Today in Wheeling History: June 7--Wheeling College held its first commencement ceremony at the Virginia Theatre, graduating a class of 50 students, two-thirds of whom were from the Wheeling area, with Archbishop John J. Swint delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary Doctor of Letters degree (1959).
In June 1959, Wheeling College celebrated its first commencement ceremony, graduating a class of 50 students. The ceremony was held on June 7, 1959, at the Virginia Theatre, with Archbishop John J. Swint delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Two-thirds of the graduating class hailed from the Wheeling area, with students earning degrees in arts and sciences. Mary Kay Beltz, the first student alphabetically, became the first graduate to receive her diploma, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. The college, founded in 1954 through a partnership between the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, had grown from its initial class of 90 students in 1955 to 450 students by the fall of 1959. Swint Hall, which included administrative offices, a cafeteria, library, and lounge, had been used as a dormitory for male students on the upper floor. Whelan Hall, the Jesuit faculty residence, was turned over completely to male students as a residence hall. A new men's residence hall was set to open in the fall of 1959 to house 158 students, while a residence hall for 100 women students was under construction.
In the years following its first commencement, Wheeling College continued to grow and expand. The college's commitment to providing a quality Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition attracted students from across the region. By the late 1980s, the college had outgrown its original name and became Wheeling Jesuit College in 1987. A decade later, in 1996, the college achieved university status and was renamed Wheeling Jesuit University.
Throughout its history, the university remained dedicated to its mission of offering educational opportunities grounded in Ignatian principles. The campus continued to expand with the addition of new academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residence halls. Among these were the Acker Science Center, built in 2002 and named after former president Rev. Thomas S. Acker, S.J., and the Mount de Chantal Conservatory of Music, which was established in 2010 following the closure of the nearby Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy.
In the early 2000s, the university faced financial challenges and leadership changes. Despite these difficulties, Wheeling Jesuit University continued to provide a comprehensive educational experience, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as opportunities for research, service learning, and community engagement.
However, in 2019, the university underwent significant changes. In the face of financial struggles, the university eliminated several majors and cut ties with the Jesuit order. As a result, the institution officially changed its name to Wheeling University in July 2019.
Today, Wheeling University continues to serve students in the Appalachian region, building upon its rich history and adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. With a strong alumni network and a commitment to academic excellence, the university strives to prepare students for success in their personal and professional lives while fostering a sense of community and service.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/xaB9i) (https://shorturl.at/AHd11) https://shorturl.at/L5L3U) (https://shorturl.at/VOC7L) (https://shorturl.at/KMXUG) (https://rb.gy/v8tewf) (https://rb.gy/mxqii7) (https://rb.gy/72bfnp) (https://rb.gy/gmtjzp)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, West Virginia & Regional History Center
In June 1959, Wheeling College celebrated its first commencement ceremony, graduating a class of 50 students. The ceremony was held on June 7, 1959, at the Virginia Theatre, with Archbishop John J. Swint delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Two-thirds of the graduating class hailed from the Wheeling area, with students earning degrees in arts and sciences. Mary Kay Beltz, the first student alphabetically, became the first graduate to receive her diploma, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. The college, founded in 1954 through a partnership between the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, had grown from its initial class of 90 students in 1955 to 450 students by the fall of 1959. Swint Hall, which included administrative offices, a cafeteria, library, and lounge, had been used as a dormitory for male students on the upper floor. Whelan Hall, the Jesuit faculty residence, was turned over completely to male students as a residence hall. A new men's residence hall was set to open in the fall of 1959 to house 158 students, while a residence hall for 100 women students was under construction.
In the years following its first commencement, Wheeling College continued to grow and expand. The college's commitment to providing a quality Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition attracted students from across the region. By the late 1980s, the college had outgrown its original name and became Wheeling Jesuit College in 1987. A decade later, in 1996, the college achieved university status and was renamed Wheeling Jesuit University.
Throughout its history, the university remained dedicated to its mission of offering educational opportunities grounded in Ignatian principles. The campus continued to expand with the addition of new academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residence halls. Among these were the Acker Science Center, built in 2002 and named after former president Rev. Thomas S. Acker, S.J., and the Mount de Chantal Conservatory of Music, which was established in 2010 following the closure of the nearby Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy.
In the early 2000s, the university faced financial challenges and leadership changes. Despite these difficulties, Wheeling Jesuit University continued to provide a comprehensive educational experience, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as opportunities for research, service learning, and community engagement.
However, in 2019, the university underwent significant changes. In the face of financial struggles, the university eliminated several majors and cut ties with the Jesuit order. As a result, the institution officially changed its name to Wheeling University in July 2019.
Today, Wheeling University continues to serve students in the Appalachian region, building upon its rich history and adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. With a strong alumni network and a commitment to academic excellence, the university strives to prepare students for success in their personal and professional lives while fostering a sense of community and service.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/xaB9i) (https://shorturl.at/AHd11) https://shorturl.at/L5L3U) (https://shorturl.at/VOC7L) (https://shorturl.at/KMXUG) (https://rb.gy/v8tewf) (https://rb.gy/mxqii7) (https://rb.gy/72bfnp) (https://rb.gy/gmtjzp)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, West Virginia & Regional History Center
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