January 28, 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.

Calling all students! Want to share what makes Walsh so special with your younger siblings? Invite them to campus for Lil Sibs Weekend, themed “Lil Cavs: Big Weekend!” The event takes place Friday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 14, and it is $10 per sibling (students attending with their sibling are free). It is a fun chance for your Lil Sib to experience campus life, meet new people, and see what being a Cav is all about. Register Here

Students interested in the study beyond opportunity are reminded that the application and group flight deadline is Feb. 5 for the two-week program in London, England, from May 16–30, offered through the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA). The course, London at War: Museums and Memory of the WWII Home Front, examines how museums and historic sites interpret life in London during World War II, combining guided academic experiences with built-in free time for independent exploration. The course fulfills multiple academic requirements and is open to students across programs. Additional details and application information are available through CCSA.

For questions, contact Professor Megan Pellegrino at mpellegrino@walsh.edu or Dr. Rachel Constance at rconstance@walsh.edu.

Students looking for an on-campus internship with real meaning and impact are encouraged to explore the Cav Cor Leadership Internship, open to students of any major. This paid leadership opportunity allows students to play a vital role in Orientation, Welcome Weekend, and year-long mentorship of incoming freshmen while building transferable skills in leadership, communication, project management, and teamwork. Cav Cor interns collaborate closely with peers and university staff, gain hands-on experience leading campus initiatives, enjoy exclusive benefits such as early move-in and housing stipends during orientation, and make a lasting difference by supporting and mentoring new students throughout their first year at Walsh. |  Apply Here

Scholarship application deadlines for the 2026–27 academic year are fast approaching. Students are encouraged to review available opportunities and submit applications by the posted deadlines of Feb. 15 or March 15, as late applications cannot be considered. Students who currently receive a Philanthropy Scholarship must reapply to be considered for renewal. Be sure to apply only for scholarships that match your eligibility, and check back regularly, as new opportunities may be added. | View available scholarships

The Education for Life Series presents: The Broken Greenhouse, a powerful and original ballet performance by the Canton Ballet that celebrates the strength, creativity, and resilience of women who have shaped the art world across generations. Inspired by the Canton Museum of Art’s exhibition Shattered Glass: The Women Who Elevated American Art, this unique performance blends visual art, movement, and storytelling, with an introduction by Christy Davis, CMA Curator of Exhibitions, and co-interpretation by Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, director of the Canton Ballet. Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Barrette Business and Community Center for an evening of artistic expression and reflection. Made possible with generous support from the Wilkof and Nolan families. Please RSVP online by Feb. 8. | Read More (PDF)

It was a close race, but the tallies are in, and CavClass has “eked” out a victory as the official name for Walsh University’s new learning management system. In the vote, CavClass received 80 votes, CavAcademy earned 75, and Walsh Learning Lab received 30.

Beginning in fall 2026, Walsh will launch a new LMS powered by Canvas to replace the Electronic Course Network (ECN). This upgraded system will provide a more intuitive, modern experience for teaching and learning—making it easier to access course materials, submit assignments, track grades, and stay on top of due dates from any device. With clearer organization, improved communication tools, and more timely feedback, CavClass is designed to support student success and enhance the overall learning experience. 

Watch on YouTube

Walsh University continues its podcast series Cav Chats: Beyond the Classroom, available on all major streaming platforms like Spotify. In this episode, we feature former North Canton Chief of Police and Mayor, Stephan Wilder, who discusses his career in civic engagement, servant leadership and his dear relationship with Walsh University.

Walsh University scholar-athletes recently joined the Cardinal Newman Society and students from Christendom College at the U.S. Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in cases that could determine whether states can protect women’s sports. While the Court weighed the future of women’s athletics, the students stood at the courthouse steps alongside hundreds of protestors, holding signs that read “Protect women’s sports. Biology matters,” and “Our Sports. Our Spaces.” 

The Newman Guide Defender program, led by Bob Laird, brought together faithful Catholic students to witness and defend truth in a moment when basic biological realities are being challenged. This was a powerful demonstration of why Catholic education matters and why students must be formed to stand courageously for truth. Read More

A Walsh University pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., was a quick but incredible experience for students, faculty, and staff. Participants said the day was deeply meaningful, especially after attending Holy Mass at the Basilica in the morning and then riding the metro into the city to join the Rally and the March for Life. Many shared that it was powerful to represent Walsh University alongside thousands of pro-life marchers and to witness such a strong communal affirmation of the dignity of every human life. They added that they are already looking forward to doing it again next year!

As we close Human Trafficking Awareness Month in partnership with Not For Sale: One Step at A Time, we reflect on meaningful progress made this month at the state level. Governor Mike DeWine announced two new initiatives focused on early identification and prevention for at-risk youth, including a pilot program embedding specialized anti-trafficking caseworkers within children services agencies in Cuyahoga, Hamilton, and Montgomery counties, as well as a trauma-informed, non-police response initiative in Montgomery County designed to address the root causes of youth running away or going missing. Together, these efforts strengthen collaboration, improve screening, and support, and prioritize compassion and early intervention to help vulnerable children find safety, stability, and hope.

Join scholars, educators and innovators from around the world for the 3rd International AI Conference, hosted online by Walsh University in partnership with the University of Cape Coast (Ghana) and Notre Dame University–Louaize (Lebanon) on Saturday, April 18, from 8 AM to noon, Chaired by Dr. Amy J. Heston, this no-cost virtual event offers an inspiring look at AI innovation across the globe. Proposals are due Friday, Feb. 13.

Walsh University’s Campus Ministry Women’s Retreat, Shine and Be Radiant, will take place Friday, Feb. 20 at 5 PM through Saturday, Feb. 21 at 9 PM, in Columbus, Ohio. This meaningful retreat offers women an opportunity for faith-filled reflection, renewal, and connection. The cost is $15 per person. Registration is open now and will close on Saturday, Jan. 31. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For questions or additional information, please contact emoorhead@walsh.edu. | Register Here

The Walsh University Chorale and Handbell Choir will present a concert of sacred music entitled From Darkness to Light on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel. All are welcome!

A Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble concert is planned for Sunday, Feb. 22 at 1:30 PM in the Birk Center for the Arts. The program will feature Mother Earth by Maslanka, Three Ayres from Gloucester by Stuart, Music for a Darkened Theatre (film favorites of Danny Elfman) by Brown, Thawing by Shimoda, Circus After Dark by Melton, and Marche Diabolique by Balmages. The Jazz Ensemble will play classic and favorite jazz selections: Now's the Time and Abracadabra, and our percussion section of the Band will be featured on a piece titled Vous avez du feu, a unique rhythmic piece.

Huge Shout Out to Our Grounds Crew!

A huge thank you to Walsh University’s grounds crew for working around the clock all week in subzero temperatures to plow and clear our campus this past week! Pictured left to right: John Heather, Val Fernandez, Ed Oswalt, Todd McCaulley, and Joy Cosgrove. This team went above and beyond and we are grateful!

Professor Megan Pellegrino will be giving a presentation on the founding of The Hoover Company and its growth from a regional leather goods business to a global vacuum brand. This presentation is a part of Stark Library's America 250 series and will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the main branch library in Canton. Registration is required. | Sign up online through Stark Library

Professor Pellegrino will also be presenting From Horse Collars to Vacuums: “A History of the Hoover Company and its Lasting Legacy in North Canton” at the North Canton Civic (Senior) Center on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Noon. | Sign up online through North Canton Library