Celebrating its golden jubilee year, Wheeling Jesuit University turned out in style Sept. 23 – 25, as it welcomed its earliest alumni, the graduates of 1959 – 1964 back to campus.
Though Wheeling Jesuit invited all alumni and friends to join the University community as it marked the close of its year long 50th anniversary year, these early graduates were the ones that were treated as guests of honor. Referring to these graduates as “co-founders,” the University took notice of their role as the first students during the years when the school was known simply as Wheeling College and operated with fewer buildings, no chapel and far fewer conveniences. Sacrifice and initiative of the founders, along with a supportive and embracing community, have enabled Wheeling Jesuit University to rise from it’s humble beginnings into a university of national prominence.
“We welcome our friends and honored alumni as we enjoy a weekend that pays tribute to our founders and plan for a vigorous future by celebrating our meaningful past,” said Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S. J., University president. Focusing on the early years and the pioneering spirit of the young campus, Hacala reminded alumni of their roots and encouraged them to remain in touch with their University.
He also reminded those in attendance of the significant economic and intellectual impact it has today on the regional economy. The Jesuit founders, said Hacala, were not only actively engaged in the development of a new educational institution, they were also active in the development of the Wheeling community and region.
“From its founding Wheeling Jesuit University sought to insert itself into the lives and struggles of Wheeling and the Upper Ohio Valley,” said Hacala. “Our multimillion dollar impact on the local economy is a manifestation of the importance I place on our partnership with the people and industry of this region.”
There are over 9,000 living alumni, many of whom reside in the Wheeling area, who are leaders in their communities and serve as living examples of the University’s philosophy of “educating men and women for service.” Hacala was quick to add that the events of the jubilee created an awareness of the University’s beginning, an appreciation for its present, and an affirmation of faith for its future development.
All jubilee events took place on Wheeling Jesuit University campus as the weekend opened with a welcome back reception for alumni at the Erickson Alumni Center on Friday and continued with Saturday events that included a festive picnic, sporting events, and an evening dinner, followed by a DJ-hosted dance party. Kevin Kerrane,’62 served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.
Guests of honor at the weekend jubilee included the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, the Rev. Bernard W. Schmitt; the Provincial of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, the Rev. Timothy Brown, S. J.; the President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and former Wheeling College President from 1972 - 1982, the Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J.; former Wheeling College President from 1966 - 1972, the Rev. Frank R. Haig, S.J.
Co-chaired by 1963 alumna Judith Houlihan Geary and Vice President of University Relations Steven Infanti, the jubilee weekend looked to the future and included a presentation entitled, “WJU at 50 Years of Age: A View from the President,” in Troy Theater. Hacala, faculty and key administrators presented updates on the University’s strategic planning process, alumni relations, the board of directors and academic programs.
Ignatian Spirituality was also addressed in the Erickson Alumni Center, in a program that encouraged the self-reflection and service focus of Jesuit education. A historic display, chronicling the history of the University was on display in the Bishop Hodges Library throughout the weekend and the campus bookstore offered returning alumni an opportunity to purchase a souvenir.
Wheeling Jesuit was founded 50 years ago with the mission to provide educational opportunities to the men and women of Appalachia. It continues this mission today by integrating 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 17th in the "Best Master’s Universities in the South," making it the highest ranked institution in West Virginia in that category for nine 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.
For more information, please call Wheeling Jesuit University at 1-800-624-6992 or visit Wheeling Jesuit online at www.wju.edu.
