Original story posted at wheeling.edu - By Kelly Klubert
WHEELING, W.Va., Nov. 25 – Wheeling University launched its annual fundraising campaign, "Light The Way," which will support academic programs, scholarships, student programming, service-learning opportunities and facility improvements. Today, President Dianna Vargo, Ed.D. and Board of Trustees Chairman David Hendrickson announced two gifts totaling $1 million to kick off this fundraising campaign.
The University leadership noted it has received a $500,000 gift from WesBanco, Inc. and a $500,000 gift from Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration. This funding will be used to renovate the outdoor athletic complex at Wheeling University.
Hendrickson said he is overwhelmed by the generosity of the "two local businesses and neighbors" who stepped forward to help renovate the outdoor stadium. He expressed his gratitude to the Contraguerro family and WesBanco officials for their belief in Wheeling University.
"We hope this is the beginning of many, many more gifts to the school, because what you are allowing is for this institution to educate our future leaders. The money you have invested in their future will be paid back many, many fold," Hendrickson said to the donors.
University President, Dr. Dianna M. Vargo said, "Today, we are all moved by the generosity of Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration and WesBanco. These gifts provide our students with the opportunity to showcase their talents in an impressive venue and to compete at the highest level. We are grateful."
Vice President of Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Bob Contrageurro, Jr. noted, "Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration is proud to support Wheeling University's Light The Way campaign with a gift of $500,000. As a company deeply rooted in this community, we are committed to investing in opportunities that strengthen and enrich the Ohio Valley. This contribution will help renovate the outdoor stadium complex, creating an enhanced space for students, athletes and families to gather and celebrate for years to come. We are honored to play a part in advancing the university's mission and bright future."
Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer, WesBanco, Inc. said, "Wheeling University is an important part of the fabric of our region, and we're honored to join Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration to help 'light the way' in supporting the University's mission. Together, we're investing in a facility that will enhance the student experience and strengthen the connection between the University and the community we all call home."
The Most Rev. Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, said Wheeling University is part of a community of human beings who live and work in the city.
"It (the University) is important to this community and it is so good for me to see that other institutions – a business, Panhandle and a bank, WesBanco – have stepped up to support this institution within the community. I hope that others will join them to offer their resources to strengthen this University so it can fulfill its purpose to prepare young people to enter the world with the skills, and hopefully the values of service to others, to make them good citizens and worthy members of this human community," the Bishop said.
Dr. Vargo added this day "will always carry great significance for each of us, especially those of us at Wheeling University. A special thank you to Bishop Brennan for his unwavering care and support of our students, and for inspiring us to be men and women for others."
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About WesBanco
With over 150 years as a community-focused, regional financial services partner, WesBanco, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC) and its subsidiaries build lasting prosperity through relationships and solutions that empower our customers for success in their financial journeys. Customers across our nine-state footprint choose WesBanco for the comprehensive range and personalized delivery of our retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services, all designed to advance their financial goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, WesBanco has $27.5 billion in total assets, with our Trust and Investment Services holding $7.7 billion of assets under management and securities account values (including annuities) of $2.6 billion through our broker/dealer, as of September 30, 2025. Learn more at www.WesBanco.com and follow @WesBanco on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
