WHEELING, W.Va. - When Rebecca Olsavsky came to Wheeling Jesuit University, she didn’t picture herself delivering the valedictory speech. Instead, she entered college armed only with determination and the will to succeed.
As she completes her final exams at WJU, she is faced with one last assignment: deliver that address as the class of 2013 valedictorian.
“I never try to focus on my grades”, said Olsavsky. “Instead, I just focus on learning, and doing the best I can. I never had the valedictorian award as my goal. I just worked really hard in my classes.”
A native of Washington, Pa., Olsavsky was homeschooled until moving to Wheeling to enroll at the Linsly School. When she came to Wheeling Jesuit, she immediately found her calling in communications, and began to make her mark in her new chosen field.
“I love the work that I do, especially in my major. It's tough and it takes a lot of time, especially my design classes and working with Adobe programs, but I love doing it, so it's worth it,” she added.
The effort and hard work was not lost on the faculty at Wheeling Jesuit either. A fact that put her above her peers as the selection for Valedictorian, 2013.
“Rebecca always immersed herself completely in the curriculum,” Said Dr. Stephen Stahl, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and WJU Dean of Faculty. “Whether it was a core course, or in her major, she challenged herself, her classmates, and, truly, her faculty.”
Olsavsky credits her success to not only excelling in communications, but also experiencing other disciplines that helped shape her success.
“Even though I came here for communications, I feel like I learned a lot in other areas like philosophy, religion and English,” she added. “Overall, I feel like I got a well-rounded education. If I had to do choose again, I would definitely come here.”
Academic Dean, Dr. Stephen Stahl echoed the sentiment. “In any program of study at WJU, about half of the courses are in the liberal arts and sciences and about half are in the student's field of interest. The award honors breadth as well as depth of knowledge, all of which is gained with in the demanding structure of Ignatian pedagogy.”
Olsavsky will now take her experience to the West Virginia University to pursue a master’s degree in integrated marketing and communications.
Wheeling Jesuit University will hold the 2013 Commencement ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 18 in the McDonough Center.
