WHEELING, WV, Sept. 4, 2009 — Wheeling Jesuit University recognized the inaugural class of the new Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) degree program at a festive reception, held on Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the university’s executive dining room, located in Swint Hall.

Seven members of the class successfully defended their thesis in July 2009 and completed the requirements for the program. The new degree program is designed for working adults and is coordinated by Wheeling Jesuit’s Center for Professional and Graduate Studies.

Faculty members responsible for developing the curriculum were on hand to congratulate the students, including Dr. Debra Hull, Dr. Fred Lambert, Dr. John Mansuy and Dr. Robert Phillips.

Dean of Enrollment Management Becky Forney presented the students with their diplomas. Janet Roskovich, director of the MSOL program and Melissa Rataiczak, director of admissions for Professional and Graduate Studies, were also present.

In gratitude for the program and in an effort to help other adults earn the MSOL degree, the inaugural class presented the faculty and administration with a check for $500 for the establishment of the MSOL Alumni Book Scholarship.

“We wanted to leave something behind ... to help other adult students who want to return to college and earn an advanced degree,” said Kristy Lewis.

MSOL students in attendance were Peggy Contraguerro, Karen Gerardi, Michael Kolvek, Kristy Lewis, Elizabeth Sullivan-Pernell, Mary Stein and Debbie Wilkinson.

“It was an honor and privilege to celebrate with this outstanding group of students. Their dedication to the program and their contribution to the university prove the curriculum served them well in becoming strong leaders,” said Forney.

The MSOL offers enrolled students opportunities to develop the intellectual and personal skills required of managers and executives of today’s and future organizations. It is attractive to working adults, who seek to advance their career, attend graduate school and maintain a full time job.

For complete information, please contact the university’s Professional and Graduate Studies department at 800- 873-7665.