Photo provided Left to Right Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D, Wheeling University President; Gerald Schroer, Jr., alumnus and Commencement Speaker; Andy Schmidt and Cameron Zinn, Co-Valedictorians; David Hendrickson, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Chad Carter, member of the Board of Trustees.

WHEELING — Wheeling University commencement speaker and alumnus Gerald F. Schroer Jr. congratulated the Class of 2026 while outlining key life lessons on integrity, friendship, failure, faith and understanding, saying those principles will guide graduates throughout their lives.

A self-described “late bloomer,” Schroer said, “I am living proof that with a supportive family, a supportive environment, good friends and certainly blessings in my own personal journey, anything is possible.”

“Always, and I mean always, take the high road and do the right thing,” he told graduates. “Doing the right thing will not always be the easiest path, but it will always be the best path.”

A member of the Class of 1986 and CEO of The Schroer Group in North Canton, Ohio, Schroer encouraged graduates to listen to people with beliefs different from their own.

“Talk and listen and be open to the thoughts of people who are different from you,” he said. “Real understanding and respect only happen when we reach out and truly listen to each other.”

He also stressed the importance of faith.

“No matter where you are in your faith journey, try to maintain a relationship with God. He’s always there,” Schroer said.

“My hope for each of you is that as you go through life, you experience the same love and support that I have received from family, friends and fellow alumni,” he added. “I hope you remember these brief thoughts. I hope you give back to your family, friends and communities in ways you never imagined. I hope you always take the high road. Serve others. Protect your friends and family. Keep your faith. And always remember, anything is possible.”

The university awarded Schroer an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

Wheeling University President Dianna M. Vargo said graduates are prepared to become future leaders.

“We are confident that Wheeling University has carried forth its mission to you,” Vargo said. “All of us are witness to your spiritual enlightenment, to your hard work and commitment to your studies, to your striving to find God in everything you do. We have no doubt that you are fully prepared to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Andrew Schmidt, who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and sports management, and Cameron Zinn, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, were named co-valedictorians for the Class of 2026.

Schmidt, a native of St. Clairsville, said the word that best summarizes his four years at Wheeling University is dedication.

He said his faith guided him throughout college.

“Colossians 3:23 reminds us: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,'” Schmidt said. “That verse has shaped my approach to everything I do. Dedication isn’t just about achievement. It’s about giving your whole heart to what matters most.”

“Dedication has been like a compass, always pointing me in the right direction,” he added. “On the soccer field, I learned that true success is rarely defined by a single moment. In the classroom, that same dedication led me through a double major in accounting and sports management — two very different worlds, with numbers on one side and organization and collaboration on the other.”

Schmidt encouraged classmates to carry that dedication into the future.

“Whether it is on the field, in the office or in our communities, let us strive not just for success, but for meaning,” he said. “Let us be leaders who inspire, thinkers who innovate and friends who support.”

Zinn, a native of McArthur, said she did not realize four years ago how much Wheeling University would impact her life.

“Each of us arrived here with different dreams, different goals and different paths ahead,” Zinn said. “Yet through every challenge and moment of doubt, we have all found our way to this day and shared accomplishment.”

She said Wheeling University emphasizes becoming men and women for life, leadership and service.

“Here, we are not only encouraged to grow intellectually but also reflect on who we are and who we are called to become,” Zinn said. “We are reminded that success is not measured solely by achievement, but by how we use our gifts to serve and help others.”

She encouraged classmates to apply those values daily.

“In your profession, strive to make a difference in any way you can,” Zinn said. “Stay grounded in your purpose, trust in your abilities and remember that God is with you every step of the way.”

During the 68th commencement ceremony, Vargo conferred degrees on nearly 200 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.