Walsh University is embarking on a Year of Excellence for the 2026-27 academic year, as we embrace the opportunity to focus on another of our core values. Building on the momentum of the Year of Faith, this next chapter in our five-year values initiative invites us to always give our best as we serve our students, our institution and all those we encounter. “Excellence is about doing it right the first time, with great care,” President Collins reminds us. On the journey of our core values, excellence follows faith, because faith gives excellence its purpose, and excellence gives faith its shape in how we live it in our lives. Enjoy the lighthearted beginning of the video, where President Collins, University Chaplain Rev. Ryan Furlong and students imagine Walsh’s own Continental Congress to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Walsh University broke ground for upgrades to the Biery Family Baseball Stadium and Tim Mead Field on Aug. 17, with three members of the Biery family on hand to turn over the first shovels of dirt. The upgrades are made possible by a leadership gift from Ben (’00) and Michelle (’98) Biery that will enhance the facility for the next generations of Walsh University baseball players. The gift represents one of the largest in Cavalier Athletics history and continues a family legacy of generosity, leadership and service to Walsh University and the greater Canton and Louisville communities. The planned improvements will center on the installation of a top-of-the-line synthetic turf infield designed to provide elite performance and long-term durability. Additional upgrades will include updated backstop and netting, outfield netting, a new scoreboard, improvements to the batting cages, press box enhancements, dugout upgrades, seating improvements and other fan and player amenities.

Walsh University faculty, staff, and coaches took part in Opening Day on Aug. 13, to mark the beginning of the new academic year. Highlights of the day included an opening Mass followed by a Cav Call, where President Tim Collins spelled out the university’s agenda for the upcoming academic year and introduced all newly hired employees. President Collins also recognized several students who exemplify excellence. The day finished with the Cav Olympics where teams of faculty and staff competed for their assigned countries in pickleball, corn hole, knockout and dodge ball. Congratulations to Team Norway which walked away with gold medal honors. Team Canada captured the silver, while Team France received bronze medal honors. Enjoy photos from the day here.

President Tim Collins invites you to participate in the annual President’s Reading List, a monthly selection of insightful books from diverse authors. Year after year, this program offers a unique opportunity for shared learning and conversation across our campus community. Find the list here.

Walsh University’s Welcome Weekend begins Friday, Aug. 21, with student move-in day. The weekend is designed to introduce incoming first-year students to the exciting opportunities and important responsibilities that come with being part of Cav Nation, and welcome back returning students with a weekend of events that offer meaningful connection.  Anyone with questions regarding Welcome Weekend should contact the Student Experience Office at studentexperience@walsh.edu or 330.490.7301. Click here for the full Welcome Weekend schedule.

Walsh University will welcome The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, as celebrant for the Mass of the Holy Spirit at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Alumni Arena at the Cecchini Center. This annual Mass is a tradition that marks the beginning of the academic year and offers a special opportunity for reflection and community. All students, faculty and staff, regardless of their faith tradition, are encouraged to attend. Wednesday classes scheduled for the second time slot, 9:50 to 11:30 a.m. are cancelled, so that everyone may attend Mass. All other classes will run as scheduled. Mass of the Holy Spirit is a great opportunity for all to gain focus for the new academic year by invoking the Holy Spirit to renew our zeal for truth, love and mercy. 

Let’s pack the stands! Tickets are still available for Walsh University Night with the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, Aug. 28, with President Collins throwing the first pitch!  Join fellow faculty, staff and coaches as the Guardians take on the Kansas City Royals with a 7:10 p.m. first pitch. Tickets are $61 and include game seat, all-you-can-eat ballpark food and non-alcoholic beverages, an exclusive hat and access to the Pennant District patio to enjoy the game with the Walsh University community. Come out for a summer evening of baseball and Cavalier camaraderie. Tickets must be purchased before Friday, Aug. 21. Buy your tickets!

Jami Swain, Vice President of Human Resources, has been selected to be part of Leadership Stark County’s 40th Signature Class. The Signature program focuses on creating community connections, personal growth and leadership development.