Wheeling University June Update

June 30, 2026

Wheeling University June Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

Alumni Weekend was held on June 12-13. The weekend attracted alumni from across the country. Thank you to Kelly Klubert, Vice President of Advancement, and members of the Alumni Council for their help throughout the event.

The class of 1976 was inducted into the 50 Year Club. Class representatives, Dr. Victoria Casey and Fred Salancy, announced the establishment of the Class of 1976 Fund. Classmates were challenged to make gifts to support student scholarships at Wheeling University.

Several members of the class of 2006 celebrated their 20^th reunion. Former soccer standout, Alan Anderson, class of 1986, traveled from Trinidad and Tobago with his sons to attend Alumni Weekend.

Congratulations once again to our four award winners: Mr. David Hendrickson, Lewis Award winner; Lacey (Bonar) Hull, O'Brien Award winner; Tom Fitzgerald, Pedro Arrupe Distinguished Alumni Award winner; and Tom Grondalski, St. Ignatius Distinguished Alumni Award winner

Mr. Hendrickson, Board Chair, and Dan Haller, Board Member, spoke to Alumni during the Coffee and Conversation session. To see more photos from the weekend, click here website.

We hope our alumni enjoyed being back at Wheeling University.

Academics

The Master of Science of Athletic Training faculty and students attended the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society (PATS) Symposium in Hershey, PA. Students learned about employment opportunities in the field of athletic training.

Dr. Zahra Mohebbi, Assistant Professor of Business and Department Chair, was elected the Region 2 Representative for the Member Relations Committee for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The Committee is responsible for assessing the needs of member institutions, promoting member engagement, and developing recommendations for services and benefits that enhance the value of ACBSP membership.

Admissions

The Office of Admissions hosted a Coffee and Donut Open House and an Ice Cream Social Open House.

A New Student Orientation was held on Friday, June 19. Approximately 50 new students and their families attended. The orientation provided students with the opportunity to receive their class schedules, engage with faculty, confirm housing assignments, discuss financial aid, and tour the campus.

Advancement/Alumni

The renovations made to Troy Theater were highlighted during Alumni Weekend. Alumni were able to view the chairs they purchased.

Athletics

The groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the Stadium Improvement Project was held on June 16. The Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, gave remarks and blessed the project. Special guests included the following: Becky Sancomb, Principal, Mike Young, Head Football Coach, and Seth Staskey, Athletic Director, from Wheeling Central Catholic; Robert Contraguerro, Sr. and Tom Contraguerro, from Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration; Matt Drahos, Brittni Staley, and Johnny Agresta, from WesBanco Bank, Inc. Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration and WesBanco Bank, Inc. have each committed $500,000 to the project. To watch the progress of the project, click here.

Campus Ministry

Alumni and friends are honoring loved ones by placing their names on the Chapel of Mary and Joseph Prayer Wall. This is a beautiful way to recognize a family member, fellow alumni, faculty member, or friend. If you would like to learn more about the Prayer Wall or if you would like to honor a loved one, click here.

Physical Plant

The Physical Plant staff is busy preparing the campus for the 80^th Annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Camp.

Student Affairs

The Office of Residence Life is completing room assignments for our incoming and returning students.

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

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.

President