When it comes to an excellence in education, Wheeling Jesuit University is leading the way with a long list of academic and athletic achievements.

Celebrating 50 years in education, Wheeling Jesuit holds the distinction of being the only Catholic university in the entire state of West Virginia, setting a standard by educating students who go on to serve both the local community and the world. Just minutes from the Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia state lines, the Wheeling Jesuit tradition is alive and well attracting a diversified group of young people who want to live and learn in a faith-filled environment.

Despite humble beginnings in the foothills of West Virginia, this local university has gone on to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of students through a unique approach to learning. Teaching a diverse education in the liberal arts, students from around the country come to Wheeling Jesuit to experience instruction that is rich in values and excellence.

Originally known as Wheeling College, Wheeling Jesuit University was founded as a partnership between the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and the Society of Jesus of the Maryland Province. As the youngest of the nation's 28 Jesuit institutions, Wheeling Jesuit opened its doors in September 1955. Since that time, much of the staff, classes, and scenery have changed. However, the deeply held university values and commitment to excellence have remained the same, attracting students from all walks of live to come to the Ohio Valley College.

“The Jesuit tradition of educational excellence and service to others guide all the programs at Wheeling Jesuit University” said Maureen Zambito, director of university relations. “The university promotes an atmosphere that welcomes students of all creeds, races and nationalities to share in the pursuit of learning and excellence. The university promotes close student-faculty contacts and encourages students to develop a full potential for leadership."

In the 1950s, the university was held together by a dozen Jesuit priests and four lay professors. Since that time, the university has grown to have an extensive faculty and student body, yet is able to maintain a personal atmosphere where students and professors can interact on an individual level.

"Our university professors are extremely qualified, teaching subjects that earn students advanced degrees through hard work and dedication," Zambito said. "By stressing excellence in ideas and demonstrating their credentials through their teachings, our staff sets a fine example of what can be done with a great education."

A living example of Wheeling Jesuit’s fine academic tradition is chemistry professor Dr. Norman Duffy, who received national attention as Teacher of the Year. In August 1999, U.S. News & World Report named Wheeling Jesuit University as the 10th best university in the southern region for quality in education.

While Wheeling Jesuit has attracted a wide range of students, the university has also attracted a wide range of speakers and entertainment personalities who have brought their stories and lectures to the campus. In 1985, jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie played for an excited group of onlookers. Countless Jesuits, politicians, entertainers, and other notables have spent time at Wheeling Jesuit to inform and educate the student body.

In the early 1990s, Wheeling Jesuit was home to several exciting new projects. The university was officially designated as the site for the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center. NASA also established the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies at the Jesuit college. The NASA Teacher Resource Center opened the Challenger Learning Center which allows local students to simulate a space flight and deal with the same challenges and risks a real NASA astronaut would experience.

Aside from academic programs, Wheeling Jesuit boasts a proud history of athletics. The university offers an array of different sports that garner attention throughout the local area. Wheeling Jesuit University's 18 NCAA Division II sports allow men and women to gain experience and show their talent in the athletic arena. The university's 47 West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) titles and 40 Academic All-Americans are proof of WJU's success in creating quality athletes.

The university is also home to some of the finest athletic facilities in the area. The Outdoor Athletic Complex is home to Wheeling Jesuit's soccer, track and field, lacrosse and softball programs. The facility features an eight-lane, all-weather track with press box and grandstands, soccer, lacrosse and softball fields and two tennis courts. The Alma Grace McDonough Center sports a 2,200- seat performance gymnasium, a practice gymnasium, a swimming pool, racquetball courts and a fitness center.

Rev. Julio Giulietti has recently been named the eighth president of Wheeling Jesuit University. He will begin his duties in early August 2007, assuring the fine tradition of academics, athletics, and spirituality will continue for years to come. For more information, please visit Wheeling Jesuit’s Web site at www.wju.edu.