It is tradition for the 25-year reunion classes, to present a class gift to the school, commemorating their Silver Anniversary. With that in mind, members of the Class of 1984 (Dick Riley, Kate Carrigan, Karen Albert Emmerth, Mimie O’Hara Helm, Bobcat Hacala, and Mark Gresham) were in favor of establishing a fund to support WJU’s current faculty, to be presented during Alumni Weekend in memory of deceased classmates -- Billy Fredrick, Nicci Missig, Kevin Foley, Geneva Burch, Thomas Gibbon, Alice Albright Johnson, Jeffrey Burkhart, and Robert Senita.

The Class of 1984 had some exceptional teachers. Stop and think for a minute. . . If you were asked to quickly name your favorite professors from 25 years ago, who would they be? Dickie Riley named Ed Younkins, Bob Rush, Joe Butler, and Joe Laker. Karen Albert Emmerth named Fr. Jim O’Brien, Debbie Hull, John Wack, and Donald Poffenberger. Kate’s choices were Paul Orr, Fr. Lauer, Henry Sendaydiego, and John Gasiorowski.

While some of these favorite professors may have retired, moved on, or passed away, others still remain in Wheeling. The school is still proud to lay claim to having a dedicated and accomplished faculty.

Through a class gift, the goal is to honor faculty commitment to excellence, while also providing a monetary reward. The possibilities are endless . . . The fund could be used in support of summer stipends encouraging faculty to develop additional research and innovative programs. Dr. Letha Zook, the Academic Vice President, will work with both Faculty Council and Faculty Welfare to determine the best use of a gift and to ensure that the distribution is fair, and with the biggest impact.

Please consider making a contribution – SUGGESTIONS:

• $10.00 in honor of each year since graduation – $250.00
• $1.00 in honor of each year since graduation - $25.00
• $19.84 in honor of your year of graduation
• Other – give at a level that is comfortable for you.

If you are able to make a gift, you can do so today online through the mail at Wheeling Jesuit University, 316 Washington Ave., Wheeling, WV 26003, or by calling the Alumni Office at 1-800-888-2586. Whatever option you choose, please be sure to specify “1984 Class Gift” so it goes where it’s intended. Also, ask your employer if they have a matching gifts program. If so, please ask them for a matching gifts form that you can send along with your gift.

Please send your gift by May 29 — so that the Class Gift can be announced at Alumni Weekend.