WHEELING, WV, Aug. 27, 2009 — Gov. Joe Manchin made a stop Wednesday at Wheeling Jesuit University to observe a special showcase of programs active at the university this fall.

Everything from academics to sponsored programs was on display from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. as campus prepared to welcome its 1,200 students over the next few days.

“We planned this display as a celebration of sorts and to make sure everyone is aware of the many programs and activities available right here on campus,” said Academic Vice President Letha Zook. “It’s a great way for our employees to prepare for another successful year of Jesuit education.” (To right, Gov. Manchin takes a look at the display for HEALTHeWV, a Sponsored Program initiative.)

New students arrive on campus Thursday, Aug. 27 and classes begin Monday, Aug. 31.

The informative showcase was set up around the indoor track in the main performance gym. Governor Manchin congratulated President McAteer on the university's programs, its talented students and its community involvement, both in Wheeling and around the Mountain State.

Afterwards, employees were treated to a complimentary lunch of All-American food prepared by Parkhurst Dining Services, a division of Eat 'n Park, which is the food service on campus.

The youngest of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, Wheeling Jesuit University offers students a quality private education.

(From left are WJU Board Chairman Bill Fisher, Acting President Davitt McAteer, Academic Vice President Letha Zook and Governor Joe Manchin.)

Since 1995 U.S. News & World Report has ranked Wheeling Jesuit University among the top institutions in its “Best Master’s Universities in the South” category. The University ranks 180 out of 600 in the 2009 Forbes Best Colleges survey

The campus is also home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies®, the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, a Challenger Learning Center® and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute. For complete information, please visit call 800-624-6992.