Here to provide you insight, updates, and information on your student's experience at WU
Updates from the Dean
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Happy spring! I hope you were able to enjoy spring break with your Yellow Jacket. We are starting to experience nicer weather days, which is wonderful
It is difficult to believe that the end of the academic year is near and Commencement is right around the corner! Final exams will begin the last week of April
Residence halls will remain open for Easter break, April 3-6; classes resume at 6 pm on Monday, April 6th
However, all residence halls and on-campus houses will officially close for the summer break on Saturday, May 2, at noon Please begin to make travel arrangements.
If you or your student have any questions regarding Commencement, please visit www.waynesburg.edu/commencement or email commencement@waynesburg edu
As always, we are here to support your student and assist you with any questions along the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (724) 852-3206
Blessings,
Kelley M. Hardie, Assistant Vice President of Student Development, Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator
April Athletics Baseball:
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 @ GROVE CITY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 VS BETHANY
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 VS SAINT VINCENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 14 VS WESTMINSTER
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 VS HIRAM
MONDAY, APRIL 20 VS MUSKINGUM
WEFDNESDAY, APRIL 22 @ CHATHAM
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ GENEVA
Softball:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 VS FRANCISCAN
TUESDAY APRIL 7 VS BETHANY
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 @ CHATHAM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 @ HIRAM
TUESDAY, APRIL 21 VS SAINT VINCENT
THURSDAY APRIL 23 @PENN STATE BRHREND
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ WESTMINSTER
Men’s Tennis:
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 VS CARLOW
TUESDAY, APRIL 7 @ GROVE CITY
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 VS MOUNT ALOYSIUS
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 VS FRANCISCAN
TUESDAY, APRIL 14 @ WESTMINSTER
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 VS GENEVA
Women’s Tennis:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 @ CARLOW
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 VS MOUNT ALOYSIUS
Men’s Golf:
MONDAY,APRIL6@THIELINVITATIONAL
THURSDAY,APRIL9@BETHANYINVITATIONAL
MONDAY,APRIL13@PETERC.ROSSINMEMORIAL INVITATIONAL
MONDAY,APRIL20@MBAINVITATIONAL
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 PAC SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 PAC SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
Women’s Golf:
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 @ BETHANY INVITATIONAL
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 @ WESTMINSTER INVITATIONA
MONDAY, APRIL 13 @ PETER C. ROSSIN MEMORIAL
INVITATIONAL
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 @ PAC SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ PAC SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
Men’s & Women's Outdoor Track & Field:
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 @ WESTMINSTER INVITATIONAL
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 @ MOUNTAINEER TWILIGHT
THURSDAY APRIL @ 30 PRESIDENTS ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
waynesburg University
HARKER AIMING HIGHER AND
HIGHER
FROM THE THROWS PIT April
Harker didn’t begin as a track-andfield athlete Like many, his roots were on the football field Track was simply something to try a way to spend more time with friends. That casual decision, however, turned into something much bigger
READ MORE ABOUT HARKERS SEASON HERE: MAKING THE MOST OF THIS SHOT...PUT
Highlights of the Evening: WAYNESBURG, Pa For Jacob Harker, success didn’t happen overnight and that’s exactly what makes his story worth telling.
The junior standout has quietly built one of the most impressive throwing careers in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships, recently securing his third shot put title. But behind the wins is a journey shaped by patience, resilience and an unexpected start.
Head coach Chris Hardie saw that potential long before Harker arrived on campus He describes an athlete who thrives under pressure someone who rises to the moment rather than shrinking from it.
Six years later, Harker has become a cornerstone of the program at WaynesburgUniversity
Even he admits the success came faster than expected
“My goal was to win a PAC championship my freshman year,” Harker said. “The goal was always to win,butIdidn’texpectthree.”
What stands out most isn’t just the number of titles it’s his mindset While manyathletesmeasuresuccessinwins, Harker focuses on improvement Each season, each meet, and each throw is aboutgoingfartherthanbefore
“It still means a lot to win a title,” he said, “but it feels even better to have a farther distance than last year.”
That steady drive to improve didn’t come easily. A torn LCL during his senior year of high school forced Harker to confront uncertainty early in his career Rehab was difficult, but it ultimately shaped his work ethic and discipline traits that now define his approach
Those qualities haven’t gone unnoticed.
Assistant coach Kevin Thacker points to Harker’s consistency and intentionality as key factors in his success Whether it’s training, recovery or competition, every detail matters
That composure has been evident in championship settings, where expectations and pressure continue to grow
Yet for Harker, the foundation remains simple: hard work His routine includes multiple weekly lifting sessions and countless technical drills, each designed to refine his craft. It’s not just about throwing more it’s about throwing smarter.
Just as important is the environment around him Coaches who invest in his development and teammates who push and support him have played a major role in his rise
“They hype me up and get me going,” Harker said “I want to throw farther for them.”
Now, with the 2026 outdoor season approaching, Harker isn’t slowing down. If anything, his goals are getting bigger.
A fourth conference title is firmly in sight Beyond that, he’s aiming for something even greater: a shot at the national stage
His coaches believe it’s possible And based on his trajectory, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
For Harker, though, the formula doesn’t change—keep working, keep improving and keep throwing farther
Because if his journey so far proves anything, it’s that steady progress can lead to standout success
Thank You for Your Support of Waynesburg University’s 2026 Orange Week!
Because of you, Orange Week was a tremendous success.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and for the role you play in advancing our mission
Your generosity continues to inspire progress and opportunity throughout our campus
Thank you for being an essential part of Orange Week and for investing in the future of Waynesburg University With appreciation, The Office of Institutional Advancement
To Do List: THE 2026-27
FAFSA!
If you want to apply for federal, state and/or WU aid for the 2026-27 academic year, NOW is the time to complete your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov.
If you need help or have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 724-852-3208 or finaid@waynesburg.edu. We are glad to help!
Pathways updates
Library Week will take place from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17 Various events are scheduled throughout the week including:
o Tuesday, April 14: Poetry Slam, Skylight Room, Eberly Library (5 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 15: Lattes with a Librarian, 1 Floor Stover (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) st
Students will receive a Starbucks coupon for visiting with our librarian - while supplies last!
Thursday, April 16: Runway Royale: Career Closet Fashion Show, Pathways Center, Eberly Library (1 pm)
Friday, April 17: Stacks and Snacks Game Night, 1 Floor, Eberly Library (6 p.m.) st
The Pathways Weekly Professional Showcase Series wraps up this month with the following recruiting tables in Stover (Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.):
April 1: H&H Water; Waynesburg Graduate Programs
April 8: Prince William County Police Department; Christian & Missionary Alliance
April 15: Washington County CYS
The Writing Center is currently hiring new tutors for the Fall 2026 semester. Students who are strong writers and are interested in working in the Writing Center should contact Sarah Scott to learn more
The last day for Writing Center appointments this semester is Thursday, April 23. The Writing Center continues to be open Monday through Thursday, with appointments available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The final day for Peer Tutoring appointments is Friday, April 24. Students can review available appointments and schedule on WCOnline
The last day for Career Closet staffed hours is Thursday, April 23; however, students may visit the Career Closet and use our self-checkout form until the end of the semester (Friday, May 1). The Career Closet is a resource where students can access free professional clothing for free - and they're welcome to keep what they take!
Students can reach out to the Pathways Center for academic support at any time by emailing pathways@waynesburgedu
Want more frequent updates? Follow us on Instagram at @wu pathways for event dates, reminders, and fun videos all year long.
To the parents and families of the Class of 2026, we invite you to participate in a longstanding tradition at Waynesburg. Each year, graduating seniors and their families make a gift to the University through The Senior Class Gift program. Making a gift is the perfect opportunity to honor your students’ hard work over the past four years.
This year’s Senior Class Gift Committee has chosen to raise funds to improve Guesman Café, located just outside the second floor of the Stover Campus Center. The project will introduce a defined lattice wall on the side nearest Stover, complemented by added greenery. These improvements will create a more welcoming atmosphere and elevate the overall aesthetic of the café space. Any funds raised above and beyond those needed for the renovation will be used to add other enhancements, such as additional lattice and greenery, a WU-themed visual, and other aesthetic and functional elements.
To make a charitable gift in honor of your 2026 graduate and help the senior class reach its fundraising goal, visit waynesburg.edu/classof2026.
All “Class of 2026” gifts received prior to June 30, 2026 will be listed in the 2025-2026 President’s Report.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to celebrate this significant achievement, the Alumni Office wants to congratulate your entire family. We know that family support is vital to our students and their academic achievements. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to honoring this milestone at Commencement on May 3, 2026.
P.S. To thank you for your generosity, we will send your graduate a Waynesburg University Alumni laptop sticker and/or a WU journal based on your giving level.
The Deadline is Approaching
It's Pat from Waynesburg University sending a reminder that the registration link to order a Care Package for your student is still live, but the deadline is approaching. This is an opportunity to send a thoughtful gift to your student for all of their hard work throughout the Fall semester Place your order today!
Students who receive a Care Package will be given a Waynesburg University embroidered 1/4 zip sweatshirt and a reusable WU Tote Bag filled with their favorite late night study snacks Here's an example:
Does your student have allergies? No worries! We will provide a Care Package that is appropriate.
We have three easy steps to purchase a Care Package: Pat Bristor / Student Engagement
1 Fill out the online form: waynesburg.edu/carepackage or print the form and make a check payable to Waynesburg University for $35 and return your check, information sheet and your greeting card no later than March 27, 2026
Waynesburg University 51 West College Street Waynesburg, PA 15370
3. Sit back and relax while we create and notify your student to pick up their Care Package on April 20 in Student Engagement (Stover 307) th
