We have reached the end of another great academic year. Our students were able to participate in a number of programs, activities, athletic events, and service trips this academic year, all making connections between faith, learning, and serving!
Just a few friendly reminders, all residence halls and on-campus houses officially close for summer break on Saturday, May 3 at noon. Please make appropriate travel arrangements.
As we head into summer break, I hope you have plans that allow you to rest, relax, and recharge. On behalf of the Student Development team, thank you for continuing to support your Yellow Jacket on their academic journey! As always, we are here to assist you with any questions along the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (724) 852-3206.
Blessings,
Kelley M. Hardie, Vice President of Student Development, Dean of Students, and Title IX Coordinator
Health and Exercise Science Students Experience Exclusive Event with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Health and Exercise Science students had the exciting opportunity to take part in a unique, first-time event with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This exclusive experience featured insights from the Cavs’ Basketball Operations team, including Athletic Trainer Stephen Spiro, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Derek Millender, and Associate Head Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Ed Subel, along with nutritionists and other performance staff. Held before the game on Sunday, March 30, the event provided an informative and engaging educational experience for Waynesburg students. Capping off the evening, the Cavaliers secured a 127-122 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Pathway Center Updates
The Pathways Center celebrated National Library Week from April 6-12 with interactive and collaborative events being hosted throughout the week.
Runway Royale: A Fashion Faceoff - Students participated in a Career Closet fashion show in Eberly Library, where they competed as fashion designers and models by creating and showcasing professional outfits from the Career Closet.
Poetry Slam - More than 20 students, faculty, and staff engaged in a campus Poetry Slam, where participants read popular works as well as oriinal submissions. Students who read original works were awarded prizes at this event. This event was hosted collaboratively with the Writing Center to celebrate National Poetry Month in addition to National Library Week.
Lattes with a Librarian - More than 30 students learned about library resources and received a free Starbucks latte as a part of this event.
Eberly Library is offering a summer reading selection for the first time this year. Students interested in checking out a book (or two) to read this summer, can reach out to Jill Peth or stop by the library to learn more.
The Writing Center is seeking strong writers to fill peer tutoring positions. Requirements include: A strong academic GPA, sample research and writing from any genre, and a professor's reference. Interested students can inquire by emailing writingcenter@waynesburg.edu.
The Career Closet, Writing Center, and Peer Tutoring closed for the semester on Friday, April 25. These services will reopen in September for the fall semester. Please note that tutoring is not offered during the summer semester, but requests for Fall course coverage can be submitted at any time.
Acts of Kindness in HSC 209
(AoK)
Students enrolled in HSC 209 – Public and Community Health are encouraged to perform Acts of Kindness (AoK) that support community health and wellness. Recently, sophomores Hailey Gilchrest and Olivia Podrasky, both Health and Exercise Science majors, volunteered at the WeCare Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Waynesburg. Reflecting on their experience, they shared:
“We are both passionate about going into healthcare, and our conversation with a resident named Betty reminded us why we chose this path: to make a difference in the lives of people like her. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can often feel heavy with sadness—but we want to be part of the change.”
In another AoK initiative, students shared encouragement heading into finals week by posting writings of scripture and inspiration on the fourth floor windows of Stewart Hall a simple but meaningful way to uplift their peers during a stressful time.
Thank you to all students who continue to demonstrate compassion, leadership, and service as part of our commitment to community wellness
2025 - 2026
faith, learning, and service immersion trips
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
GETTYSBURG, PA
OCTOBER 11-14 STUDENTS WILL PRESERVE SITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD HISTORY THROUGH A VARIETY OF HISTORIC ORGANIZTIONS
COST: $525
GREENE COUNTY IMMERSION & HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
WAYNESBURG, PA
OCTOBER 12 - 15 STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF SERVICE ACTIVIITES WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY COST: $30
TITUSVILLE, FL
JANUARY 3 - 10 STUDENTS WILL GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN MARINE CONSERVATION, ECOLOGY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS, THROUGH PLACE-BASED SERVICE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY COST: $1,300
winter break
ACTIVSPORT: PANAMA
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
JANUARY 2 - 9 ACTIVSPORT TRIP PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT ONLY GET TO EXPLORE PANAMA BUT WILL PARTICIPATE IN RAINFOREST ADVENTURES, SERVICE PROJECTS, AND SPORTS CLINICS!
COST: $3,475
PRAYING PELICAN MISSIONS: BELIZE
BELIZE
JANUARY 3 - 9 STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY AND CULTURE IN BELIIZE WHILE SERVING ALONGSIDE A LOCAL CHURCH THROUGH SERVICE PROJECTS WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
FEBRUARY28-MARCH7STUDENTSWILLSERVEANDEMPOWER AREMOTEVILLAGE COMMUNITYTHROUGHPROJECTGROW–THEEHIVE’S REDEMPTIVEENTREPRENEURSHIPLEARNINGLAB STUDENTS WILLFOSTERBUSINESSGROWTH,CHILDREN’SMINISTRY,AND SERVEHOLISTICALLY EXPLORETHISSMALLRURALVILLAGE NESTLEDHIGHINTHEDOMINICANMOUNTAINS
COST:$2,000
Commemorate Your Student’s Time at WU! Showcase of Growth: Highlighting our new & renovated facilities
Waynesburg University hosted a "Showcase of Growth" event on Friday, April 11, 2025, to highlight enhancements recently made to campus. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation and was attended by state and local elected officials, local media, law enforcement, and government agencies. The following facilities were toured during the event:
The Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation & the Practical Exercise Facility: Equipped with high-tech simulators, a mock courtroom, bloodstain pattern interpretation room and fingerprint lab, these facilities offer students cutting-edge training to excel in the field.
The Pathways Center: Located on the lower level of the Eberly Library, this newly renovated space provides a central location for comprehensive student support services.
The Alston Farm at Waynesburg University: The well-preserved historic house, log cabin, barn, renovated classroom and greenhouse, along with 52 acres that were recently donated to the University, presents tremendous opportunities for student instruction and community outreach. Waynesburg University has hired a consultant to develop a strategic plan for the farm, made possible through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The plan is expected to be complete in fall of 2025.
These new facilities enhance our students’ hands-on learning experiences, preparing them for success beyond Waynesburg University. The University is deeply grateful to our generous donors, whose support has made these enhancements possible.
Click here to learn more about the event!
Congratulations to those who received academic awards
The James E. Garvin (1886) and Caroline Parkinson Garvin (1894) prize in the Humanities
The Chauncy C. Lively and Grace K. Lively Psychology Award
The James D. South Memorial Prize
Natalie Double
Heather Zeigler
Jason Polgar
The Ronald E. And Judith A. Montgomery's Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Hannah Yorty
The Stover Nursing Award Sarah Im
The John W. Thompson Honorary Annual Fund for Excellence in the Study of Church History and Christian Culture Ross Owens Jr.
The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) Kiana Bagnell
The Dr. Janet A. Paladino Environmental Science Annual Award Grace Tanksley
Stover Entrepreneur Writing Award
3rd Place -Brian Scott-Hill 2nd Place - Ross Owens Jr. 1st Place - Gloria (Rai) Acor
