February 18, 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 enter the sacred season of Lent, the Walsh University community is invited to embrace this time of prayer, reflection, fasting, and service in preparation for Easter. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this spiritual journey, offering an opportunity to pause, renew our faith, and deepen our relationship with God. Throughout Lent, Rev. Furlong, University Chaplain, will host three noon-hour “pop-up” retreat talks in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel focused on the life of St. Francis of Assisi and his reflections on Lent, penance, and sacrifice. Each session will include a short talk, brief meditation, and time for silent reflection, with snacks and drinks provided. Dates will be announced soon, and all students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate, regardless of faith tradition.

Walsh University undergraduate business students recently earned global recognition in the GLO-BUS business strategy simulation, with 17 students competing across seven teams and achieving multiple Global Top 100 rankings among 1,346 teams from 85 colleges and universities worldwide during the week of February 9–15. Student teams demonstrated exceptional performance across key metrics including overall game-to-date score, earnings per share, stock price, and return on average equity, with several teams achieving top worldwide results. The experience reflects Walsh’s hands‑on approach to learning, giving students the opportunity to put strategy into practice, think critically under pressure, and gain meaningful experience that prepares them for what comes next after graduation.

From Vision to Impact: Locally Owned Business Expo is happening Thursday, February 19, from 11 AM to 1 PM in the David Center Atrium. This is your chance to connect directly with locally owned businesses and organizations, learn how entrepreneurs grow and sustain their work, and explore real-world career paths. Meet business owners, ask questions, and build meaningful connections, whether you are interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership, or expanding your professional network. Hosted by the Office for Culture and Belonging, Alumni and Career Connections, and the Black Student Union. | View event flyer (PDF) | Register on Handshake

President Tim Collins recently contributed to a Signal Cleveland article exploring why competing Ohio private colleges are collaborating in response to federal higher education changes. The piece highlights his participation in advocacy meetings in Washington, D.C., where college presidents discussed the potential impact of the new federal spending package on student loans, access to higher education, and tuition-dependent institutions. President Collins shared Walsh University’s perspective on how policy decisions may affect students and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with lawmakers to support opportunity and affordability in higher education. Read More from Signal Online

Watch at News 5 Cleveland Online

News 5 Cleveland featured a moving story at Walsh University, where Head Football Coach John Fankhauser and the Walsh football team welcomed Zach Bucklew, a young teammate battling T-cell leukemia, showing that the true power of athletics is found in community, compassion, and standing together.

The DeVille School of Business invites the campus community to attend 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. This year’s luncheon will feature keynote speaker Thomas B. McGowan IV, J.D., M.B.A., President and CEO of The McGowan Companies, who will share the story behind one of the oldest and largest brokerage firms in the United States. The event celebrates student achievement through scholarship awards while supporting future opportunities for DeVille School of Business students. Individual tickets are $50. Event Flyer (PDF) | RSVP Online

The annual International Dinner & Cultural Festival hosted by Walsh University’s World Student Organization will be held on Saturday, March 21. Doors open at 4:30 PM, with the event taking place from 5 to 7:30 PM. This vibrant festival highlights the rich cultural heritage of Walsh’s diverse student body through authentic international cuisine, live performances, and artistic displays. Guests will have the opportunity to experience flavors and traditions from around the world while enjoying music, dance, and other cultural presentations.

The Annual Community Health and Wellness Clinic at Walsh University will be held April 15, 16, and 17, with appointments starting at 8 AM. Registration is required. Health and wellness assessments are conducted by students in Walsh University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy programs and are fully supervised by licensed physical and occupational therapists. The clinic includes free health and wellness screenings focused on movement, strength, balance, and vision, along with referrals to community resources or additional healthcare providers as needed. Previous attendees may also compare this year’s results with data from past years and receive individualized education from nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students. Visit our website for more information and registration links.

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

A Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble concert is planned for Sunday, February 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.

Join scholars, educators and innovators from around the world for the 3^rd 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 can be submitted online through Friday, February 27.

The Education for Life Colloquium Series presented an evening celebrating women in the arts with the Canton Museum of Art’s exhibition Shattered Glass and a special performance by the Canton Ballet. Christy Davis, Curator of Exhibitions at the Canton Museum of Art, shared the story behind the exhibition, which features over 100 works by women who defied expectations and left a lasting mark on the art world. Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, Director of the Canton Ballet, highlighted the company’s history and introduced The Broken Greenhouse, a commissioned ballet inspired by the exhibition. The program concluded with a live performance that brought themes of creativity, resilience, and empowerment to life. The event was made possible with generous support from the Wilkof and Nolan families.

Maria Purcell, a junior biology pre-med and chemistry major at Walsh University aiming to become a pediatrician, will make her debut with Carnation City Players as Ella in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Firehouse Theater. Purcell, who has previously appeared on stage in Dayton as Princess Carnation, joins a production that blends classic Rodgers & Hammerstein melodies with a contemporary, whimsical twist, running February 20–22. | Read more about Maria

Professor Branko Bucar in the DeVille School of Business was featured in WalletHub’s recent article Business Credit Cards with Rewards. Read More at WalletHub Online

John Schissler