Class of 2014 - Wheeling Jesuit University

A Message from
Rev. James Fleming, S.J., Ph.D.
WJU President
Summer 2014
Wheeling Jesuit University – A Community Treasure
WJU is a vibrant campus that opens its doors for
community members in many ways.
From early March to the end of the academic year, WJU
welcomed more than 3,500 community members for
special events, lectures, athletic competitions,
ceremonies, recreation and more. These activities are
designed to engage and benefit the community while
showcasing the many facets of WJU—academics,
research, advocacy, culture, and athletics.
These well attended events serve as examples:
Community Day, Gaudiosa, Student Research and
Scholarship Symposium, Earth Day, Light the Night,
and Celebrate Appalachia. I’m pleased that members
of the surrounding community can participate in these
events alongside Wheeling Jesuit’s students, faculty
and staff.
WJU students enjoy Culture Fest during Community Day.
Class of 2014
The 2013-14 academic year was a rewarding
time for me in my first year as WJU’s
President. I am grateful for the support of the
many business, community and religious
leaders who helped me along the way.
Thanks to them, the Class of 2014 received
an excellent Jesuit education replete with
meaningful experiences that prepared them
for life, leadership and service with and
among others—our mission.
I am proud of this distinguished class of
graduates. I wish them Godspeed as they
embark on their exciting futures!
More information on graduation follows on Page 6.
Rev. James Fleming, S.J., Ph.D.
WJU President
WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
Gaudiosa Event Exceeds Expectations
Wheeling Jesuit’s first ever Gaudiosa (gow-de-O’-sa, meaning “joyous feast”) celebrated the University’s 60th
anniversary and raised $72,000 for student scholarships.
The March 29th event was a sellout. It was held at the WJU
Alma Grace McDonough Center, starting with a cocktail
reception and music by the Wheeling Symphony String
Quartet. WJU Board Chairman Chris Helmrath kicked off the
program with Bishop Michael J. Bransfield and WJU
President Rev. James Fleming giving remarks and thanking
the event sponsors and attendees. Fr. Fleming expressed
special gratitude to Ryan Ferns, B.S. ’05, DPT ’07 for his
support of the event. "Thank you, Ryan, for your many
years of support to the University. It is support from alums
like you who continue to make scholarships grow,” said
Chris Helmrath, WJU Board Chair, Bishop Michael
Fleming. The Ryan Ferns HealthPlex was the premiere
Bransfield and WJU President Rev. James Fleming
event sponsor.
pause for a photo during Gaudiosa.
During the evening, a video was shown featuring current scholarship students which illustrated the vital impact of
scholarship support in helping students access and successfully complete a Jesuit education.
After dinner, comedian Remy Munasifi ’03 entertained the guests as did musical performers Dathan
Williams ’82 and Vera Barton-Caro ’82. The River City Brass,
conducted by maestro Dr. James Gourlay, played musical selections
which rocked the house. Gourlay also serves as the Director of
Instrumental Music and Bands at WJU.
The event was planned by WJU’s Institutional Advancement Team,
led by Vice President Sarah Kelly and Special Officer Kathryn Kelly.
The Gaudiosa planning committee included: Bishop
Bransfield and John Beilein ’75, honorary chairs; Michael Ferns Sr.;
Jane Straub Friday ’61; Mary Hamm; Christopher and Susan
Helmrath; Bill Hogan; Carlos C. Jimenez, M.D.; Bob Knott ‘89; Joe
Pangilinan ’88; John ’95 and Libby ’97 Espejo Reasbeck; Danny ’98
and Becky Sancomb; and Edward Schmitt ’70.
Among the event sponsors:
Platinum -- Bishop Bransfield and the Diocese of WheelingCharleston;
The Society of Jesus; and WTOV-TV9
Bishop Michael Bransfield and Ryan
Gold -- Beverly Hawk; John ’61 & Marlene Yasinsky; and Jim &
Ferns, DPT ’07, talk during the event.
Mary Ellen Will
Silver -- Dinsmore & Shohl; Lamar Advertising; Parkhurst Dining; Bordas & Bordas, PLLC; Riesbeck’s; Urologic
Research Institute; Family Medical Supply; Jane Straub Friday ’61; Lou ’70 & Catherine Volpe, In memory of Dr.
Rizal Pangilinan; Congregation of St. Joseph; Absolute Management, Inc.; Boston College; and the Seidl family.
Based on its success as a stellar event and an effective scholarship fundraiser, the Gaudiosa will become an
annual event at WJU.
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WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
Activity Packed Community Day
Hundreds of community members visited the WJU campus to attend the University’s first Community Day held on
campus March 29, open to the public. The event was part of the University’s celebration of its 60th anniversary
and an opportunity to thank the community for its support of WJU over the last six decades.
There were a wide variety of activities and exhibits on campus for all to enjoy, offering a snapshot of the WJU
experience, including:
Two performances: A children’s play and a preview of an upcoming production, both performed by WJU’s
student players.
Art Exhibition: Featuring the paintings, sculptures, drawings and
other works of art produced by WJU’s talented student artists.
Information Sharing: Student research exhibits and faculty lectures
on a wide variety of topics from the Oscars to local air quality.
Culture Fest: Food, music and dance from around the world,
showcasing the diversity of WJU’s international students from
20 countries.
Concert: WJU’s Symphonic Band performing musical selections at
WJU’s new Mount de Chantal Conservatory of Music.
Fine Arts Professor Georgia Tambasis works with
community members on a gunpowder art project.
Athletic Events: Day-long competitions at WJU’s new Bishop Schmitt Field. WJU vs. Michigan State
University, rugby; Pride Street High vs. Brunswick High, rugby;
and Wheeling Park vs. Brunswich High, lacrosse.
Tailgate Parties: Staged during the athletic events for community
members and WJU alums to meet old friends, make new ones
and enjoy the competitions and games.
Micronauts: An interactive and exciting program for young,
aspiring scientists offered through WJU’s Challenger
Learning Center.
A group of dancers bring their colorful act to
Campus Ministry Open House: Discussions about the Jesuit
WJU’s stage during Culture Fest 2014.
charism, religion and student Appalachian research, held at the
Chapel of Mary and Joseph and led by WJU students, faculty, staff and Jesuits.
Mass: Special service held at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph to celebrate and appreciate the community’s
support of WJU over the years.
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WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
15th Annual Student Research and Scholarship Symposium
“Why do we do basic research? To learn about
ourselves.”
-Walter Gilbert, Nobel Laureate
WJU is justifiably proud of the quality of its student-faculty
research and the quantity--55% of our undergraduates
engage in research projects, outpacing a 19% national
average.
Jacob Kenney (left) explains hydroponic
research that he worked on with fellow
student Tess Shepard. The research was a
joint project of Dr. Mary Railing of the
Appalachian Institute and Dr. Laurie Ruberg
of Plants, LLC.
At this year’s symposium held on April 8, 120 WJU students
presented exhibits and presentations before a panel of WJU
faculty judges. The student researchers spend months
investigating and researching their topics in preparation for the
symposium. Faculty selected 17 winners.
Some research presented or exhibited at the Symposium included:
Solitary Confinement and High Recidivism Rates: Are They Related?
Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage with Liquid Cheese Whey as a Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Stimulant
Risk Assessment: A Closer Look at the Proposed Concentration of Bromide in the Ohio River
After a Barge Collapse
Control and Prevention of Cimex lectularius by Means of Using Diatomaceous Earth as a Non-Toxic Matrix
Celebrate Appalachia – 10th Annual Event
WJU’s Appalachian Institute held its 10th annual Celebrate Appalachia
event over several days in April, with presentations, discussion and
activities giving community members a better understanding and
appreciation for Appalachia and its people. More than 400 attended
the various events which were free to the public.
Activities included:
-Discussion on mountaintop removal coal mining
-Screening of the “Hollow” documentary. The film examines the lives
of 30 individuals living in McDowell County, WV, who have stayed in
the area despite hardships
Cabin Fever String Band performs bluegrass
music in WJU’s Benedum Room as part of
Celebrate Appalachia.
-Earth Day Gardening Project which expanded WJU’s Community Garden
-Sustainability Fair hosted by the Student Sustainability Club, which showcased local organizations and vendors
that work to make the Ohio Valley more “green”
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WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
HomeField Advantage Campaign
In all seasons and all types of weather, from early morning to late evening, students and community members use
WJU’s athletic fields and track for sports training, competition, exercise, recreation and special events.
Over the years, constant use and heavy traffic took a toll on the track and fields. In 2013, WJU began a campaign,
HomeField Advantage, to raise funds for sorely needed repairs and upgrades to its outdoor facilities. Funds are
still needed to complete the multi-phase project, but generous gifts helped to jumpstart the upgrades:
$500,000 gift from Bishop Michael J. Bransfield to help upgrade the main field, which is now named in
memory of Bishop Bernard Schmitt, Bishop Bransfield’s predecessor
$250,000 lead gift from the Cardinal Athletic Club whose members—alums and friends of the University–
support WJU’s athletic programs
$250,000 pledge from friends and family of the late Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt
Other major donors include the Fitzsimmons Foundation; Bordas and Bordas, PLLC; WesBanco; Bob Robinson
Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac; John Mensore ’60; Mansuetto Roofing; and Staley Communication.
In addition to the WJU students, community
organizations that use the fields include:
Ohio County Special Olympics – for practices and the
annual Area Spring Games, giving special needs youth a safe
and accessible environment to train and compete
Wheeling Central Catholic High School (CCHS) – for
games, meets and practices. CCHS does not have its own
track and field and relies on the use of WJU’s facilities
WJU student cheer on Special Olympic athletes
at Bishop Schmitt Field.
Mountain East Conference – for the more than 350 studentathletes who compete in the annual Division II Conference
Championship
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – for the annual Light the Night
Walk fundraiser with 500-700 people participating in the walk
Faith In Action Caregivers – for its annual triathlon, the
organization’s main fundraiser
Bill Van Horne Track Invitational Memorial Classic – for the
track meet which hosts more than 700 college-level
student-athletes, their families and spectators
If you are interested in supporting the HomeField Advantage
Campaign, please contact Danny Sancomb, dsancomb@wju.edu,
(304) 243-2053 or Noah Mull, nmull@wju.edu, (304) 243-8148.
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WJU Graduation Day 2014
Commencement 2014
WJU students marched into WJU’s Commencement Ceremony on May 17. After the pomp and circumstance,
they marched out as graduates and faced the future ready to apply what they learned while at WJU. The students
were inspired by the keynote address of Patti Quigley, an activist and 9/11 widow who is the Executive Director of
Razia’s Ray of Hope, an organization that works to improve the quality
of life for the Afghan people.
WJU alumnus Lou Volpe, ’70 was awarded an honorary degree for his
dedication to Catholic education, service in the Wheeling area and WJU
involvement. Volpe spent 37 years teaching religion at Wheeling Central
Catholic High School and before that, St. John Central High School in
Bellaire. Volpe retired from teaching in 2010.
Class of 2014 at a Glance
418 degrees conferred, 297 undergraduates
72 graduated with honors
5,500 service hours
Commencement speaker Patti Quigley,
above, was awarded with an honorary
degree following her address.
Valedictorian: Adrianna Ferraro
GPA: 4.0
Major: Athletic Training
Future Plans: Move back to her hometown of Pittsburgh to work as a certified
athletic trainer and begin preparations to apply for a physical therapy degree
“Wheeling Jesuit has guided us in the direction of our passions,
leading us to make some great memories with even greater
people over the four
years, and truly realize
how much we will miss
WJU. So as we start a
new journey today,
harness these passions
and make others' lives
as fulfilling as Jesuit
made all of ours.”
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WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
Joe Gorayeb – Part of the Fabric of WJU
Weekdays at 7 a.m., you will find Joe Gorayeb, WJU Security Officer, opening up the campus for business,
unlocking 70 doors, checking on the campus facilities and making sure that everything is in good order for the
students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Gorayeb, a Wheeling native, has been a security officer with
WJU for seven years. He works the morning shift and has a
number of security responsibilities, dealing with traffic,
parking, permits, fire alarms, incident reports, checking
vehicles and investigating complaints. WJU employs nine
security officers who are trained in CPR, crisis management,
campus safety and emergency preparedness and response.
Security officers patrol the campus 24/7.
But it is how Gorayeb does his job that sets him apart and
makes him a popular figure on campus. He is upbeat,
enthusiastic, outgoing, and funny. He knows all the
students and faculty. He not only cares for their safety and
security, he cares about them as individuals.
Gorayeb takes a moment to talk with WJU students
Garrett Sancomb (left) & Carter Sancomb (right).
“Joe is one of those people who brightens up a room when he walks in,” shares senior Jarah Ice. “He doesn't just
go through the motions of being a security guard, he actually builds relationships and shows a genuine interest in
the students he is protecting. We all love Joe and for the ones who have been around him all four years such as
myself, he will forever be a part of our memories of Jesuit!”
“The kids here are great,” says Gorayeb. “I call them my angels. I tell them that and I mean it.” He explains that
there is a special atmosphere at WJU that makes him look forward to coming to work every day. “We’re family
here,” he states, “and everyone is friendly from Fr. Fleming on down. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you
do. That means a lot to me.”
Gorayeb particularly enjoys interacting with students. He
goes out of his way to befriend them and they often
share their stories—dating, studying, struggles, games
won and lost—and he takes time to listen. “They all
know me,” he says, “and I watch over them.”
WJU students Holly Deckert (center) and Paige
Plesich (right) chat with Gorayeb while he’s out
making rounds.
Gorayeb is proud to see the hardworking students graduate.
“You are so happy that they made it through. And some of
them share that they are anxious about the future, but they’re
going to make it out there and do great things. Many of the
students that graduated keep in touch with me and let me
know how it’s going for them, which is great.
“Father O’Brien once told me that I was one of the motors that
keep WJU running. I am proud to be part of something this
big. We are going in the right direction.”
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WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
Board Member Profile – Susan Donovan, Ph.D.
Current city: Baltimore, MD
Occupation: Executive Vice President, Loyola University Maryland
Education: Saint Louis University (Ph.D.), Florida State University (M.S), and Buena
Vista University (B.A.)
What part of your role as a Board member gives you the greatest sense of
fulfillment or satisfaction?
I enjoy working with other board members, faculty, staff, administrators and students to
improve the student experience at Wheeling. I have met so many talented and committed
people who love Wheeling Jesuit University and it is great to be a part of the community.
What do you think are the qualities that set WJU apart from other universities of its
size?
I have been so impressed with the excellent student research experiences that undergraduate and graduate students
have with their faculty members. This doesn’t happen everywhere and it is a strength that will serve our students for
the rest of their lives.
Do you have any advice for current WJU students that you would like to share?
No one regrets that they did not have enough fun in college but you will regret if you fail to make the most of your
college experience. Break out of your comfort zone, find your passion and set the world on fire. Now is the time for
taking risks on matters of importance that will shape the rest of your life.
Board Member Profile – Christopher Hearing
Current city: Rockville, MD
Occupation: President, Direct Holdings Global
Education: University of Maryland (MBA), Villanova University (BS/BA)
In what ways do you want to see WJU grow and progress in the next few years?
There is a unique opportunity before the entire WJU community. WJU is a terrific
university with an incredible success story: high graduation rates, high post-graduate
employment, and high levels of community service…the list goes on and on. There’s
dedicated and very capable leadership, terrific educators, an intelligent and caring student
body and a very supportive community. The fusion of those elements is extraordinarily
powerful and the opportunity to make a great difference in so many lives is right before us.
Working together to achieve the long term goals of WJU will feed great success across
the University and far out into the community.
As a successful businessman with a Jesuit education, what advice would you pass along to current WJU
students and young alums?
Work hard and be willing to do what it takes to be successful wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Raise
your hand when works needs to be done even if it’s not specifically part of your job description. WJU taught you how
to stand up and stand out, don’t lose sight of that as you move forward.
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WJU Rolls out the Welcome Mat
OF NOTE…
Bishop Schmitt Field Blessed and Seeing Action
After several months of construction to install a new synthetic
turf field, WJU’s students, teams and community members are
enjoying playing on the new, state-of-the-art Bishop Schmitt
Field this spring. WJU Senior VP for Mission and Ministry
Rev. Bill Rickle, S.J. blessed the field before the inaugural
women’s lacrosse game in March. The field’s official dedication
will take place this fall.
Alumni Support
Fifty years after earning their degrees from Wheeling Jesuit
University (WJU), the Class of 1964 presented a $250,000
check during the University’s annual alumni weekend held
June 20-22. The money will be used to establish the Class of
1964 Ignatius Scholarship Fund.
Presenting a check to WJU President Rev.
James Fleming are Class of 1964 graduates
J. J. Lauer, Jim Smith and Geno Julian.
Communitas Award
Business leader and WJU alumnus Richard Riesbeck ’03 is the 2014 recipient of
the Communitas Award, bestowed upon a community member who exemplifies
WJU’s mission of life, leadership and service. Riesbeck is the president of Riesbeck
Food Markets, Inc., a regional grocery store chain. Riesbeck began working with
WJU’s Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN), nine years ago, donating food from his
stores for ASN members to collect and distribute to those in need.
Professor Awarded Equipment Grant
Associate professor of psychology Dr. Michael A. Kirkpatrick was awarded a
$20,000 Instrumentation Grant by the WV Higher Education Policy Commission
Division of Science and Research. The grant funds laboratory equipment for state-ofthe-art classroom demonstrations and student-faculty collaborative research about
Richard Riesbeck ’03
Communitas Award Winner stress, relaxation and meditation.
History Professor Honored
Associate Professor of History Leslie Leidel was awarded
this year’s Fr. Edward Gannon Award, bestowed upon a faculty
member who distinguished themselves as an outstanding teacher
and scholar and exemplifies the Jesuit tradition of service. Leidel
was announced as the winner at commencement and received
funding to attend a conference or conduct research.
WJU Volunteers Care For Local Parks
The City of Wheeling and WJU students are working hand-in-hand
with the Wheeling Recreation Department to maintain the
Pleasanton baseball field and the playground on Edgington Lane. WJU Assistant Wrestling Coach JD Ramsey (left)
and Jacob Haynes ’17 help clear the hillside at
On April 23, WJU volunteers spent hours picking up trash,
the Pleasanton playground.
pulling weeds and clearing debris at the parks. This will be an
annual project conducted twice a year.
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