Wheeling University October Update

October 30, 2026

Wheeling University October Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

Homecoming Weekend was filled with athletic games, activities for families, and events for alumni and students. During halftime of the Cardinal Football game, the Homecoming Court was introduced, and seniors Valdimir Zhang and Madison Conrad were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. A Homecoming Dance was held for the students at River City Restaurant & Banquets in downtown Wheeling.

Dylan Nowakowski was named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Wheeling University. As the CFO, Mr. Nowakowski is responsible for the financial health, financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and long-term financial sustainability of Wheeling University. Mr. Nowakowski previously served as our Director of Financial Aid. Click here to read more.

Academics

The Wheeling University Registered Nurse (RN) to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program received national recognition. The program has been ranked the most affordable online degree program by RNtoMSN.org. Click here to read more.

Fourteen students received their white coats during the Nursing White Coat Ceremony. This ceremony marks the entry into the nursing profession and the start of clinical training. In addition to receiving their coats, their hands were blessed by Father David Griffin, Director of Campus Ministry.

Wheeling University faculty participated in the Higher Learning Commission Assessment Academy held on October 6 - 7 in St. Charles, Illinois, concluding a multi-year institutional effort focused on strengthening assessment of student learning and using assessment results to improve academic programs. Click here to read more.

Kallysta Hayduke, an education major, was awarded a scholarship from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Dr. Shawna Safreed, Director of Education Programs, and Kallysta attended a celebratory luncheon at Stratford Springs.

Dr. Bernadette Kime, Assistant Professor of Theology, and her students helped St. Michael Parish with renovations at the church.

Dr. Zahra Mohebbi, Director of Business Programs, has been named an American Accreditation Council International Expert/Reviewer. This credential recognizes her expertise and enables her to contribute to international accreditation, academic evaluation, and higher-education quality assurance activities.

Admissions

The Office of Admissions held an Open House for prospective students during Homecoming Weekend. The students and their families had the opportunity to learn more about Wheeling University and to engage in Homecoming festivities.

The Office of Student Affairs and Financial Aid sponsored a Work Study Fair. The fair provided students with information about employment on campus and at local organizations.

Alumni/Advancement

Alumni and friends from around the country were on hand to support the Pieco-Ryan Golf Scramble in Philadelphia. The golf scramble raised money for the Rev. Charles Currie, S.J., Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Scholarship. Alumni Mario Gambescia and Mike Murkley, who organized the event, presented the University with a check for $10,000 in support of their scholarship. The scholarship is given to family members of alumni from the Philadelphia area.

The Wheeling University Men's Basketball Team played an exhibition game against the WVU Mountaineers in Morgantown. Prior to the game, Board Chair, David Hendrickson, hosted a reception for alumni, friends, and the team.

Athletics

The Athletic Department held its third annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25. Children from the Ohio Valley came to campus to show off their costumes, meet our students, and receive some sweet treats. Our young guests participated in a costume parade during halftime of the Women's Soccer match.

Wheeling Alumnus and former WVU Basketball Coach, John Beilein '75 was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame on October 10. Current Wheeling Men's Basketball Coach, Chris Richardson, along with Coach Beilein's Wheeling teammates Bob Narrish '77 and Pat McCune '73 attended the ceremony. Click here to watch his induction speech.

Recently, we lost Denny Grimm, our former Director of Transportation. Denny was inducted into the Fall 2025 Wheeling University Athletic Hall of Fame. Alumni, coaches, and former employees offered beautiful tributes to Denny on our social media platforms. Wheeling University offers our sympathies and prayers to the Grimm family.

Campus Ministry

Wheeling University has established partnerships with two local non-profit organizations, the Appalachian Christmas Tree Project in Triadelphia, and Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling. Through their work at the organizations, students help spread hope and kindness to those in need.

At the Appalachian Christmas Tree Project, students loaded a trailer filled with donations headed to Manna from Heaven, a non-profit organization in Myra, Kentucky, that supports families and individuals in need.

The Student Government Association (SGA), Exercise Science program, along with students and staff across campus came together to collect canned goods that were donated to the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center Pantry.

Through these partnerships, our students continue to put faith into action, living out our mission of Life, Leadership, and Service to make a difference in the lives of others.

Physical Plant

Robert Yahn, Director of Physical Plant, Tyler Melcher, the new Maintenance Supervisor, and the Maintenance Staff are preparing the buildings for upcoming colder weather.

Student Affairs

October was filled with opportunities for students to connect, celebrate traditions, and show their Cardinal Pride. The Office of Student Affairs hosted an International Student Meeting, bringing together our international community for an evening of information and cultural celebration. Students from Ghana prepared a traditional dish to share with those in attendance. The Club also hosted an International Movie Night.

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

Sincerely,

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.

President