September 30, 2026
Wheeling University September Update
Dear Wheeling University Community,
The Most Reverend Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, celebrated the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, in Troy Theater. Celebrants of the Mass also included Father David Griffin, Campus Ministry, Father Carlos Melocoton, St. Michael Parish, Father Rex Marfil, St. Michael Parish, and Deacon Douglas Breiding, Cathedral of St. Joseph. Representatives from the Student Government Association participated in the readings and the offertory. Members of the Wheeling community attended the Mass and then enjoyed lunch in the Benedum Dining Hall. We are grateful to Bishop Evelio for opening our academic year in prayer and for his continued support of our students. Click here to read Bishop Evelio’s Homily.
ACADEMICS
Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program participated in the United Way Day of Caring on Wednesday, September 9. Additionally, the students helped the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center clean and prepare for its annual spaghetti dinner. Their service in our local communities support the mission of Wheeling University: Life, Leadership, and Service.
Education students are taking their learning beyond the classroom and putting their reading and phonics lessons into action at Ayers Elementary School in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Each Monday and Wednesday, education majors are learning research-based approaches to reading, phonics, and early literacy that help elementary students improve their reading skills. This hands-on experience allows our future teachers the opportunity to apply those literacy strategies, while creating engaging learning programs for young readers.
Dr. Zahra Mohebi, Assistant Professor of Business and Program Chair, wrote an article entitled, “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Entry-Level Careers in Accounting,” published by the Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies. Click here to read the article.
ADMISSIONS
The Office of Admissions will host an Open House during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 17. To learn more about attending Wheeling University, please contact the Office of Admissions at 304-243-2359 oradmiss@wheeling.edu.
ADVANCEMENT/ALUMNI
The Wheeling University Philadelphia Alumni Group is hosting its golf outing on Saturday, October 10. Golf slots are filled, but alumni are welcome to attend the post event dinner at Anthony’s Ristorante and Banquet Center in Springfield, PA. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Dinner begins at 5 p.m.
Alumni and families are invited to attend Homecoming October 16 – 18. Events are planned for the entire weekend.Click Here to view the schedule and purchase a weekend pass.
ATHLETICS
The 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class included eight individuals and the 2015 National Championship Volleyball Team. During a ceremony on September 5, the Athletic Department inducted the following into the Hall of Fame: Carmen Blissit ’04, Cross Country and Track; Amber Ellison ’03, Women’s Basketball; Kasey Frazier ’16, Women’s Golf; Denny Grimm, former Director of Transportation (Special Contributor); LaKisha Jones ’05, Softball; Pete Malcolm ’16, Men’s Rugby; Chris Spencer ’05, Cross Country and Track; Ricky Yahn ’07, Men’s Basketball; and the 2015 NCAA D-II National Championship Volleyball Team.
The Athletic Department collected school supplies during several of the home athletic games. All items were donated to St. Michael Parish School and the Ohio County School District. This marks the second year that the department conducted this service project to help local students in our community.
Brian Parker, Director of Education for the Taylor Hooton Foundation, spoke to students about “Appearance and Performance Enhancing Substances” in Troy Theater on September 28.
To view the full schedule of athletic events, or to read more about our athletes and teams, Click here.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
The Most Reverend Evelio Menjivar-Ayala celebrated a Spanish Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on Sunday, September 13. Father David Griffin, Director of Campus Ministry, and members of the men’s soccer team attended the Mass. A social was held afterwards in the Chancery Office of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.
Father David Griffin celebrated a special Mass on Friday, September 11, in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Father David asked those attending to pray for peace.
Father David hosted an information session for students interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. All baptized Christians of any denomination, as well as baptized Catholics wishing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, were invited to attend.
The Men’s and Women’s Bible Study Groups began their monthly meetings.
Members of the St. Michael Parish School held their annual Angel Walk on September 25 on the campus of Wheeling University. The Cardinal Mascot, Iggy, greeted the students and participated in the walk.
PHYSICAL PLANT
Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal is in the process of installing a new roof on a section of the McDonough Center. Also, LED light bulbs were installed at the Bishop Schmitt Field.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
The Student Government Association sponsored a service project to collect personal care items and winter essentials for the Wheeling Health Right Community Care Drive. Students, faculty, staff, and local community members donated items such as body wash, deodorant, shampoo, gloves, socks, and individually wrapped food items.
September was a busy month with a variety of activities being held for our students. This month there was a root beer social, an International Movie night – featuring Queen of Katwe, Bingo, an NFL football watch party, and a tie-dye t-shirt night. These activities helped make September a welcoming and engaging month for our students.
As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
President