Wheeling University to Recognize Four Individuals During 2026 Alumni Weekend

May 20, 2026

Wheeling University to Recognize Four Individuals During 2026 Alumni Weekend

WHEELING, W.Va., May 19 - Wheeling University will recognize David Hendrickson, Chair of the University's Board of Trustees, as well as alumni Thomas Grondalski, Thomas Fitzgerald, and Lacey (Bonar) Hull, during its annual Alumni Recognition and Awards Dinner on Saturday, June 13.

The awards will be presented during the University's annual Alumni Weekend, a time when alumni return to campus to celebrate with classmates and reconnect with their alma mater. The Alumni Recognition and Awards Dinner is at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13 inside Troy Theater.

The Rev. Clifford Lewis Award is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association. It honors extraordinary service, contribution, and dedication to Wheeling University in the spirit of Father Lewis, a true 'person for others.' It will be awarded to Hendrickson. In February 2024, he was named by Bishop Mark Brennan as the Chair of the Wheeling University Board of Trustees. Alumni say, "his enthusiasm about the University is infectious, his positive words are comforting, and his straight forwardness is what alumni and the community need to hear."

Wheeling University presents the St. Ignatius Distinguished Alumni Award to a graduate who exemplifies the ideals of extraordinary competence and personal compassion in their chosen field. This award will be presented to Grondalski, a member of the class of 1971. He had a distinguished career in the business world, working for several top companies throughout his career. Most recently he founded and served as COO of The Cadogan Group which is strategic advisory firm assisting small to mid-size companies in formulating strategy, developing solutions, and successfully managing results.

The Fr. Pedro Arrupe Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who embodies the ideals of Ignatian spirituality, and lives a life committed to service. The University will present this year's award to Fitzgerald, a member of the class of 1976. After graduation, he went into the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and later earned a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Fitzgerald went onto spend 38 years in the management of correctional facilities in Baltimore and Ann Arundel Counties. After retirement, he returned to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, working with marginalized communities through the Franciscan Center of Baltimore.

The Rev. Clifford Lewis Award is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association. It honors extraordinary service, contribution, and dedication to Wheeling University in the spirit of Father Lewis, a true 'person for others.' It will be awarded to Hendrickson. In February 2024, he was named by Bishop Mark Brennan as the Chair of the Wheeling University Board of Trustees. Alumni say, "his enthusiasm about the University is infectious, his positive words are comforting, and his straight forwardness is what alumni and the community need to hear."

Since becoming Chair, he has worked tirelessly to help the University and made himself available whenever it is necessary to serve Wheeling University.

The final award to be given is the Rev. James O'Brien, S.J. Award which recognizes young alumni who manifest a growing competence in their chosen field and whose personal life reflects Wheeling's mission of 'educating men and women for life, leadership and service.' This year's O'Brien Award will be presented to Hull from the class of 2012. After earning a masters and doctorate from WVU, Bonar founded a Medieval History Academy. She works for the Ohio History Connection and teaches remotely for WVU. Her husband, Corey Hull class of 2013, said, "Quite possibly her biggest accomplishment is that she embodies everything that is good about Wheeling University. Since the day I met her, she has always put others above herself and lived

a life of service to others."

University President, Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D., said, "The University community looks forward to welcoming alumni back to campus once again this June. We are excited to recognize these three outstanding alumni and our Chairman, Mr. Hendrickson, for the impact they have made at our university and in their communities."

Wheeling University's Alumni Weekend kicks off on Friday, June 12, and ends on Sunday, June 14. The weekend is filled with events and activities that celebrate graduates and the University. Highlighting this year's reunion is the induction of class of 1976 into the 50 Year Club. There will be a special celebration for the Class of 2001 to mark its 25th Anniversary. The weekend is open to all alumni. To learn more about Alumni Weekend or to make reservations, go to https://wheeling.edu/alumni-weekend/ or email [email protected].