Wheeling Jesuit University
Encyclopedia
Wheeling Jesuit University is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic university in the United States. Located in Wheeling, West Virginia
, it was founded as Wheeling College in 1954 by the Society of Jesus
(also known as the Jesuits). Today, Wheeling Jesuit University is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
. Approximately 1,300 undergraduate students attend WJU.
Wheeling Jesuit University competes in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
as a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(WVIAC).
Wheeling Jesuit University, then Wheeling College, was founded through a partnership of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston with the Maryland Society of Jesus. Ground was broken on November 24, 1953, and the college was officially opened September 26, 1955. The establishment of the college required $2.75 million in start-up costs. Overcoming the difficulties of temporary facilities and a faculty of just twelve Jesuit priests and four lay professors, the school has grown considerably.
For the 1987–1988 school year, the university became Wheeling Jesuit College, and in the 1990s, gained university status.
On October 22, 2010, the university announced the selection of Richard A. Beyer as its ninth president. Beyer is the first lay president to lead WJU. Beyer took office effective January 2, 2011.
In honor of former WJU professor Fr. Stephen J. Laut, S.J., the university offers the Laut Honors Program. Throughout each school year, members of the program meet to discuss and study material related to that year's theme. At the conclusion of a student's sophomore year, students who have successfully completed the Laut program are invited to join the Ignatian Honors Seminar, a more rigorous program for which only six juniors and six seniors are selected.
Wheeling Jesuit encourages all students to become actively involved in research in their desired fields. In many fields, seniors are required to complete a thesis or capstone project. In addition, students are actively encouraged to participate in the annual Student Research and Scholarship Symposium, in which students present research done over the past academic year.
To aid students in their studies, the university offers extensive tutoring services through its Academic Resource Center ("the ARC"). The center, located in Ignatius Hall, offers tutoring for most classes, and provides writing tutors as well.
; Master of Accountancy
; Master of Science in Nursing
; Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
; and a Doctor of Physical Therapy
.
The Center for Professional and Graduate Studies offers MSOL and BOLD (Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Development) and the university's Charleston Center. According to incoming president Richard A. Beyer, expanding the Charleston Center is one of the university's goals.
In 2010, the university hosted the Ignatian Solidarity Network Spring Teach-In, which focused on issues of environmental sustainability and stewardship. In September 2010, the Appalachian Institute held its second annual Appalachian Film Festival.
, WJU in 2006 became home to the Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Morality. According to its website, the Institute desires to study the roles of capitalism in a free society. The institute also promotes research and essay competitions, forums and debates, and a lecture series. Lecturers for the 2007–2008 school year included Thomas Woods
and Doug Bandow
. In 2011, the ISCM welcomed former BB&T
CEO John A. Allison IV
to campus.
's wife. Byrd paid the center a visit in September 2007 to celebrate Constitution Day
. Byrd's presentation was available online and streamed to schools across the country.
NTTC focuses on providing essential services nationwide for the commercialization of technologies developed by federal agencies and other clients. It also researches the commercial and government marketplace to locate available technologies that meet client needs. Federal research and development (R&D) has transferred federal research investment into the development of commercial products.
NTTC's professional services include:
• Business and manufacturing consulting
• Computer information/database development
• Engineering expertise
• Financial analysis
• Graphic design
• Intellectual property management
• Market analysis
• Professional and technical writing/ publications production
• Training
The NTTC's client base ranges from small companies to Fortune 500 firms as well as government, corporate, and academic partners.
One of the NTTC's most recent programs is HEALTHeWV, a medical records system intended to bring electronic medical records, healthy living programs, and health promotion to rural West Virginia.
Currently, WJU supports 19 sports, including: Men's and women's soccer, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross-country, men's and women's track (indoor and outdoor), men's and women's swimming, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, men's and women's lacrosse, softball, and baseball. The newest of these, women's lacrosse, was announced on August 26, 2010. The team will begin play in 2012.
The university also has a club hockey team, which was re-started during the 2010–2011 school year. The team plays in tournaments at the Iceoplex at Southpointe
and plays home games at WesBanco Arena
. The university also offers a variety of intramural sports such as dodge-ball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and volleyball in the spring.
The university's home indoor athletic events are held in WJU's state of the art McDonough Center
.
, and study area. Rooms in each measure 15'5" W by 10'10" L. Despite these similarities, the halls can be differentiated by the fact that Campion is air conditioned, while McHugh is not. In addition, McHugh is three years older than Campion, having been dedicated in 1959, while Campion was dedicated in 1962.
.
Sara Tracy Hall, dedicated in 1959, is a residence hall for female freshmen. The hall is divided into smaller hallways, all of which share common laundry facilities. The hall provides quick access to facilities, such as the Chapel of Mary and Joseph, the Mailroom, and the cafeteria.
A typical floor has four quads, and a community lounge. Laundry rooms are located on the first, second, third, and fourth floors. Telephone and Cable TV is provided. Thomas More resident assistants work to create a sense of community on their floor and in the building.
) receive additional financial aid for completing at least 66 hours of community service a year. Students are also afforded the option of living at Mother Jones house, a house in downtown Wheeling for students especially motivated for community work. The school is also home to other clubs and organizations promoting this message. In addition, the university also works to promote mine safety, and in the aftermath of the Sago Mine disaster
sponsors a yearly Mine Safety symposium.
.
and held every spring semester. Contestants sing before a live audience and a panel of judges, and are eliminated in a series of themed rounds. The winner is awarded a cash prize. The event is streamed online.
Wheeling, West Virginia
Wheeling is a city in Ohio and Marshall counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia; it is the county seat of Ohio County. Wheeling is the principal city of the Wheeling Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, it was founded as Wheeling College in 1954 by the Society of Jesus
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
(also known as the Jesuits). Today, Wheeling Jesuit University is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities is a consortium of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities and two theological centers in the United States committed to advancing academic excellence by promoting and coordinating collaborative activities, sharing resources, and advocating and...
. Approximately 1,300 undergraduate students attend WJU.
Wheeling Jesuit University competes in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
as a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
The West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which historically operated exclusively in the state of West Virginia, but has now expanded into Pennsylvania...
(WVIAC).
History
The seeds of WJU's founding were planted as early as the 19th century. Bishop Richard Whelan, leader of the Diocese of Wheeling, lobbied the Society of Jesus to establish a university in the burgeoning city. Over a century later, Whelan's original vision came to fruition. After a donor, Sara Tracy, left her estate to the diocese, it was able to purchase land from the neighboring Mt. De Chantal Visitation Academy.Wheeling Jesuit University, then Wheeling College, was founded through a partnership of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston with the Maryland Society of Jesus. Ground was broken on November 24, 1953, and the college was officially opened September 26, 1955. The establishment of the college required $2.75 million in start-up costs. Overcoming the difficulties of temporary facilities and a faculty of just twelve Jesuit priests and four lay professors, the school has grown considerably.
For the 1987–1988 school year, the university became Wheeling Jesuit College, and in the 1990s, gained university status.
On October 22, 2010, the university announced the selection of Richard A. Beyer as its ninth president. Beyer is the first lay president to lead WJU. Beyer took office effective January 2, 2011.
List of Wheeling Jesuit University Presidents
- Fr. Lawrence McHugh, S.J., 1955–59
- Fr. William Troy, S.J., 1959–66
- Fr. Frank R. Haig, S.J., 1966–72
- Fr. Charles Currie Jr., S.J., 1972–82
- Fr. Thomas S. Acker, S.J., 1982–2000
- Fr. George F. Lundy, S.J., 2000–2003
- Fr. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J., 2003–2006
- Fr. Julio Giulietti, S.J., 2007 – August 5, 2009
- J. Davitt McAteer (interim), August 5, 2009 – February 8, 2010
- Sr. Francis Marie Thrailkill (interim) – February 8, 2010 – January 1, 2011
- Richard Allen Beyer – January 2, 2011 – present
Jesuits
The Jesuit community is active in the process of education. In addition, the Jesuits are involved in many other academic works, such as the Appalachian Institute on Campus. Members of Wheeling's Jesuit Community reside at Whelan Hall, dedicated in 1955. The Jesuit community and tradition for critical thinking are reflected in the school's curriculum and mission.Admissions and rankings
According to the WJU's page on the U-CAN Network, the average high school GPA of the freshman class is a 3.5 The school is given a selectivity score of 81 out of 100 by the Princeton Review In 1997, WJU was named as the fourth best educational value in the southeast, and the 15th best college in the region. In addition, the school is ranked as the 18th best masters university in the south by U.S. News and World Report. The most recent Forbes Magazine rankings placed WJU 180 out of 600 colleges, a marked improvement from their No. 437 rank in 2008. Forbes also ranked the university as the 79th best value in America. The university is ranked among the John Templeton Foundation's Colleges that Encourage Character Development. According to the foundation, such universities "inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives".Academics
Wheeling Jesuit is highly rated for its academics. There is a strong core curriculum that all students must complete. This core, a noted component of Jesuit Universities, is designed to produce a well-rounded person well trained in humanistic pursuits and the liberal arts. Many faculty are published experts in their field, and are consistently well-rated by students.In honor of former WJU professor Fr. Stephen J. Laut, S.J., the university offers the Laut Honors Program. Throughout each school year, members of the program meet to discuss and study material related to that year's theme. At the conclusion of a student's sophomore year, students who have successfully completed the Laut program are invited to join the Ignatian Honors Seminar, a more rigorous program for which only six juniors and six seniors are selected.
Wheeling Jesuit encourages all students to become actively involved in research in their desired fields. In many fields, seniors are required to complete a thesis or capstone project. In addition, students are actively encouraged to participate in the annual Student Research and Scholarship Symposium, in which students present research done over the past academic year.
To aid students in their studies, the university offers extensive tutoring services through its Academic Resource Center ("the ARC"). The center, located in Ignatius Hall, offers tutoring for most classes, and provides writing tutors as well.
Graduate Programs
WJU's Center for Professional and Graduate Studies offers five graduate programs, a Master of Business AdministrationMaster of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
; Master of Accountancy
Master of Accountancy
Master of Accountancy , alternatively Master of Professional Accountancy or Master of Science in Accountancy , is a graduate professional degree designed to prepare students for public accounting and to provide them with the 150 credit hours required by most states before taking the...
; Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for registered nurses and is considered an entry-level degree for nurse educators and managers. The degree also may prepare a nurse to seek a career as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader...
; Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is a master's degree in leadership studies that is offered by a college or university. It is an alternative to, not a substitute for, the traditional Master of Business Administration degree...
; and a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Physiotherapy is a post-baccalaureate three-year degree conferred upon successful completion of a professional clinical doctoral level professional or post-professional physical therapist education program for the licensed physical therapist...
.
The Center for Professional and Graduate Studies offers MSOL and BOLD (Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Development) and the university's Charleston Center. According to incoming president Richard A. Beyer, expanding the Charleston Center is one of the university's goals.
Clifford M. Lewis, S.J. Appalachian Institute
The Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University describes its mission as, "to serve as a center of research and analysis, education and action attuned always to the struggles and dreams of the Appalachian people." The institute focuses on issues such as Appalachian health, hope, education, economic development, and coal impoundment, and has conducted research and produced exhibits regarding this issues.In 2010, the university hosted the Ignatian Solidarity Network Spring Teach-In, which focused on issues of environmental sustainability and stewardship. In September 2010, the Appalachian Institute held its second annual Appalachian Film Festival.
The Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Morality
As a result of a donation from BB&TBB&T
BB&T Corporation is an American bank with assets of $157 billion , offering full-service commercial and retail banking services along with other financial services like insurance, investments, retail brokerage, mortgage, corporate finance, consumer finance, payment services, international...
, WJU in 2006 became home to the Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Morality. According to its website, the Institute desires to study the roles of capitalism in a free society. The institute also promotes research and essay competitions, forums and debates, and a lecture series. Lecturers for the 2007–2008 school year included Thomas Woods
Thomas Woods
Thomas E. "Tom" Woods, Jr. is an American historian, economist, political analyst, and New York Times-bestselling author. He has written extensively on the subjects of American history, contemporary politics, and economic theory...
and Doug Bandow
Doug Bandow
Douglas Bandow is a former columnist with Copley News Service and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. He resigned from Cato in 2005 due a scandal involving payments for columns from lobbyist Jack Abramoff and wrote about it in the Los Angeles Times. As of March 2009, Bandow is again working at...
. In 2011, the ISCM welcomed former BB&T
BB&T
BB&T Corporation is an American bank with assets of $157 billion , offering full-service commercial and retail banking services along with other financial services like insurance, investments, retail brokerage, mortgage, corporate finance, consumer finance, payment services, international...
CEO John A. Allison IV
John A. Allison IV
John Allison was born on August 14, 1948, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He began his career with BB&T in 1971 following his graduation from the University of North Carolina with a degree in business administration...
to campus.
Acker Science Center
Named for the school's former president Thomas Acker S.J., the center was built in 2002. It is home to classrooms and labs.Donahue Hall
The oldest academic building on campus, Donahue Hall was constructed in 1955 and was renovated in 1988. Donahue holds faculty offices, labs, and classrooms. The hall is connected to the Acker Science Center via the "Acker bridge."Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies
The Center for Educational Technologies develops cutting-edge educational technology in its 48000 square feet (4,459.3 m²) facility. In addition to the Challenger Learning Center, one of 48 worldwide, and the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, the space agency's principal research and development center for educational technologies, it is home to six other education research projects as well as classrooms and university administration. The facility was named for United States Senator Robert ByrdRobert Byrd
Robert Carlyle Byrd was a United States Senator from West Virginia. A member of the Democratic Party, Byrd served as a U.S. Representative from 1953 until 1959 and as a U.S. Senator from 1959 to 2010...
's wife. Byrd paid the center a visit in September 2007 to celebrate Constitution Day
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a holiday to honor the constitution of a country. Constitution Day is often celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, promulgation or adoption of the constitution, or in some cases, to commemorate the change to constitutional monarchy:...
. Byrd's presentation was available online and streamed to schools across the country.
Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center
In 1989, the U.S. Congress established the National Technology Transfer Center to link U.S. industry with federal labs and universities possessing the research technologies, facilities, and personnel required to turn research efforts into products. With operations in Wheeling, W.V., and Alexandria, VA., the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC) idevelops partnerships among industry, academia, and government agencies.NTTC focuses on providing essential services nationwide for the commercialization of technologies developed by federal agencies and other clients. It also researches the commercial and government marketplace to locate available technologies that meet client needs. Federal research and development (R&D) has transferred federal research investment into the development of commercial products.
NTTC's professional services include:
• Business and manufacturing consulting
• Computer information/database development
• Engineering expertise
• Financial analysis
• Graphic design
• Intellectual property management
• Market analysis
• Professional and technical writing/ publications production
• Training
The NTTC's client base ranges from small companies to Fortune 500 firms as well as government, corporate, and academic partners.
One of the NTTC's most recent programs is HEALTHeWV, a medical records system intended to bring electronic medical records, healthy living programs, and health promotion to rural West Virginia.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Wheeling Jesuit University was established in 2010. Located in the National Technology Transfer Center, the IEC's goal is to "deliver a range of business training, mentoring and incubation programs designed to help local entrepreneurs – engineers, scientists, researchers, and technology developers – transition ideas and concepts to commercial products and ventures." The IEC provides business training and incubation, in addition to holding professional workshops.Future plans
Though WJU talked with the former Mt. De Chantal Visitation Academy to rent, and eventually purchase the 160 year-old school's facilities and use them as classrooms, the facility's purchase by Wheeling Hospital seems to have ended such discussion. The school hoped to expand its graduate and health science programs, in addition to relocating the school's tutoring program (The ARC, or Academic Resource Center) to the building.Athletics
Wheeling Jesuit University competes in NCAA Division II, as part of the WVIAC. Wheeling Jesuit has amassed 47 WVIAC titles and 40 Academic All-Americans, which is proof of WJU's success. On Feb. 28, 2009, WJU was televised nationally on CBS Sports against West Liberty State College in a conference basketball match.Currently, WJU supports 19 sports, including: Men's and women's soccer, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross-country, men's and women's track (indoor and outdoor), men's and women's swimming, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, men's and women's lacrosse, softball, and baseball. The newest of these, women's lacrosse, was announced on August 26, 2010. The team will begin play in 2012.
The university also has a club hockey team, which was re-started during the 2010–2011 school year. The team plays in tournaments at the Iceoplex at Southpointe
IceoPlex at Southpointe
IceoPlex is a multi-purpose arena in Southpointe in Cecil Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. It is the practice facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins...
and plays home games at WesBanco Arena
WesBanco Arena
WesBanco Arena is a multi-purpose arena, in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was built in 1977 at a cost of $7 million. It is home to the Wheeling Nailers ice hockey team and the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference wrestling tournament.It can also be used for conventions, trade shows, concerts, banquets...
. The university also offers a variety of intramural sports such as dodge-ball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and volleyball in the spring.
The university's home indoor athletic events are held in WJU's state of the art McDonough Center
Alma Grace McDonough Health and Recreation Center
The Alma Grace McDonough Health and Recreation Center is a 2,200 seat multipurpose arena and recreation facility on the campus of Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia...
.
Campus life
Wheeling Jesuit University's campus features fifteen buildings – six of which are residence halls.Residence life
Campion/McHugh Halls
Campion and McHugh Halls host most of the male students on campus. Campion is adjacent to McHugh and connected via a common stairwell. The halls share a common lounge, kitchenetteKitchenette
A kitchenette is a small cooking area.In motel and hotel rooms, small apartments, college dormitories, or office buildings a kitchenette usually consists of a small refrigerator, a microwave oven or hotplate, and, less frequently, a sink...
, and study area. Rooms in each measure 15'5" W by 10'10" L. Despite these similarities, the halls can be differentiated by the fact that Campion is air conditioned, while McHugh is not. In addition, McHugh is three years older than Campion, having been dedicated in 1959, while Campion was dedicated in 1962.
Ignatius Hall
Ignatius Hall, dedicated in 1993, is a co-educational residence hall for Upperclass students. Rooms are air-conditioned, and have private bathrooms. Each residence floor has laundry facilities and TV lounges, and each room is 12'8" W by 25' L. The hall is named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of JesusSociety of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
.
Kirby Hall/Sara Tracy Hall
Dedicated in 2000, Kirby hall is one of the most recently build Halls on campus. The Hall houses 64 female students in 32 rooms. Each room has a bathroom, and the hall itself has a kitchen, laundry room, and lounge.Sara Tracy Hall, dedicated in 1959, is a residence hall for female freshmen. The hall is divided into smaller hallways, all of which share common laundry facilities. The hall provides quick access to facilities, such as the Chapel of Mary and Joseph, the Mailroom, and the cafeteria.
Thomas More
Thomas More houses upperclass students. Thomas More is a themed housing co-ed residential facility. Each quad is responsible for one social event a year that relates to the quad's theme. Rooms are divided into "quads." Each quad houses four, six, or eight students, and has three bedrooms, a lounge, and one bathroom. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms. Inspections are done doing various university breaks.A typical floor has four quads, and a community lounge. Laundry rooms are located on the first, second, third, and fourth floors. Telephone and Cable TV is provided. Thomas More resident assistants work to create a sense of community on their floor and in the building.
Commitment to Social Justice
As part of the Jesuit philosophy, Wheeling Jesuit University prides itself on its commitment to community involvement and social justice. The Service for Social Action Center (SSAC) coordinates such programs. Arrupe Scholars (named for Pedro ArrupePedro Arrupe
Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. was the twenty eighth Superior General of the Society of Jesus. He was born in Bilbao, Spain.-Education and training:...
) receive additional financial aid for completing at least 66 hours of community service a year. Students are also afforded the option of living at Mother Jones house, a house in downtown Wheeling for students especially motivated for community work. The school is also home to other clubs and organizations promoting this message. In addition, the university also works to promote mine safety, and in the aftermath of the Sago Mine disaster
Sago Mine disaster
The Sago Mine disaster was a coal mine explosion on January 2, 2006, in the Sago Mine in Sago, in Upshur County, West Virginia, USA, near the county seat of Buckhannon. The blast and collapse trapped 13 miners for nearly two days; one miner survived...
sponsors a yearly Mine Safety symposium.
Greek life
While WJU is not currently home to fraternities or sororities, campus is slated to add Greek Life for the 2011–2012 school year. The move was made official by an 8–4 vote of the Greek Life Review committee in November 2009. The university will spend the upcoming school year finding organizations that it deems a good fit for WJU and its mission.Student Government
WJU's Student Government Association offices are located in Swint Hall. The Student Government Association is the elected voice of WJU students. The Wheeling Jesuit SGA consists of two branches: the Executive Board ("E-Board") and the Student Senate. The E-Board consists of a President and Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Student Advocate, Social Affairs Representative, Academic Affairs Representative, and Academic Affairs Representative. The Student Senate is composed of at-large representatives, class officers, and a commuter representative.Organizations
Wheeling Jesuit University students are given an array of opportunities for campus involvement. Student Government and the Campus Activities Board plan activities each year, in addition to those already put on by clubs. While many of the clubs are service-oriented in nature, there are also political, artistic, and major-related organizations.- Adventure Society
- Appalachian Experience Club
- Campus Activities Board
- Circle K International
- Commuter Club
- Computer Club
- Criminal Justice Club
- French Club
- HESS (Help Enrich Someone Special) Mentoring
- History Club
- International Student Club
- JAPOT (Justice and Peace in Our Times)
- Mendel Club
- Music Ministry
- OASIS (Open and Aware Students Helping Other Students)
- Philosophy Club
- Political Science Club
- Psychology Club/Psi ChiPsi ChiPsi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. With over 1,050 chapters, Psi Chi is one of the largest honor societies in the United States...
- Society for Women
- Spanish Club
- Students for Life
- SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise)
- Student Leaders Across Campus
- Student Nurses Association
- Theatre Guild
- WJU Chamber Singers
Media
- The Cardinal ConnectionCardinal ConnectionThe Cardinal Connection is the official student newspaper of Wheeling Jesuit University. It is published biweekly; over the course of the academic calendar this works out to six times per semester.-History:...
student newspaper - Cardinal.FM, an unofficial, student-run online radio station
- Cardinal Perspectives, a publication devoted to articles by university faculty
- The Jewelweed literary magazine
- Manifest yearbook
Last Blast
Last Blast" is held at the end of every school year. The events include a concert, a formal dance, a carnival held outside of Donahue Hall, and a raft race down Wheeling CreekWheeling Creek (West Virginia)
Wheeling Creek is a tributary of the Ohio River, 25 miles long, in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia in the United States, with a watershed extending into southwestern Pennsylvania. Via the Ohio River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of...
.
Jesuit Idol
Jesuit Idol is an annual talent competition modeled after American IdolAmerican Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
and held every spring semester. Contestants sing before a live audience and a panel of judges, and are eliminated in a series of themed rounds. The winner is awarded a cash prize. The event is streamed online.
Notable alumni
- Joel John BaileyJoel John BaileyJoel John Bailey is a forward who last played for the Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division. He played three seasons in Major Indoor Soccer League.-Indoor:...
, professional soccer player - John BeileinJohn BeileinJohn Beilein is an American college basketball coach and current men's basketball head coach at the University of Michigan. He is the 16th head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. The 2010–11 season was his fourth at Michigan, with whom he has a six-year contract...
, (1975), Head Coach, Michigan WolverinesMichigan WolverinesThe Michigan Wolverines comprise 27 varsity sports teams at the University of Michigan. These teams compete in the NCAA's Division I and in the Big Ten Conference in all sports except men's ice hockey which competes in the NCAA D1 Central Collegiate Hockey Association, and women's water polo, which...
men's basketball team - Lionel CartwrightLionel CartwrightLionel Cartwright is an American country music artist. Between 1988 and 1992, Cartwright charted twelve singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, including a Number One single in 1991's "Leap of Faith"...
, (1982) Country Musician - John N. Ellem, member, West Virginia House of DelegatesWest Virginia House of DelegatesThe West Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the West Virginia Legislature. Only three states—Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia—refer to their lower house as the House of Delegates.-Historical:-Current:-District organization:...
- Jay DeFruscio, (MBA 1987), Assistant NBA Coach, Indiana PacersIndiana PacersThe Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
- Ryan Ferns (2005), member-elect, West Virginia House of DelegatesWest Virginia House of DelegatesThe West Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the West Virginia Legislature. Only three states—Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia—refer to their lower house as the House of Delegates.-Historical:-Current:-District organization:...
- John Gage, (1968), President of the American Federation of Government EmployeesAmerican Federation of Government EmployeesThe American Federation of Government Employees is an American labor union representing over 625,000 employees of the federal government, about 5,000 employees of the District of Columbia, and a few hundred private sector employees, mostly in and around federal facilities...
, member of the AFL-CIOAFL-CIOThe American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
executive committee - Neil Holloway, Head Coach, Ocean City Nor'easters
- John M. Maris, M.D., (1983), Chief of Division of Oncology and Director of the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at the Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the largest and oldest children's hospitals in the world. CHOP has been ranked as the best children's hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report and Parents Magazine in recent years. As of 2008, it was ranked #1 in the nation for...
- J. Davitt McAteer, (1966), Mine safety expert, Assistant secretary for the Mine Safety and Health AdministrationMine Safety and Health AdministrationThe Mine Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor which administers the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to enforce compliance with mandatory safety and health standards as a means to eliminate fatal accidents, to reduce...
, interim President of WJU - Pat McCune, former WV State Senator, state director of National Federation of Independent BusinessNational Federation of Independent BusinessThe National Federation of Independent Business is a lobbying organization with its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee and offices in Washington, D.C. USA, and in all 50 state capitals...
- Anthony F. Migliaccio, Jr., risk management and security expert, director of security for the 2004 Summer Olympics2004 Summer OlympicsThe 2004 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, was a premier international multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004 with the motto Welcome Home. 10,625 athletes competed, some 600 more than expected, accompanied by 5,501 team...
- Michael Mulligan, former MapQuestMapQuestMapQuest is an American free online web mapping service owned by AOL. The company was founded in 1967 as Cartographic Services, a division of R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1969. When it became an independent company in 1994, it was...
CEO - Remy MunasifiRemy MunasifiRemy Munasifi is an Arab American stand-up comedian, parody musician and video artist who made it internet famous after his production of comedic sketches based on Arabs under the name "GoRemy" on YouTube and has gained over 70 million views.- Personal life :Munasifi was born in Washington, D.C...
, stand-up comedian - Tim MurphyTim Murphy (congressman)Timothy "Tim" F. Murphy is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He previously served in the Pennsylvania Senate....
, (1974), U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 18th District - Jeanne Neff, former President, The Sage CollegesThe Sage CollegesThe Sage Colleges is a private educational institution comprising three colleges in New York:Russell Sage College, a women's college in Troy, New York, Sage College of Albany, a co-educational college in Albany, New York, and the Sage Graduate School, which operates both in Troy and in...
- John F. Noonan, former President, Bloomfield CollegeBloomfield CollegeBloomfield College is a four-year private liberal arts college located in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Bloomfield College is chartered by the State of New Jersey and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools...
- George NovackyGeorge NovackyGeorge A. Novacky is an Assistant Department Chair and Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, and an Assistant Dean of CAS for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He is known for being an animated and spirited lecturer who often approaches topics from unique standpoints to draw in...
(1968), Assistant Department Chair and Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, University of PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
. - Kathleen Hawk SawyerKathleen Hawk SawyerKathleen Hawk Sawyer is a former director of the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons. She served as director between 1992 and 2003.Hawk is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit College, where she obtained a bachelors in psychology, and West Virginia University, where she obtained her masters degree and...
(1972), Director, Federal Bureau of PrisonsFederal Bureau of PrisonsThe Federal Bureau of Prisons is a federal law enforcement agency subdivision of the United States Department of Justice and is responsible for the administration of the federal prison system. The system also handles prisoners who committed acts considered felonies under the District of Columbia's...
, 1992–2003 - Erikka Storch (1996), member-elect, West Virginia House of DelegatesWest Virginia House of DelegatesThe West Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the West Virginia Legislature. Only three states—Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia—refer to their lower house as the House of Delegates.-Historical:-Current:-District organization:...
- Jason H. Wilson, (MBA) Ohio State Senator
- James T Smith, (1964) Baltimore County, MD County Executive
- Stanley T. Wearden, (1975), Dean, College of Communication and Information Sciences, Kent State UniversityKent State UniversityKent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The university has eight campuses around the northeast Ohio region with the main campus in Kent being the largest...
- Tara WilsonTara Wilson (pageant titleholder)Tara Shae Wilson is a former Miss West Virginia USA.She is the only state titleholder to hold 3 state titles and competed in two national competitions. Tara was also Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals and WV Homecoming Queen...
, 2000 Miss West Virginia USAMiss West Virginia USAThe Miss West Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of West Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.West Virginia has not been greatly successful at Miss USA and they have never produced a winner... - JT Woodruff (attended, did not graduate), lead singer of Hawthorne HeightsHawthorne HeightsHawthorne Heights is an American rock band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2001. Their line-up currently consists of lead-singer and rhythm guitarist JT Woodruff, lead-guitarist and vocalist Micah Carli, bassist and backing vocalist Matt Ridenour, and drummer Eron Bucciarelli...
- John B. Yasinsky, (1961), former OMNOVA SolutionsOMNOVA SolutionsOMNOVA Solutions Inc. was founded in 1999 when GenCorp spun off its Decorative & Building Products and Performance Chemicals businesses into a separate, publicly-traded company...
CEO - Ricky Yahn, (2007), Assistant Coach, Cornell Big RedCornell Big RedThe Cornell Big Red is the informal name of the sports teams, and other competitive teams, at Cornell University. The university sponsors 36 varsity sports, as well as numerous intramural and club teams. Cornell participates in NCAA Division I as part of the Ivy League.The men's and women's hockey...
men's basketball team
Faculty and Staff
- J. Donald Freeze, S.J.J. Donald FreezeJames Donald Freeze, S.J. was the Academic Vice President for the main campus of Georgetown University from 1979 to 1991. In this role, he supervised all academic programs of Georgetown's College of Arts and Sciences, School of Foreign Service, School of Language and Linguistics, School of Business...
, former philosophy professor and Academic Vice President of Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown UniversityGeorgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States... - Fr. Frank R. Haig, S.J.Frank HaigFrank Rawle Haig, S.J. is an American Jesuit and physics professor. Haig has served as the second President of Wheeling Jesuit University from 1966 to 1972 and the seventh President of LeMoyne College from 1981 until 1987....
, former physics professor and later university president, younger brother of Alexander HaigAlexander HaigAlexander Meigs Haig, Jr. was a United States Army general who served as the United States Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan and White House Chief of Staff under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford... - Jim O'Brien, former head basketball coach, current Indiana PacersIndiana PacersThe Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
coach - Judson Shaver, former religious studies professor, current president of Marymount Manhattan CollegeMarymount Manhattan CollegeMarymount Manhattan College is an urban, coeducational, independent, private, liberal arts college located in Manhattan, New York City, New York with a focus in performing arts. The mission of the College is to educate a socially and economically diverse student body by fostering intellectual...
- Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S.J., professor of theology, author, Nicholas Black Elk: Medicine Man, Missionary, Mystic
- Edward W. Younkins, professor of accountancy and business administration, author