January 14, 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.

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Walsh University Athletics is once again named a finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for the eighth straight year! This year, Walsh entered with our Cavs Salute initiative that honored first responders for their sacrifices to protect our freedoms. The winner will be announced at the NCAA Convention on Friday.

We are excited to share that Walsh University will introduce Stellic in Fall 2026, a new academic planning and advising platform designed to make the advising process more seamless for both students, advisors, and faculty. Stellic allows students to visualize degree requirements, plan courses, track progress toward graduation, and manage their academic journey in an intuitive digital environment. For academic advisors and faculty, Stellic offers powerful tools to enhance academic advising, support student success, and improve collaboration across departments. By providing students and academic advisors with real-time insights and a clearer view of each student’s academic pathway, Stellic will help ensure timely progress toward degree completion and more informed decision-making. Keep a look out for more details!

Rooted in its Catholic mission and commitment to the sacred worth of every person, Walsh University’s Dignity in Action: The Year of Faith initiative, Jan. 19–23, invites the campus community to pause, reflect, and act in service of justice and human dignity. Anchored by the MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, the week begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Alumni Arena before students, faculty, and staff head into the community to serve. Throughout the week, a series of programs will challenge participants to engage faith in action, including The Creation of Man: Theology on Tap (Jan. 20), the SPENT Poverty Simulation through the Blouin Scholar Program and Ignite (both Jan. 21), and The Sacred Worth of Every Person: Faith, Dignity, and Immigration hosted by Walsh United (Jan. 22). Dignity in Action Week concludes on Jan. 23 with the March for Life, as Cav Nation joins a peaceful and prayerful pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. | View Schedule (PDF)

There’s still time to participate in the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest, but all essays must be submitted by 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 14. Students are invited to reflect on this year’s theme, The Year of Faith, inspired by Dr. King’s example of faith in action. Essays should explore how students’ faith convictions guide their actions, service, and leadership at Walsh and beyond. Detailed submission instructions were shared via email from the Office for Culture and Belonging on Monday, January 5. Winners will be recognized at the MLK Jr. Day of Service Breakfast.

The winning essay will be awarded a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship, with non-renewable $500 scholarships awarded to second- and third-place winners. | Submit Essay Here

Walsh University has designated Friday, March 23, as a day away from classes to honor the March for Life taking place in Washington D.C. This important day away from regular campus activities gives students, faculty, staff, and coaches the opportunity to prayerfully discern participation in this powerful communal witness. For Catholic university students, the March for Life offers a profound opportunity to affirm the dignity of every human life, build pro-life leadership, and unite faith, learning, and public action alongside thousands of peers committed to a culture of life. Those not traveling are invited to honor the unborn and witness the blessing of those attending by joining Holy Mass at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel.

In this Year of Faith, 56 Walsh University students and staff have signed up to travel to Washington, D.C., departing Thursday evening. They will be accompanied by Chief Student Experience Officer Mike Cinson and Reverend Ryan Furlong to participate in this year’s March for Life, themed “Life Is a Gift,” which marks the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. President Tim Collins, who will be there for university business, will join the group in the nation’s capital.

In the spirit of continuing a long-established tradition of prayer in Catholic education, faculty are encouraged to introduce prayer in the classroom. This can be as simple as a short prayer or moment of reflection led by you or a student. Taking this pause helps center the class and reminds us that learning at Walsh is both an intellectual and spiritual journey, bringing faith and reason together. More information can be found on the attached PDF. | Read More (PDF)  

Scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are now available! Students are encouraged to apply early, as application deadlines are Sunday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, March 15. Be sure to check back often as new scholarship opportunities may be added. Please note that applications received after the deadline cannot be considered.

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

Thank you to everyone who supported Walsh University’s Wear Blue Day during the Jan. 10 home basketball games as part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about human trafficking. Throughout the month, the campus community is invited to visit the Brother Edmond Drouin Library to view a special display highlighting Not For Sale: One Step At A Time and Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness month.

Congratulations Dr. Kali Scott, Clinical Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Department, on earning her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences! A valued member of the Walsh community for the past year and a half, she brings more than a decade of clinical experience at Akron Children’s Hospital to work with our students. This milestone reflects her dedication to the profession, to teaching, and to lifelong learning—all achieved while balancing a demanding career and family life. We are proud to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment!