April 22, 2026

A weekly look at Walsh University news and happenings.

The Walsh Wire is not intended to replace broadcast emails, but to aggregate information in order to increase the level of awareness and understanding about major happenings of the week.

On May 12 in the Barrette Center, join the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Walsh University for the 3rd Annual Canton AI Tech Innovation Summit—a premier half-day event helping organizations turn artificial intelligence into measurable business results. Connect with top executives, innovators, and professionals as you explore how AI is transforming productivity, workforce development, and decision-making across every department.

This year’s summit features a keynote by Heather Lenz, Founder of AI Navigator Collective, on moving beyond experimentation to building internal AI capability. Dive into panel discussions with leaders from Diebold Nixdorf, 415 Group, AWP Safety, and others who are shaping Canton’s AI future. Afternoon breakout tracks offer hands-on learning for every experience level, covering topics from manufacturing ROI and autonomous “agentic” AI to executive readiness, platform selection, and predictive sales pipelines.

Tickets for Walsh staff and students are $40 with non-member discount code: walsh Tickets available here.

Registration for Summer and Fall classes is happening now via the Cav Center! Be sure to register before you leave campus to ensure your schedule is optimal.

Registration & Enrollment Support:

The spring giving campaign is underway for Cavalier Athletics. Donations help support uniforms and equipment maintenance, team travel, pre-season team meals and fellowship, and so much more.  Every donation makes a difference. Consider giving here.

Walsh University is excited to offer undergraduate students a NEW 3-credit hour summer practicum course called the Walsh University Global Career Accelerator. Students enrolled in the course (CAR400) will gain real-world experience working on projects with representatives from the world’s most recognized companies — including OpenAI, L’Oréal, Intel, and the Grammys.

Through our partnership with Podium Education, you’ll work on projects that build your professional portfolio, earn industry-recognized certifications in areas like AI, digital marketing, and UX/UI, and collaborate with students and recruiters around the world. The course begins Summer 1 and is open to all students — For those still seeking an internship, this may meet your requirement with approval from your advisor.

Learn more and register at www.careeraccelerator.walsh.edu.

Show your support for survivors and help raise awareness by wearing denim on April 29 for Denim Day. This simple act stands against misconceptions about sexual assault and unites our community in promoting respect, dignity, and solidarity.

Have you ever admired the iconic ‘Swords Up’ Cavaliers athletic logo earrings that Drenda Collins wears at campus events? Only four pairs of these custom-made beauties exist and now is your chance to own a set! Purchase a raffle ticket here under “Raffles” for $20 or three raffle tickets for $40. Winner does not need to be present at the Soiree.

Support Walsh University students by joining us at the Cavalier Soirée on Friday, May 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hoover Park Dance Hall & Grounds. Place your bid on this sizzling auction item while enjoying an evening of food, fun, and community. View online auction items or purchase tickets here.  

Walsh University’s instrumental ensembles have been active this April with both community collaborations and upcoming performances. On April 23, the Jazz Ensemble, World Music Ensemble, and student soloists will present a free lunchtime recital in partnership with the North Canton Public Library at the North Canton Civic Center, featuring a variety of small ensembles and musical styles.

The ensembles will also headline the Spring Concert on April 26 at 2:30 p.m. in the Birk Center for the Arts, with a program that includes David Maslanka’s *Mother Earth*, Christopher Tin’s setting of the “Our Father”, and works celebrating American composers in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event is free and followed by a dessert reception. Earlier in the month, Walsh musicians collaborated with Carrollton High School in a joint concert showcasing jazz, steel drum, and percussion ensembles.

A huge Cav Nation shout out to Museum Studies senior, Sarah Christensen, who collaborated with MAPS Air Museum where she designed and installed a temporary exhibition on Major Glenn Miller, leader of the Air Forces Band during WWII.

Sarah held the opening of the exhibition this past Sunday following the museum's semi-annual pancake breakfast and incorporated the music of Major Glenn Miller, leader of the Air Forces Band during WWII as performed by the New Horizons band.

Walsh University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program had a strong presence at the 2026 Ohio Physical Therapy Association Annual Spring Conference, held April 9–10 in Columbus, Ohio. Representing Walsh were four faculty presenters, four alumni presenters, and 14 students who attended the OPTA 75th Anniversary Gala.

Walsh faculty, alumni, and partners delivered six presentations on timely topics and the conference also brought significant recognition to the Walsh DPT program. Walsh University received two OPTA Superlative Core Value Awards for Compassion & Caring and Inclusion. Congratulations DPT! 

Over the weekend, Drs. Jennifer Clevinger, Cary Dabney, and Nina Rytwinski accompanied seven Walsh University Senior Honors students to the annual Mid-East Honors Association (MEHA) Conference at Indiana University South Bend. The students—Shareen Awadallah, Hannah Blawas, Haruki Imanishi, Brianna Birkle, Olivia Huzyak, Elizabeth Radis, and Meklit Tofu—presented their Honors thesis research in both poster and oral presentation sessions. Drs. Clevinger and Rytwinski also presented a faculty panel. A huge shout out to these honors students and their faculty mentors for showcasing their work!  

Sara Boswell

Jill Vogel