January 7, 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.

Rooted in its Catholic mission and commitment to the sacred worth of every person, Walsh University’s Dignity in Action: The Year of Faith initiative, Jan. 19–23, invites the campus community to pause, reflect, and act in service of justice and human dignity. Anchored by the MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, the week begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Alumni Arena before students, faculty, and staff head into the community to serve. Throughout the week, a series of programs will challenge participants to engage faith in action, including The Creation of Man: Theology on Tap (Jan. 20), the SPENT Poverty Simulation through the Blouin Scholar Program and Ignite (both Jan. 21), and The Sacred Worth of Every Person: Faith, Dignity, and Immigration hosted by Walsh United (Jan. 22). Human Dignity Week concludes on January 23 with the March for Life, as Cav Nation joins a peaceful and prayerful pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. | View Schedule (PDF)

Students are invited to participate in the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest, which reflects this year’s theme, The Year of Faith. Inspired by Dr. King’s example of faith in action, students are encouraged to reflect on how their faith convictions guide their actions, service, and leadership at Walsh and beyond. Detailed submission instructions were shared via email from the Office for Culture and Belonging on Monday, January 5. Submissions are due by Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m., and winners will be recognized at the MLK Jr. Day of Service Breakfast. The winning essay will be awarded a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship. Second and third-place winners will be awarded a non-renewable $500 scholarship. | Submit Essay Here

Walsh University, in partnership with Not For Sale: One Step At A Time, will recognize Blue Day for Anti-Human Trafficking on Saturday, Jan. 10, during all home basketball games. Athletes, cheerleaders, the dance team, and the band will wear blue shoelaces and accessories, while NFS volunteers distribute blue ribbons and information cards to promote awareness. We invite everyone to support the cause by wearing BLUE, joining the nationwide #WearBlueDay effort that kicks off National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and encourages education, solidarity, and reporting of suspicious activity. Be sure to share pictures on social media and tag https://www.facebook.com/notforsaleonestepatatime

SEEK, the annual Catholic conference hosted by FOCUS at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, drew nearly 20,000 participants from around the world for five days of prayer, learning, and fellowship. This year, Walsh University sent 15 students, ranging from freshmen through seniors, along with a campus minister and University Chaplain Fr. Ryan Furlong. The conference was intended to inspire participants to deepen their faith through keynote talks, small-group discussions, and opportunities to participate in the sacraments. Students who attended shared that the experience encouraged them to reflect more intentionally on their faith and consider how they might bring what they encountered back to campus.

“SEEK26 was an incredible experience for the students and me,” said Emma Moorhead, Walsh University’s Coordinator of Faith Formation and Ministry.  “Seeing all of the students present with one another, growing in faith and fellowship, was a testament to the work God is doing at Walsh. I am continually moved by the reverence the students have during our time of Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass, and the passion they have for Jesus.”

With a new strain of the flu circulating in Stark County, here are 7 steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

If you develop flu symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly, especially if you are at higher risk for complications. Early care can help you recover faster and prevent spreading the virus to others. | Learn more at cdc.gov

A huge thank you to all offices/departments who were part of the 'Real Men Still Seek Him' nativity set displays this Christmas Season.  Next year we will begin displaying them in early November when the campus gets decorated for Christmas. We received lots of wonderful comments from visitors to our campus.  Please pack your sets up and store them safely away! If you would like to receive a set to display next year, please email Drenda Collins.

Dr. Marc Fusaro, Dean of the DeVille School of Business, contributed to a 2-part series in Your Ohio News: Working gig shifts: a growing local trend (Part 1 of 2)

Carmela Bendetta

Sara Boswell

Savannah Brown

Beth Ford