students and employees took place. 

The Office of Counseling Services and the Career Service Coordinator partnered to present a session about vocational wellness.

As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support. 

Sincerely,

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.,

President