April 15, 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.

Here is a special message from 2026 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient Chris Stefanick to the graduating Class of 2026. We look forward to celebrating this year’s class on Saturday, May 2! Full Commencement details here.

President’s List honorees are exceptional students who have shown their commitment to personal growth and contributions to others. The following students have earned achievement on two of three honors lists including the Dean’s List, Athletic Director’s List, and Service Award List. Congratulations to our 2026 President’s List recipients! Graduating seniors will be honored at special President’s Awards Dinner during Commencement weekend, on Friday, May 1. | View President’s List

Congratulations to senior biology, pre-professional major Hannah Blawas who was notified at the recent Cavs Connect Mixer that she will be the recipient of Walsh’s highest honor, the T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence Award and will represent the Class of 2026 as the Commencement Speaker. The T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence Award is Walsh University’s most prestigious non-academic award given each year. It is presented annually at the President’s Dinner to the senior who had during her/his Walsh years displayed talented leadership, outstanding dedication to campus and community, a commitment to current and future Cavaliers, embodies core values of faith, excellence, integrity, service and community, and responsible extra-curricular distinction. Read more about Hannah

Senior Museum Studies and Visual & Performing Arts major Brianna Birkle will be receiving the 2026 Outstanding Student Award at this year’s Honors Convocation. As Walsh’s most prestigious academic honor, the Outstanding Student recipient must have earned a very high cumulative grade point average (typically greater than 3.9) and demonstrated interdisciplinary excellence.  Brianna has earned Dean’s List honors every term while excelling in an interdisciplinary program spanning museum practice, art history, studio art, and advanced chemistry.

Through the Honors Program, she completed a thesis on the chemical suitability of digitally printed textiles for cultural heritage objects, supported by more than 200 hours of laboratory research using advanced analytical techniques. Her scholarship and presentations have reached institutions such as ICA Art Conservation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the White House Historical Association. Brianna has also gained over 1,900 hours of hands-on experience across museums, conservation labs, and historical sites, developing expertise in object treatment, documentation, and exhibition support. As Co-President of Art Club, Treasurer of the Museum Engagement Team, Vice President of Trek Club, and an International Ambassador, she demonstrates strong leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to the preservation of art and history.

The Walsh University Chorale and Handbell Choir will present "A Spring Tapestry" on Friday, April 17, at 7pm. The concert will be held in Alumni Arena and is free to all. The program features secular pieces, Broadway tunes, and celebrates our 2026 graduates!

Walsh University’s DeVille School of Business marked the 55th Business Club Scholarship Luncheon with a record show of generosity and community spirit. The event, held April 10 in the Barrette Business and Community Center, brought together students, alumni, and business leaders to celebrate achievement and support future scholars. Keynote speaker Thomas B. McGowan IV, President and CEO of The McGowan Companies, underscored the value of truth, purpose, and mission in business—and pledged a remarkable $100,000 gift to advance Walsh’s Catholic mission. In all, 34 business scholarships were awarded, made possible through event proceeds, generous benefactors, and support from sponsors including Huntington Bank, Aultcare, and AWP Safety.

Read Story from Your Ohio News

Read the full story and view event photos

Walsh University is excited to offer undergraduate students a NEW 3-credit hour summer practicum course called the Walsh University Global Career Accelerator. Students enrolled in the course will gain real-world experience working on projects with representatives from the world’s most recognized companies — including OpenAI, L’Oréal, Intel, and the Grammys.

Through our partnership with Podium Education, you’ll work on projects that build your professional portfolio, earn industry-recognized certifications in areas like AI, digital marketing, UX/UI, and collaborate with students and recruiters around the world. The course begins Summer 1 and is open to all students — For those still seeking an internship, this may meet your requirement with approval from your advisor.

Get 3 credits, global connections, and future-ready skills — all in one program THIS SUMMER. Learn more and register at www.careeraccelerator.walsh.edu.

Earlier this month, Walsh University’s World Music Ensemble had a fantastic time collaborating with students from Canton’s En-Rich-Ment program, an arts and education program for underserved youth. Walsh students learned a steel pan piece and then taught it to students from the En-Rich-Ment program.  The learning exchange included cultural elements and perspectives from the music of Trinidad and Tobago.

Show your support for survivors and help raise awareness by wearing denim on April 29 for Denim Day. This simple act stands against misconceptions about sexual assault and unites our community in promoting respect, dignity, and solidarity.

When students begin a research assignment, it is easy to turn first to Google or a handful of familiar databases. But quietly supporting nearly every discipline—and consistently proving themselves indispensable—are two research workhorses that deserve far more attention: EBSCO’s Academic Search Complete and Academic Search Premier.

Read more: https://libguides.walsh.edu/blogs/library-news/academic-search

Enjoy a summer of great music under the stars! This package includes two season passes to the Plain Township Amphitheater 2026 Summer Concert Series, held Thursday nights, June through August. Sit back and enjoy 10 incredible tribute bands, including Bee Gees Gold, Forever Seger, Hard Day’s Night, ABBA Revisited, Zeppelin Reimagined, and more. To make the evening even better, the package includes a $50 gift card to The Bistro of Oakwood.

Support Walsh University students by joining us at the Cavalier Soirée on Friday, May 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hoover Park Dance Hall & Grounds. Place your bid on this sizzling auction item while enjoying an evening of food, fun, and community. View online auction items or purchase tickets here.

Shout out to Dr. Amy Heston who presented a webinar last week to the Graduate Students Association of Ghana on building sustainable international research collaborations.

Let’s give a warm welcome to Robin Clark, who joined Walsh University as Professional Development Coordinator, within the Alumni and Career Connections Office on April 7th.  Robin’s previous experience includes more than 25 years in Marketing, Communications and Training for both non-profit and for-profit organizations including Akron Children’s Hospital and AultCare. 

Also joining Walsh University is part-time Campus and Community Programs Assistant, Cindy Desramaux. Cindy’s previous experience includes working as a Paraprofessional at ESC (Stark County Educational Center Services) for preschoolers with special needs.  She also has experience in logistics, sales and administrative experience.

Annette Bernard

Amanda Dalpiaz

Ramona Evans

Christine Streb

Jonathan Stump