Wheeling Jesuit University invites all alumni and friends to join the University community as it celebrates the close of its year long 50th anniversary year during Jubilee Weekend, Sept. 23-25.

“We invite all our friends to enjoy a fall weekend that pays tribute to our founders and our early alumni as we plan for a vigorous future by celebrating our meaningful past,” said Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S. J., University president. All events take place on Wheeling Jesuit University campus.

The weekend begins with a 7 p.m. welcome back reception for alumni at the Erickson Alumni Center on Friday, Sept. 23. Past graduates of Wheeling Jesuit will have a chance to renew acquaintances, and meet professors, administrators and staff who will gather for fun and fellowship.

Co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Judith Houlihan Geary '63 is looking forward to the alumni and friends of the University gathering together with students, faculty, staff and administrators to celebrate the past, present and future of Wheeling Jesuit.

“Our students, faculty, staff and, most of all, alumni will be welcomed back to the campus as we reestablish relationships with our alumni and welcome them home,” said Geary, who has worked on the event for two years. “Wheeling Jesuit’s future is our hope and we encourage alumni to become a part of that hopeful future as we build on Wheeling Jesuit’s meaningful past.” Working with Geary is Vice President of University Relations Steven M. Infanti.

Activities are planned for all day Saturday, Sept. 24 and include a 9 a.m. breakfast buffet in the Benedum Room, followed by an important update by Hacala, faculty and key administrators who will address the group in a presentation entitled, “WJU at 50 Years of Age: A View from the President,” in Troy Theater. University officials will present updates on the strategic planning process, alumni relations, the board of directors and academic programs.

A 12:30 p.m. presentation on Ignatian Spirituality will follow in the Erickson Alumni Center. Afterwards a festive picnic will take place all afternoon as alumni enjoy activities such as softball, basketball and picnic style refreshments on the lawns of Donahue Hall. Campus tours, led by WJU student ambassadors will also be offered.

The evening will begin with 6 p.m. cocktails in Troy Theater, followed by a Jubilee Dinner in the Benedum Room. The dinner will pay special tribute to the first six graduating classes, and Kevin Kerrane, ’62 will serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening, which will also include remarks by Fr. Hacala. At 9 p.m., the group is invited to Troy Theater for a Jubilee Party with a disc jockey, music and dancing.

Sunday, Sept. 25 will begin with a 9 a.m. Mass at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph, as the congregation takes time to thank God for Wheeling Jesuit University and all its friends. A special remembrance of deceased alumni will also take place as the Mass is celebrated by Rev. Hacala.

The weekend concludes with a 10 a.m. continental breakfast with the President in Troy Theater, as Wheeling Jesuit University hosts a fond goodbye to all friends and alumni who spent the weekend marking the close of the 50th anniversary year and planning for the future.

To reserve a spot for all weekend long, or for any individual meal, please contact the Advancement Office at 243-2296, or 1-800-888-2586 by Sept. 16.

A historic display, chronicling the history of the University will be on display in the Bishop Hodges Library throughout the weekend. The campus book store will also be open on Saturday for guests to visit and purchase a souvenir.

Wheeling Jesuit University integrates the Jesuit traditions of intellectual excellence with the best of advanced technology as it promotes the University's mission to educate students for life, leadership, and service. U.S.News & World Report ranks Wheeling Jesuit University 15th in the "Best Master’s Universities in the South," making it the highest ranked institution in West Virginia in that category for eight consecutive years, and the highest ranked school in the Ohio Valley. The only Catholic institution of higher education in West Virginia, it offers more than 30 undergraduate programs of study and six graduate degrees to about 1,500 students each year. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1, and 18 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams. The 65-acre campus located in Wheeling, W.Va., includes 15 modern buildings, multi-million dollar Acker Science Center, and residence halls, and a modern recreation and athletic facility that includes a soccer/track and field complex. The campus is home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies, a Challenger Learning Center and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute.

To arrange a visit of the Wheeling Jesuit University campus, or to apply, call 1-800-624-6992 or e-mail or visit Wheeling Jesuit online at www.wju.edu.