A pictorial history of Wheeling Jesuit University is now available to alumni and Wheeling history buffs. The book was created through the efforts of Dr. Joseph Laker, professor emeritus of history.
“I hope that alumni, students, faculty, staff and those interested in local history will find this pictorial story of Wheeling Jesuit University and how it has grown and changed during the past half-century both enjoyable and informative,” says Laker.
Laker taught history at Wheeling Jesuit from 1974 to 2009. He reviewed thousands of photographs and chose more than 200 images to illustrate the history of the school from its founding in 1954 to the present.
“The theme of this book is community. The transformation of Wheeling College, a small liberal arts institution at its founding, into today’s Wheeling Jesuit University. The story is illustrated by pictures, documents and commentary,” Laker says. “Many alumni, faculty and others shared their favorite photos with me to make this book happen. I thank them.”
Chapter titles include Bishops, Presidents and Founders; Environment of an Academic Community; The Academic Program; Student Life on Campus; Sporting Life and Students and The Alumni.
The first chapter takes the reader on a chronological development of the college over the past 57 years as it grew into a university. The bishops and presidents, their overall vision and leadership is detailed and shown.
The campus history book is dedicated to Laker’s faculty colleagues, especially his wife, Margaret Geroch, retired associate professor of math and computer science.
Published by Arcadia Publishing of Charleston, SC, the 128-page paperback is now available at Words and Music, Wheeling; the Campus Shop, Wheeling Jesuit and online at Amazon.
