April 1, 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.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the joy of Christ’s Resurrection, may this sacred occasion bring you peace, renewal, and gratitude. From all of us at Walsh University, we wish Cav Nation a blessed Easter and a restful break filled with hope and new beginnings!

Walsh University is delighted to announce the T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence Award finalists. The T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence is the most prestigious non-academic award given each year. Presented annually at the President’s Dinner, the award recognizes seniors or recent graduates who embody each of the below characteristics. The 2026 T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence recipient will be notified at the Cavs Connect Mixer on April 8 and will address the student body at this year’s Commencement ceremonies.  

Talented Leadership (Demonstration of Leadership Activities and Qualities) 
Outstanding Dedication to the Campus and Community 
Walsh Commitment to Current and Future Cavaliers 
Embodies Core Values of Faith, Excellence, Integrity, Service and Community 
Responsible Extra-curricular Distinction

Congratulations to our 2026 T.O.W.E.R. Finalists:

Hannah Blawas

Audrey Dornisch

Isabella Genovese

Olivia Huzyak

Antonio Paganelli

Read about the finalists here. 

President Tim Collins was recently featured in the national podcast, Small College Conversations to discuss current issues in college athletics! Check it out!

Join the DeVille School of Business for the 55th Business Club Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, April 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Barrette Business and Community Center. Individual tickets are $50 with proceeds supporting scholarships and opportunities for DeVille students. Student tickets are now FREE with a Walsh ID thanks to a generous donor. Registration is still required. 

Hear from Thomas B. McGowan IV, J.D., M.B.A., President and CEO of The McGowan Companies, one of the nation’s oldest and largest specialized insurance brokerage firms. A third-generation leader, he has guided the family business from modest Cleveland roots into a national powerhouse. He will share the story of strategic vision, ethical leadership, and personal relationships that fueled its growth. His insights offer timeless lessons for your career. | Register Now!

Juniors and seniors, faculty, and all T.O.W.E.R. nominees are invited to the Cavs Connect Alumni and Student Mixer on Wednesday, April 8, from 4 to 6 PM in the Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center Atrium. The event features a panel discussion facilitated by President Tim Collins, with past T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence finalists and alumni who exemplify servant leadership in their careers and beyond, including Jackie Noelker ’20, Young Alumni Coordinator at Stephen T. Badin High School; Maddie Francisco ’22, Director of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment & Campus Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown; and Chris Villarreal ’22, Seminarian at Saint Mary Seminary, Diocese of Cleveland. Attendees can enjoy appetizers and refreshments, and while the event is free, registration is required. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with alumni, celebrate outstanding students, and explore how servant leadership can shape life and career. | Read More (PDF)

Walsh University’s on-campus student stock trading club the Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP) recently hosted Steve Weigand, Managing Director at PNC Erieview Capital, who discussed investment management, gave career and internship advice, and detailed how his work connects to investment analysis and valuation. The SMIP began in 2013 with a $100,000 donation and has grown to a near $1,000,000 portfolio that Walsh University students manage. Students of all majors with an interest in investing are welcome to join the SMIP. For more information, reach out to: csenk@walsh.edu

Curious fun for little explorers! This delightful auction basket is perfect for young adventurers and curious minds. It includes four tickets to the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, Curious George storybook, 18” Learn to Dress Curious George plush from Kids Preferred and a road trip Magnetic Car Bingo set. The perfect mix of education, play, and travel-friendly fun!

Join us at the Cavalier Soirée on Friday, May 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hoover Park Dance Hall & Grounds, and place your bid on this sizzling auction item while enjoying an evening of food, fun, and community. Tickets available here.

Tickets are now available for Walsh University Night with the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, August 28 with President Collins throwing the first pitch!  Join fellow Cavaliers as the Guardians take on the Kansas City Royals with a 7:10 p.m. first pitch. For $61, your ticket package includes your game seat, the finest 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.

Use Code: Walsh26

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

A big shout out to Assistant Professor of Theology Dr. Cary Dabney, who was invited to speak last week at the University of Oxford Symposium on Religious Studies. Dr. Dabney presented a paper titled “A Raced Theology of the Human Person: An Expanded Catholic Theological Anthropology of the Catholic Magisterial Tradition.”

The symposium featured 22 presenters representing 10 nations from various faith traditions. Dr. Dabney shared, “As the only Catholic scholar presenting, it was nice to serve as the witness to the Catholic tradition and represent Walsh University in such a prestigious, highly intellectual environment.”

On March 21, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Dr. John Trapani, delivered his paper, “The indispensability of Love in Thomist Metaphysics: A Second Look at Jacques Maritain’s Essay: ‘The Majesty & Poverty of Metaphysics,” at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Maritain Association, held at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA. Congratulations Dr. Trapani!

Walsh University extends a big welcome to Admissions Counselor Lainey Greer. Lainey joined Walsh University as Admissions/Transfer Admissions Counselor on Monday, March 23rd.   Lainey's previous experience includes guest services, operations and supervisory roles at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. 

Financial Aid Counselor Sara Hodges is the recipient of the New Professional Award this year at the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) annual conference! The New Professional Award was established to recognize the outstanding contributions of financial aid professionals early in their careers. A huge congratulations to Sara! Thanks for all you do!

https://www.oasfaa.org/awards_and_recognitions.php

Josh Steck

Kristi Campbell