News Type: Campus

West Virginia Wesleyan College will celebrate its annual spring day of giving on February 29. The 2024 WVWC Day of Giving focuses on athletic facility improvements. More specifically, funds raised will support upper-level bleacher replacement in the Rockefeller Physical Education Center gymnasium.

Because the gymnasium is a community space utilized for camps, festivals, ceremonies, and other similar programs, the greater Buckhannon-Upshur region is invited to make a gift on February 29 by visiting give.wvwc.edu to give online or by sending a contribution to WVWC Office of Advancement, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Gifts of $21, $210 or even $2,100 are encouraged in honor of the 21 varsity Bobcat sports teams. All gifts are tax-deductible.

The current bleachers have served WVWC well and are original to the building, which opened in 1974. Up-to-date facilities and an atmosphere of pride foster growth among the Wesleyan community and beyond.  Replacing the bleachers allows the College to offer functional, modern space for student athletes, varsity athletic teams, intramurals, campus events, community functions, and more.

WVWC Day also celebrates all Bobcat student athletes and athletic teams by using the hashtag #PrideBeginsAtHome, a phrase coined by new Director of Athletics Dr. Rae Emrick ’95. Accepting the invitation to participate in WVWC Day by making a gift will help to transform campus and confirm that pride does, indeed, begin at home.

Questions regarding WVWC Day may be directed to 304-473-8600 or makeagift@wvwc.edu

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Beginning in Fall 2024, West Virginia Wesleyan College full-time students from Barbour, Lewis, Randolph and Upshur Counties will have on-campus room costs reduced by $2,000 a year.

The move comes as more students choose to live on campus from these counties. The rate reduction will be honored for all campus housing choices for the length of time a student is enrolled at WVWC.

President James Moore said, “By removing the variables of students needing to find an apartment and deal with monthly utilities and groceries we help families control costs, and we ensure a more stable learning and living environment where young people can both enjoy themselves and focus on academic and extracurricular success. Lots of students and their families already see the value in this type of experience, even students who live within a reasonable commuting distance of Wesleyan.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Accepted students to West Virginia Wesleyan College are being invited for Orange and Black Scholarship Recognition Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, a long-standing tradition that showcases what the College offers and celebrates student achievements.  

Students and their families have the opportunity to learn about all things Wesleyan from academics to campus life during tours, a student organization fair and panel presentations.  Student sessions and parent sessions provide an overview of academics, financial aid, student life and more. The highlight of the day is a banquet feast prepared by Aladdin Food Service and the opportunity to recognize students for their scholarships. 

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ’01, said, “It is an honor to welcome our talented accepted students to campus for a visitation event unlike any other.  Prospective students get to experience all that WVWC offers in one day and the turnout of faculty, staff, and students that make it possible.  For those of us who attended this event long ago, it has been incredible to both see the event evolve and to also provide that same Wesleyan level of service to others.”

Orange and Black Scholarship Recognition Day was created roughly 30 years ago. 

Bob Skinner ‘75, said, “When the idea and framework of Orange and Black Day was developed by admission staff members David Ford ‘85, Bob Skinner ‘75, Kelley Cartwright Tierney ‘88 and Paul Willis ‘88, none of us knew we were creating a new Wesleyan tradition. Kelley deserves a great deal of credit for creating a distinctive event that has resulted in many wonderful memories. All of us are excited for the next group of students to enjoy this special day.”

Registration is open now. Accepted students are invited to sign up for Orange and Black Day, by clicking  here

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan one of its 2022 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan a “Top 20” Best Value – Regional Universities (South) and one of the “Top 75” Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Theatre & Dance presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” based on the comic strip by Charles Schulz, Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. and also Saturday, Feb. 24 at noon in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to curtain and are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors, students or anyone with a WVWC ID. 

In the musical Charlie Brown and the beloved Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The show runs just over one hour, with no intermission, and is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

This revival version was presented on Broadway in 1999, featuring book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner and additional dialogue by Michael Mayer, additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and Tony Award-winning performances by Roger Bart as Snoopy and Kristin Chenoweth as Sally. 

Wesleyan’s cast includes junior musical theater majors Ben Long ‘25, of Buckhannon, West VIrginia, as Schroeder and Sydney Stewart ‘25,  of Barboursville, West Virginia, as Lucy, freshman biology major Kaylie “Kai” Toler ‘27, of Harts, West Virginia, as Woodstock and Peppermint Patty, freshman English major Amelia Hughes ‘27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia,  as Sally, senior biochemistry major Owen Hess ‘24, of Bridgeport, West Virginia,  as Linus, sophomore musical theater/communications double-majors Ashton Nardella ‘26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as Snoopy, and Julius Pretlow ‘26,  of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in the titular role of Charlie Brown.

Senior acting/directing major Ellery Brown ‘24, of Bay City, Michigan, serves as assistant director and stage manager, assisted by freshman business administration major Christina Green ‘27, of Huntington, West VIrginia. Additional crew includes costume designs by freshman psychology major Kostadena Matina Hartley ‘27, of Las Vegas, Nevada, properties design by junior psychology major Cam McGriff ‘25, of Wilmington, Delaware, sound design by freshman acting/directing major Rhyan Sebring ‘27, of Caldwell, Ohio, social media outreach by freshman computer science major Tawny Haines ‘27, of Romney, West Virginia, and deck chief freshman acting/directing major Elijah Dickey ‘27, of Chloe, West Virginia, with scenic and lighting designs by David Hartley, Director of Technical Theater. Musical direction is provided by Associate Professor of Music, Dr. R. Daniel Hughes while Adjunct Instructor and Dance Team Coach Lesa Dencklau serves as choreographer. The musical is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Thomas Schoffler. 

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Celebrate Mardi Gras with Lady D’s performance of Bessie’s Blues and Chicago’s own Maggie Brown for an evening of live musical entertainment and New Orleans-style gumbo as West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosts Jazz & Java on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will be held at the Colonial Arts Center on Main Street in downtown Buckhannon.

Lady D, Bessie’s Blues is a one-woman theatrical performance that is a direct spin-off of the original “Lady and the Empress” stage play. It is a great piece of history and entertainment combined and guaranteed to leave an audience wanting more. This blend of education and entertainment will give the audience a glimpse into what America was like for people of color during the 20s and 30s, especially musicians and performers. It highlights some of the colorful “slang” that was in use at that time and brings to life the bold, beautiful, and bawdy Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith, in a masterclass on this country’s first purely American musical art form, the Blues.

Maggie Brown is an American singer, spoken word artist, and music producer. A native of Chicago, Illinois, United States, Brown sings in many genres: jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and spoken word. Her singing style has been described by James Walker as “transcend[ing] limitations and genres, while still maintaining her unique unmistakable voice.” She is a protege of Oscar Brown Jr. and Abbey Lincoln. She uses music to educate, what she calls “edutainment,” a word that she learned from her father. Brown gives talks and demonstrations on music and African American musical history.

Tickets are $35 for the general public and includes food and one drink. Wesleyan faculty, staff and students are $18. For more information and tickets, call 304-473-8163.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College and St. Joseph’s Hospital are excited to announce the return of their annual fundraising Gala. After several years of hiatus, the lavish Gala will return in March of 2024.

This year’s Gala will be “An Evening of Mardi Gras Magic” held on Friday, March 22, 2024 in the “French Quarter” at the beautiful Stonewall Resort. Come experience an evening of magic with a cool jazz reception beginning at 6 p.m. followed by a New Orleans Style parade to a scrumptious feast at 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on live music provided by the incomparable sound of the Boilermaker Jazz Band along with live and silent auctions and other exciting activities. Dress is black tie optional, Mardi Gras attire is welcome.

Table and individual sponsorships are now available including the “Big Easy Benefactor” with two tables of 10 and promotion; the “French Quarter Supporter” with one table of 10 and promotion; the “Cajun Contributor” with one table of 10; and individual tickets with the “Party Gras Patron.”  Select Signature Event Sponsorships are also available by calling 304-473-8485.

Reserve online at www.wvwc.edu/gala2024 or by calling 304-473-8485.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Esports team  is hosting multiple college teams from across the United States – and an international team – in its first  tournament coming up Jan. 19-21. 

The Buckhanno-pocalypse Rainbow Six Siege LAN begins with a press day on Jan. 19 and tournament action getting started on Jan. 20. LAN is an internet term for Local Area Network that has been adopted in the esports community to mean an in-person event. 

Coinciding with WVWC’s Prospective Athlete Day on Jan. 20, those visiting campus and the general public are invited to stop by and take in the tournament. 

The tournament is double elimination and action will get underway on Jan. 20 around 9 a.m., with winners playing on Sunday, Jan. 21. Action will be spread across campus in the esport team’s  new facility located in Benedum Hall,  the former space in the English annex and in the third floor social hall of the Benedum Campus Center. 

West Virginia Wesleyan College was the first college in West Virginia to form a varsity Esports team which has evolved over the years. Team members play a number of games including Valorant, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Fortnite, League of Legends, Call of Duty, R6: Siege and solo titles.

“There are not a lot of esports tournaments in West Virginia,” WVWC esports coach Ethan Hayes said. “This is a chance for someone to come out and see one live.”

So far, teams have committed from Canada, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The idea to host a LAN on-site came after WVWC esports members took part in a tourney last year.

“We went to a LAN last year and my students really wanted to put on a LAN – so this gives them experience and they get to play on campus,” he said.

Hayes said the team will use the tourney as a recruitment tool as well.

There is no entry fee for the tournament, but teams are responsible for housing and food costs.

“They will be staying in local hotels and eating in local businesses,” Hayes added.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College alum and former director of multicultural affairs Dr. Robert ‘Robby’ Quarles ‘12, will be the keynote speaker at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Dinner to be held Monday, Jan. 15. 

Quarles is a dedicated higher education administrator with over a decade of experience in crafting transformative experiences for students. Over the past six years, he has delivered impactful presentations and led retreats at universities and organizations nationwide. Recently, Quarles served as the keynote speaker for the ‘Stronger Chapters, Stronger Councils’ multicultural student organization conference at the University of Pittsburgh & Carnegie Mellon and the Student Leadership Conference at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia.

An alum and former staff member at WV Wesleyan College, Quarles excelled as the Director of Multicultural Programs and Services. During his five-year tenure, he implemented sustainable programming for multicultural students, resulting in increased engagement, enrollment and retention. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Bridges to Belmont program at Belmont University, serving as the Student Support Specialist.

As a first-generation college student himself, Dr. Quarles is deeply committed to facilitating the college experience, not only for students but also for their families. Currently, he serves as the Dean of Student Affairs for South University, overseeing the Richmond and High Point Campuses.

Laurie Goux, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said, “The King Holiday is significant to many people around the globe paying close attention to liberation, justice and beginning with nonviolence which equals love.”

Aligning with the King Center, the 2024 theme is The Beloved Community “It is Up to Me.”

The dinner, held to honor the life, legacy and impact of King, is being organized by West Virginia Wesleyan’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and will be in the side dining room of the French See Dining Hall beginning at 5 p.m. The menu catered by Aladdin Food Service will include slow-roasted roast beef, roasted turkey, gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, country-style green beans, California veggie bow-tie pasta, rolls and salads. Dessert will be a South African malva cake and vanilla ice cream. Guests will pay at the door: $12.65 per community member and $9.33 for staff or faculty. 

There will also be a community luncheon on Sunday, Jan. 14 in Chambers Lounge, located in Martin Religious Center behind Wesley Chapel, at 2:30 p.m. hosted by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and facilitated by the Rev. Jeremiah Jasper (Pastor of Woodford Memorial United Methodist Church, Elkins, West Virginia). The luncheon will consist of a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct”.  The luncheon is open to clergy and laity who seek to engage in conversation as it relates to the Church being called to serve.  To RSVP by January 10, call 304-473-8163. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College recently received its second Generous Promise grant from The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a religious order and philanthropic organization whose grant-making philosophy focuses on systemic change through justice and peace initiatives.

The $30,000 award will support the efforts of the Center’s partner organization, The West Virginia Restorative Justice Project, a diverse network of persons and agencies dedicated to addressing harm restoratively in K-12 education, the criminal courts, juvenile justice, and addiction recovery.

The Honorable Michael John Aloi ‘80, who is a member of the advisory team, notes that “the work of healing the harms suffered by so many in our communities, especially the most vulnerable, is more important than ever. I am honored to be a part of the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project, and grateful to the Center for Restorative Justice and to Dr. Debra Dean Murphy ’84 for bringing together practitioners from across the state who are passionate about changing narratives and changing lives.”

Murphy, co-director of the CRJ at WVWC along with Dr. Jessica Scott ’04, and also a member of the WVRJP advisory board, wrote the grant.

She added, “The shared work of the Center for Restorative Justice and the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project is not only transforming lives around the Mountain State through a range of initiatives, it is shedding a positive light on and bringing renewed visibility to the College’s commitment to serve West Virginia, Appalachia and the greater region.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Community Care of West Virginia recently donated an Automated External Defibrillator to West Virginia Wesleyan College, adding to the number of AEDS on campus and enhancing access to life-saving equipment in the event of an emergency.

The AED is located in Haymond Hall which is home to several academic departments as well as the College’s Learning Center.

Trish Collett, PA-C and Chief Executive Officer of CCWV, said, “Community Care of West Virginia has a wonderful, collaborative relationship with West Virginia Wesleyan College, and we are proud to support this institution in its mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for its students, faculty, and staff. As a healthcare organization, we understand the vital importance of having immediate access to life-saving equipment, especially in settings where young adults congregate and engage in various activities. Sudden cardiac events can occur without warning, and having an AED on-site can be the difference between life and death. We hope that this AED will provide peace of mind to the Wesleyan community and serve as a valuable resource for any potential emergency situations.”

Dr. Dan Martin, professor and chair of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, has been very active in CPR/AED training for many years. He is a member of the City Heart Safe committee. Martin also takes care of checking all the campus AEDs on a regular basis.

“I am very appreciative of the support we have received from CCWV as we continue to add AEDs in strategic locations around our campus,” Martin said. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.