February 27, 2026
Wheeling University February Update
Dear Wheeling University Community,
“A Conversation on Catholic Social Teaching and Immigration” was held on February 5 at St. Michael Angelus Center in Wheeling. The program was led by Class of 1970 Alumnus, Louis Volpe. Wheeling University staff and students joined the Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, parishioners, and community members for the event.
Academics
The 10th Interprofessional Education (IPE) event was held on Sunday, February 22. 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. The community partners who assisted our students are listed below:
Father David Griffin, Campus Ministry
Tim Knierim, MD
Anthony McDaniel, Paramedic
Jason Metz, Exercise Physiologist
Lucas Morgan, DPT
Dekotah Namack, Nurse
Matthew Rafa, Pharmacist
Tina Tordella, MSW, LICSW
Kacey Toto, Athletic Trainer
Nathan Yost, Nurse
The Help Enrich Someone Special (H.E.S.S.) program launched this month. H.E.S.S. 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. We are grateful to the HESS Family Foundation for their funding to make the mentoring program possible. Click here to read more.
Admissions
The Office of Enrollment is planning two events. The first event is Accepted Student Day scheduled for March 13. An Open House is scheduled for March 26. Various community organizations, academic departments, athletic departments, and student organizations will offer information to the prospective students and families about Wheeling University.
Advancement/Alumni
Alumni and friends will have the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of our students by donating on the “Day of Giving” scheduled for Thursday, March 19. A link to the “Day of Giving” portal will be available on the Wheeling University website. Further information will be available through email, social media, and the Wheeling University website.
Athletics
The Men’s Rugby Team gathered in February to receive their National Championship rings. A celebratory reception was held for the players, coaches, and fans.
Mackenzie Dalton, Women’s Basketball, scored her 1,000 points on Saturday, February 21, against Glenville State University.
Wheeling University once again hosted the Special Olympics basketball game between the Ohio County Eagles and the Pickerington Jaguars. More than 200 Wheeling University student-athletes cheered on the two teams when they squared off in the McDonough Center.
Members of the Wheeling University community supported Men’s Basketball player, Curtis Harrison, and his non-profit Sole Bros, Inc. Fans who attended the February 21 basketball games donated nearly 200 pairs of shoes to Harrison’s charity. All the shoes were donated to the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center to help local residents.
Click here to read more about our athletes and sports teams.
Campus Ministry
The evening Sunday Mass in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph continues to be dedicated to a specific Cardinal athletic team each week.
The sound system in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph has been replaced as part of our small projects campaign on campus.
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 and the Campus Activities Board hosted several activities this month. A Super Bowl party in the RATT, weekly self-defense classes, and a Flower Bouquet party for Valentine’s Day were highlights of the month.
As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
President