WHEELING, WV, Aug. 4, 2009 — University President Julio Giulietti, S.J. announces the appointment of the Rev. James O’Brien, S.J. to the role of Special Assistant for Alumni Relations. O’Brien will work with Kelly Klubert ’85, Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations.
“I am pleased to appoint Jim as an assistant in the alumni office, a role that he will excel at,” said Giulietti. “His advice and vision is one that reflects the unique history of Wheeling Jesuit as the youngest Jesuit college in the country and the only Catholic institution of higher education in West Virginia. Our alumni will benefit greatly from his wisdom.”
He will be working approximately 10-15 hours a week assisting Klubert with her work in developing active alumni chapters in Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Md.; and Cleveland, Ohio.
Additionally, O’Brien will be working with currently active alumni chapters, offering guidance, support and encouragement.
“Father O’Brien has been with Wheeling Jesuit for more than 40 years and is well respected by our alumni. His guidance and energy will help us grow our alumni chapters and strengthen our existing ones. I look forward to working with Father O’Brien and welcome him to our team,” said Klubert.
O’Brien has taught at the University for 47 years and remains active as a professor in the philosophy department. He earned his bachelor and master degrees from Loyola University of Chicago and his doctorate from Duquesne University. He has a strong interest in justice and peace issues and is well known for his service trips to assist the underserved in Southern West Virginia. Hundreds of alumni know him from this Appalachian service project.
In his new role, O’Brien will attend events throughout the country and work with the alumni department and the president to engage alumni and promote Wheeling Jesuit and its mission.
"This is a win/win for the alumni and Father O'Brien. There is no equal when it comes to the influence that Father OB has had on so many alumni. I cannot think of a better place for him to be," said Scott Gallagher of Columbus, Ohio, who is president of Wheeling Jesuit University’s Alumni Council and a 1992 graduate of the university.
Wheeling Jesuit now claims more than 10,000 alumni across the globe. Founded in 1954, it is the youngest of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and offers students a quality private education at a convenient location, just 60 minutes from Pittsburgh, Pa. and two hours from Columbus, Ohio.
For complete information, please call 1 (800) 624-6992.
