It’s going to take a village, or at least solid alumni support, to resurrect Wheeling University.
The last administration, at best, has had a fragile relationship with so many loyal, check-writing alums, up-and-coming grads, and new graduates. With many, it is non-existent, plain and simple. Sadly, they have moved their support – and their dollars – elsewhere.
This columnist is a proud alumnus of both Wheeling Jesuit College and Wheeling Jesuit University and is now optimistic for the future. Strolls through campus were enjoyed, when they were permitted. Walks around the track and earlier walks around the inside track were also enjoyed when local residents were allowed on the track and alums were permitted in the McDonough Center.
Several opportunities have been had to host events, bringing exposure to the quaint campus and her delightful atmosphere, just blocks away from Interstate 70, when they were permitted. With her manicured lawns, beautiful field in all its glory, and the charming chapel, what could be a more perfect college setting?
Too bad no one has been permitted to see it for several years.
Alums need to be engaged in the rejuvenation of Wheeling University. They need to be involved in bringing it back to life. They need to be a part of the comeback of a college/university where they once spent a lot of time and have fond memories. This is the group that walked to class in Donohue Hall, to the B room in Swint, or to the Rat. These are the people who studied in the library, lived in the apartments, T Moore, Campion, McHugh and Sara Tracy. Newer alums may have been residents of Kirby or Iggy/Ignatius (or New Dorm when I was finishing my Master’s Degree) or studied in Acker.
These are the people who lived, studied, and learned on the campus with more than a thousand other students.
Numbers published recently have been all over the board. The only hope to get close to the classes of the school’s heyday is with alumni involvement. To engage those who proudly displayed the Wheeling College, then Wheeling Jesuit College, then Wheeling Jesuit University window clings in their vehicles. Remember driving on Washington Avenue or anywhere in town, seeing these vehicles with so many different license plates from all over the East Coast?
What better way to keep alums involved in their alma mater than by letting them come on campus to pick up new Cardinal apparel they can proudly wear locally or wherever they are currently living.
Hopefully, the alumni base has not been so disenfranchised they are not willing to write checks.
Wheeling is blessed with so many options for a community this size, which is wonderful and all are very necessary. Confidently, the next administration will work to rebuild the many damaged relationships. Optimistically, the alumni group will see the efforts made to be inclusive and will remember their time at Wheeling (whatever it was during their time there) and will bring their support in whatever ways they see fit.
