Waynesburg U. celebrates 176th anniversary of Charter

Waynesburg University celebrated the 176^th anniversary of its charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tuesday, March 24, with a special convocation in Roberts Chapel.

Waynesburg University is literally a beacon on a hill-a light shining brightly to enlighten the minds of each generation of young people..."

Lanny Frattare, a longtime Pittsburgh Pirates radio broadcaster and a former assistant professor of communication at Waynesburg University, delivered the convocation address. His message reflected upon a passage of Scripture by which his father lived, Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much is required."

Frattare expressed his gratitude for Waynesburg University, for being asked to become a faculty member by then-President Timothy Thyreen and for having continued teaching under President Douglas G. Lee's leadership.

"Waynesburg University is literally a beacon on a hill-a light shining brightly to enlighten the minds of each generation of young people who ask us to spend our time and share our knowledge," said Frattare.

In his address, he identified two campus landmarks: the piece of stained glass above the front door of Miller Hall that reads "Knowledge," and the Hanna Hall bell in Cusick Court whose plaque reads "Truth and Courage."

"To be individuals who embrace truth, at times we must display courage," said Frattare. "I submit to you that this institution of higher education shall always demand the highest standards."

Following his remarks, Frattare was awarded the Timothy & Carolyn Thyreen Service Leadership Award in recognition of his many years of service to Waynesburg's campus and his community. Mrs. Thyreen presented the award.

"He has long leveraged his prominence as a beloved public figure to effect profound and lasting change in the lives of countless individuals," a portion of Frattare's award citation read. "Through his unwavering commitment to service and his embodiment of servant leadership, he has inspired and uplifted those who have had the privilege of working alongside him. For forty years, he has championed the mission of Familylinks, an organization dedicated to providing vital community, behavioral, and social services to the most vulnerable members of southwestern Pennsylvania."

Three former faculty members were granted emeritus status by President Lee on behalf of the Board of Trustees during the ceremony. Dr. Elizabeth Wang was named professor emeritus of computer science; Dr. Lloyd Aultman-Moore was named professor emeritus of philosophy; and Dr. James Bush was named professor emeritus of mathematics in honor of their years of faithful service and their enduring commitment to Waynesburg University. Dr. Wang taught at the University for 20 years; Dr. Aultman-Moore for 29 years; and Dr. Bush for 34 years.

During the convocation, three faculty members received the University's 2026 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards. Provost Mindy Walls presented the teaching excellence awards to Jennifer Roy, associate professor of business administration and chair for the Department of Business Administration; Kelley Solomon, professor of education, chair for the Department of Education and director of the Master of Education program; and Melissa Wood, certification officer and field placement coordinator.

About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Charter Day 2026

Lanny Frattare delivering the Charter Day convocation address