March 28, 2025

Wheeling University March Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

Two alumni gatherings were held during March near Philadelphia. Dr. Dianna Vargo, Kelly Klubert, Vice President of Advancement, and Ricky Moore, Associate Vice President for Development, attended the gatherings. They first met at the City Works in King of Prussia, followed by a book signing with alumnus Jack Bodkin. Jack authored the book, Briarhill to Brooklyn.

Academics

Former Wheeling University professor, Dr. Thomas Michaud, presented a seminar to students as part of Wheeling University’s Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Morality (ISCM). Students and faculty filled Hawk Auditorium to hear his presentation,“After Justice: Christian Challenges to Progressivism.” 

The Nursing Department received $750,000 from the West Virginia Nursing Workforce Expansion Program, which will be used to attract and train new nurses to serve West Virginia residents. To read more about how this grant will help the University, click here. 

The Rustic Mechanicals, a West Virginia theater company, will bring to life Shakespeare’s Macbeth on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m., in Troy Theater. The production is free to all Wheeling University students and staff when they present their Cardinal ID Cards. The cost for the general public is $10. Wheeling University remains committed to making the arts a significant part of the academic experience for students. To learn more about the performance or to order tickets, click here. 

Admissions

An Accepted Students Day was held on Friday, March 14. It was an opportunity for approximately fifty students and their families to meet with faculty, current students, alumni, and staff. Representatives from various community businesses and organizations provided information to the students and families as well. 

Members of the Office of Admissions hosted third, fourth, and fifth grade students from Center McMechen Elementary School on Thursday, March 20. In addition to touring the campus, the students had the opportunity to build and launch rockets at the Challenger Learning Center.

Advancement/Alumni

We are finalizing the schedule for Alumni Weekend 2025. The event schedule will be posted on the website and emailed to alumni in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming our alumni back to campus the weekend of June 20-22.

Athletics

Curtis Harrison, a Wheeling University Men’s Basketball player, helped Ohio Valley residents through his Sole Bros, non-profit organization. Sole Bros is a Cincinnati-based service organization that collects footwear for those in need. During a basketball game in February, Sole Bros held a drive to collect shoes for the Catholic Neighborhood Center in Wheeling. More than 75 pairs of shoes were donated. To read more about the drive,click here.

To read more about our Cardinal athletic teams, click here.

Campus Ministry

Father David Griffin will hold Stations of the Cross at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, and the Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. 

Campus offices will be closed on Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, for Easter.

Physical Plant

The Physical Plant staff is engaged in Spring Clean Up.

Student Affairs

The Spring Formal was held on Saturday, March 15, at River City Restaurant. More than 150 students attended and enjoyed the evening.

The Campus Activities Board hosted a March Madness social to kick off the NCAA Basketball Tournament. 

Tina Tordella, Director of Counseling Services, offered a Wellness Wednesday session that focused on sleep wellness.

Amber Cool, Career Service Coordinator, continues to offer programs each Wednesday that support academic and career success. 

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

Sincerely,

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.,

President