The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will recognize three Wheeling Jesuit University seniors during the 24th Annual Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools set for Saturday, April 22.
During the event, the Most Rev. Michael Bransfield, bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling- Charleston, will honor Brett Dipuma and award him the Aquinas Medal, while Mariah Callen and Micah Tatebe will be given the St. Sebastian Medal.
The day will begin with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Bransfield at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Morgantown at 10 a.m. The recognition dinner, held at the Morgantown Event Center, will follow.
“We are extremely proud of our students honored by the diocese for their exemplary service to the community motivated by faith. On the court and playing field, teaching Sunday school and leading retreats, in soup kitchens and after-school programs, Brett, Micah and Mariah demonstrate what we hope a Jesuit, Catholic education forms: ethical leaders motivated by faith in service others,” said Jamey Brogan, director of Campus Ministry and Mission & Identity.
Dipuma, a native of New Orleans and an English and Theology double-major, has been selected to receive the Aquinas Medal, which is given annually to a student in the graduating class from each Catholic school in the Diocese. The Award recognizes students who embody the spirit of the school’s mission through his or her activity on campus and through service to the church and community.
A senior, Dipuma is known at Wheeling Jesuit for his involvement, leadership, generosity and tenacity in giving his time and energy to promote the university’s mission. He has been involved in all areas of Campus Ministry, from liturgical ministry to organizing retreats to leading small prayer communities on campus. Dipuma has served the Catholic community as a P.S.R. instructor at St. Michael Parish.
He presently serves as president of Wheeling Jesuit’s Student Government Association. This year as SGA president, he initiated and coordinated a team of students, employees and faculty to lead an event to raise awareness of those impacted by the cancellation of the DACA executive order. More than 100 students and employees attended the event.
Brogan said, “Brett sets a remarkable example of generosity and leadership for faith and justice. He lives a life that embodies Wheeling Jesuit mission to be a man who serves others.”
Two Wheeling Jesuit student-athletes, Callen and Tatebe, will receive St. Sebastian Medals. The award recognizes high-achieving student-athletes who exhibit the qualities of sportsmanship, teamwork, academics and a high respect for WJU, classmates, teammates, opponents, parish and community.
“Mariah and Micah are fine examples of Wheeling Jesuit student athletes — they excel in the classroom, in competition and in living the university’s mission to be men and women for others. Both exhibit sportsmanship and leadership on campus and with their teams. I am so proud of what Mariah and Micah have accomplished during their four years at WJU,” said Rudy Yovich, Wheeling Jesuit director of athletics.
Callen, a native of Morgantown and a member of WJU’s women’s basketball team, helped lead the Cardinals to Mountain East Championships in 2016 and 2017. Academically, she has been on the Dean’s List for the past four years and is an example of how other student athletes should perform in competition and in the classroom. During her time at WJU, Callen has served as a volunteer for Special Olympics, children’s cancer, WJU’s Gaudiosa and at the Welty Home
Tatebe, a native of Warren, Ohio, is also an exceptional student-athlete who exemplifies Wheeling Jesuit University’s mission and values. He has been a leader on the soccer field, in the classroom and in the community. He has served as a Luceat, Admissions’ Ambassador, HESS Mentor and a youth soccer coach. Tatebe is the president of Wheeling Jesuit’s NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Soccer Club. In addition, he has been involved in Campus Ministry as a facilitator of the Man Club (a faith-sharing group for men) and as a retreat leader. He is a Dean’s List student-athlete, Alpha Sigma Nu inductee and the 2017 Community Service Student-Athlete of the Year.
Reservations for the recognition dinner are required and can be made by callling Donna Clark at 304-233-0800, ext 316.
Pictured above are three Wheeling Jesuit University students who will be recognized by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston during its annual Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools April 22. From left are Brett Dipuma, WJU’s Aquinas Medal, and Mariah Callen and Micah Tatebe who will be given St. Sebastian Medals.