October 20, 2021

Wheeling University to Host Homecoming & Family Weekend Oct. 22-24

WHEELING, W.Va., Oct. 20 – Once again able to host an in-person Homecoming and Family Weekend, Wheeling University announced the 10 seniors voted  to the 2021 Homecoming Court.  

The court will be recognized with an on-field ceremony during halftime of the Wheeling University vs. West Liberty University football game at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Bishop Schmitt Field, prior to the announcement of the two students who have been voted as Homecoming King and Queen. The students elected to this year’s court are Kayla Bekier, Caroline Fodor, Gina Fogle, Hannah Swisk, Landree Wilken, Max Baker, Malkolm Barrett, Matthew Greenwood, Ryan LaFollette and Richard White III.

Wheeling University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, set for Oct. 22-24, will feature a variety of activities and sporting events for students, their families, and alumni to enjoy.

“Homecoming and Family Weekend is a time to welcome our students’ families and alumni to campus to celebrate the accomplishments of our University. The University has a full weekend of activities planned for students, parents and alumni to enjoy. In addition to three days of activities for all ages, we will also host three home sporting events, and crown our Homecoming king and queen during halftime of the football game,” said Wheeling President Ginny R. Favede.

The students elected to this year’s Homecoming court are:

Kayla Bekier, a native from Northwood, Ohio is a senior Exercise Science major. She is a member of the Wheeling University Volleyball team. Following graduation, she plans to enter the University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.

Caroline Fodor is a senior Biology major from Weirton, W.Va. She is a member of the Wheeling University Cross Country and Track teams, is the Biology Club President, the Campus Activities Board treasurer and is a work-study at Hodges Library on campus.  She plans to attend veterinary school following graduation.

Gina Fogle, of Toronto, Ohio, is a senior Exercise Science major and Psychology minor. She is a member of the Wheeling University Softball team, the Senior Class Vice President and vice-chair of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Following graduation, Fogle plans to become a Physical Education teacher and a softball coach. 

Hannah Swisk, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is a senior Nursing major. She is a resident assistant, marketing chair for the Campus Activities Board and president of the Student Nurses Association. Following graduation, Swisk plans to sit for and pass the NCLEX exam to become an (RN) registered nurse. 

Landree Wilken, a native of Orangeville, Pa., is a senior Biology and Psychology major. She is a resident assistant, a Luceat, a member of the Wheeling University Women’s Soccer team, Biology Club and Psychology Club, and is a part of the HESS Mentoring Program. Wilken plans to continue her journey at Wheeling for a fifth year, and upon graduation plans to enter a physician’s assistant program.

Max Baker is a senior Business Finance major from Canton, Ohio. He is a member of the Wheeling University Football team and is an active Christ follower. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Baker plans to continue his education in Math. Following graduation. Max plans to pursue a career as an actuary in the insurance industry. 

Malkolm Barrett, a native of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, is a senior Business Administration major. He is a member of the Wheeling University Baseball. After graduation, Barrett plans to pursue a career in coaching. 

Matthew Greenwood, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is a senior Accounting and Finance major. He is a resident assistant, President of the Campus Activities Board, Senior Class Treasurer, a member of the Wheeling University Football team and a volunteer peer tutor at Wheeling’s Student Success Center. Following graduation, Greenwood plans to complete his MBA at Wheeling and start his career in the retail and manufacturing industries with Ernst and Young. 

Ryan Lafollette, of Woodsfield, Ohio, is a senior Criminal Justice major with a Business minor. He is a member of the Wheeling University Football team and actively volunteers at a local nursing home. LaFollette was recently named Second Team All-MEC. Following graduation, he plans to further his academic studies by attending law school.

Richard White III, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is a senior Business Management major. He is a member of the Wheeling University Football team, a member of the Black Student Union (BSU), and is an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). 

Additionally, the Homecoming Court Junior Royalty includes: Junior Class representatives; Jenee Brodeur, Ana Molnar, Allonda Watkins, Sy Alli, Tyler Livingston, and James Reese. Sophomore Class Representatives; Bre’ya Clopper, Kaitlin Gawelsk, Zayna Hampton, Bailey Brunner, Jaden Farmer, and Elijah Young. Freshman Class representatives; Shelby James, Riley Kindall, Alivia Thompson, Wendell Bethel, Izaiha Browning, and Ryan Cammas

“After more than a year of being apart, it’s time to experience the weekend we’ve all been waiting for—it’s time to come home to Wheeling! There’s nothing better than food, drinks, and tailgating fun during Homecoming Weekend. Game Day is a special time to catch up with old friends, partake in festive activities and connect with the rest of the Cardinal Family,” President Favede said.

Friday’s events include the President’s Welcome Reception and a movie inside Troy Theater.

Saturday’s activities kick off with morning yoga on Donahue Lawn, President Favede’s Update to families and alumni, a scavenger hunt, campus tours, the home football game against West Liberty, crafts, games, and a bounce house for children, a women’s soccer game against Glenville, a Homecoming Dance for students and an alumni and family night in the RATT – with music and trivia.

Sunday, the day begins with the Alumni Council meeting, a men’s lacrosse scrimmage against WVU, a Rugby game against Alderson Broaddus and an alumni and family Mass in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph. To see the entire schedule of events and to register, go to the Wheeling University website.

“Homecoming Week and Homecoming and Family Weekend are two wonderful events we hold each year. It’s an opportunity for our students to have their families join them on campus for a weekend full of activities. All of us at Wheeling University are very excited to welcome family, alumni, and friends to campus for what is sure to be a fun-filled weekend,” said Lewis, Vice President of Student Services.