WHEELING, WV, Aug. 6, 2009 — Wheeling Jesuit University Board of Trustees announce a change of leadership at the University today in a formal statement to the campus community and the local press.

According to the official statement, the Board of Trustees announced the departure of Father Julio Giulietti, S.J. as president on Aug. 5, 2009. Father Giulietti came to the University after having served as Director of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Boston College and Director of Georgetown University's Center for Intercultural Education and Development. He leaves the University to continue pursuit of his ministry, which has focused on spirituality, faith, personal development and international outreach.

In the coming weeks, the Board of Directors will form a search committee to select a new president to build on the University's solid foundation as a liberal arts college with a close faculty-student relationship in the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education and service to others. Pending the selection of an interim president, current University Vice President J. Davitt McAteer, has agreed to serve as acting president.

The following quote is from the Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Bishop Bransfield provided these remarks today from Phoenix, Ariz., where he is attending the annual national meeting of the Knights of Columbus:

“As the only Catholic college or university in West Virginia, Wheeling Jesuit University has my utmost support during this period of transition," Bishop Bransfield said. “I wish nothing but continued success for the University and for the Jesuit Community in Wheeling.”

“Although Wheeling Jesuit is not owned or administered by the Diocese, we share our Catholic identity and a common mission of education and service in our Mountain State. I am proud of the accomplishments of this wonderful university. I look forward to its continued advancement.”

NOTE: Bishop Bransfield is not a member of the Board of Trustees or the Board of Directors of Wheeling Jesuit University.