[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, as an alumni it is an honor for me to rise 
today to recognize and commemorate Wheeling Jesuit University as this 
institution of higher learning celebrates its 50th anniversary.
  In 1954 the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and the Society 
of Jesus of the Maryland Province forged a partnership to establish the 
only Catholic university in West Virginia. Since its first class of 90 
students and 12 Jesuits, Wheeling Jesuit has grown to include over 
1,000 students and five graduate programs.
  As one of our nation's youngest Jesuit institutions, Wheeling Jesuit 
practices and teaches the Ignation tradition of faith, worship, and 
service. Students at WJU learn to incorporate these principles into 
their daily lives. Today we may witness the continuation of this 
tradition among the younger classes which exemplify a lifestyle of hard 
work and achievement. Wheeling Jesuit University alumni are constantly 
challenging themselves and others to move at full speed towards 
perfection in service to their community and the Lord.
  In its efforts to provide a valuable learning experience to its 
student body, Wheeling Jesuit created the Appalachian Institute. The 
Institute serves as a vehicle to expose students to the issues most 
important to the surrounding Appalachian region. It is through service 
opportunities developed by the Institute that students are able to 
apply their understanding from the classroom to situations real in the 
world.
  Additionally, students attending Wheeling Jesuit are afforded an 
array of opportunities to participate in public service projects. These 
activities include a semester-long hunger and homelessness awareness 
program to educate students of the problems plaguing the local and 
global community; and the Appalachian Experience Club, which sponsors 
work experiences in rural West Virginia throughout the academic year.
  This small college, by steadfastly adhering to its principles, 
continues to impact local, national, and global communities. Through an 
emphasis on academic excellence the college has graduated thousands of 
students to pursue careers in health care, law, business, education, 
and the arts. Residing in our nation's 50 states and 147 nations 
abroad, Wheeling Jesuit Alumni typify the lifestyle of selflessness, 
achievement, and service that this institution instilled in them years 
ago.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring and 
congratulating Wheeling Jesuit University for celebrating their 50th 
anniversary. Over the years Wheeling Jesuit has provided unsurpassed 
support and guidance to its students and the Appalachian community, and 
will continue to impact the lives of its students and the community 
through its charitable contributions and commitment to public service.

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