Wheeling University Announces Class of 2026 Co-Valedictorians and Salutatorian

May 7, 2026

Wheeling University Announces Class of 2026 Co-Valedictorians and Salutatorian

WHEELING, W.Va., May 7 - Wheeling University is proud to announce the Co-Valedictorians of the class of 2026, Andrew Schmidt of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and Cameron Zinn, of McArthur, Ohio. The Salutatorian is Grace Fairman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Schmidt and Zinn will offer remarks during the Wheeling University 68^th Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, inside the McDonough Center. Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D., University President, will present doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate degrees during the ceremony.

Schmidt graduates with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Sports Management. During his four years, he was a member of the men's soccer team and the Laut Honors Society. Schmidt is also active in his community, serving as the boys' soccer coach at Union Local High School and a volunteer coach at Capstone Soccer Complex.

"My four years at Wheeling University have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. Not only has this experience pushed me to strive for academic and personal excellence, but it has also allowed me to build strong relationships that will last a lifetime," Schmidt said.

Zinn will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Throughout her four years at Wheeling University, she has been a member of the Student Nurses Association. Following graduation, Zinn plans to work as a psychiatric nurse at Adena Health System.

"The past four years have significantly shaped my personal and professional growth," Zinn said. Through the nursing program, I've gained the knowledge and skills to provide safe, compassionate care, along with the confidence to enter this profession. The strong sense of community and the relationships I built with my classmates and professors will have a lasting impact. I will always be grateful for the experiences and memories that have helped shape who I am today."

Fairman has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with a minor in Psychology. She will offer remarks during Baccalaureate, which will be held at 5 p.m., on Friday, May 8, in Troy Theater.

During her four years at Wheeling University, Fairman was a member of the women's basketball team, serving as team captain during her senior year. She was the recipient of the 2026 Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston St. Sabastian Award. Also, Fairman was named to the Mountain East Conference All-Academic Team all four years. "My four years at Wheeling tested me in ways I didn't expect, but they also showed me what I'm capable of. Every challenge became a steppingstone, and every success reminded me why I started," Fairman said.