Published July 15, 2023
Thank you!
Dear Alumni,
As our came to a close on June 30, I have spent the last weeks reflecting on the amazing contributions and impact this initiative brought forward. Together, you truly lived out our University motto: Having Light We Pass It On To Others.
More than 10,400 donor households participated to help us exceed our campaign goal in a remarkable way. As many remember, at the beginning of our campaign, we set an ambitious goal to raise $100M for our people, place, and present at Wittenberg. Our collective commitment to this amazing institution has resulted in great outcomes. Over the next few weeks, we鈥檒l officially close the books and tally the final campaign total that will exceed $113M. Through your generosity, we have created opportunities inside and outside of the classroom; aided in student financial assistance; supported our faculty and staff; fostered growth of a more inclusive community, and so much more.
Although this campaign is crossing the finish line, this is only the beginning of our increased outreach at Wittenberg. As we plan to celebrate our success together, we know the future will require even more. More funding, more energy, and more determination as we work to overcome the challenges of today so that we can illuminate the future. Yet, I believe that together, our possibilities are endless.
Please mark your calendars to be on campus Friday, October 6, 2023, during Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend where we will officially celebrate Having Light as one community. More information is forthcoming, and we look forward to seeing you this fall.
Thank you again for showing your Tiger Pride and helping us make history.
Rebecca Kocher
Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations
Why Witt?
A new immersive experience, Why Witt? seeks to help students navigate their 鈥渘ext鈥� by listening to and engaging in others鈥� stories as told by those who have been right where students are. The brainchild of entrepreneurs Timmy McCarthy 鈥�02, Wittenberg鈥檚 first-ever Professional in Residence, and John 鈥淗UD鈥� Hudson, business owner, friend, and former classmate, will air on campus in front of a live studio audience every fourth Wednesday of the month beginning in August.
Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend
Registration for Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend, October 5-8, is available. Show your Tiger pride as our athletics teams compete throughout the weekend. Celebrate your Wittenberg experience with the entire community at Launch: Career-Driven Conversations for Alumni, Students, and Parents. Connect in the historic heart of campus to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Homecoming Tailgate, and relive your student days by touring the campus or even your former Greek house. Also plan to join us Friday evening for a special event as we celebrate the success of the Having Light comprehensive campaign at the President鈥檚 Reception: Dessert Under the Stars, and help classmates from 1953, 1963, 1973, 1983, 1998, 1993, 2003, and 2013 celebrate their reunions, too. for events by September 18, 2023.
Launch: Career-Driven Conversations for Alumni, Students, and Parents
Join the Launch event where the entire Wittenberg community comes together to participate in career vocation cluster sessions led by our expert faculty, October 6. Students can sign up for clusters that interest them. Parents and alumni, this Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend event is for you, as well. During Launch, parents can engage in career readiness conversations with their students, while alumni can share their inspiring Wittenberg liberal arts success story. Learn more about Launch and RSVP for this and other Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend events by September 18.
Sharing Expertise
Wittenberg faculty share their insight and expertise on two global issues that have recently dominated the news cycle.
Kenneth E. Wray Chair in the Humanities Christian Raffensperger, professor of history, department chair, and director of the Ermarth Institute for Public Humanities, provided historical context for the Wagner Group鈥檚 attempted rebellion in Russia.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Stacy Porter, a specialist in climate and atmospheric science, discussed the record-setting Canadian wildfires that have impacted air quality in many parts of the U.S. this spring and summer.
Fostering Growth & Intellectual Inquiry
The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has accepted Wittenberg into its Institute on Open Educational Resources (OER) for 2023-2024. The institute is designed to help educators expand campus adoption of free and affordable instructional materials, thereby saving students 鈥� and often institutions 鈥� money.
Digital Liberal Arts
Sachith Dassanayaka, assistant professor of data science, was one of 15 faculty members from liberal arts colleges around the country selected to attend the inaugural Digital Liberal Arts Summer Institute sponsored by Transylvania 麻豆传媒团队 Bingham Program for Excellence in Teaching last month. The goal of the institute is to advance a broader conversation about the role of technology in pedagogy and liberal education.
2022-23 Excellence Awards Honorees
The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) has honored three Wittenberg employees with 2022-23 Excellence Awards for excellence in teaching, service, scholarship, and assessment: Matt Collier 鈥�94, professor of biological and environmental sciences; Megan Hilliard, police coordinator; and Dan McDermitt, director of facilities management.
#LifeAtWitt & #LifeAfterWitt
Passionate about birds and animals since her youth, biology major and lacrosse player Zoe Chirumbolo McKee '24 is gaining significant experience as an intern with the Cincinnati Zoo's Wings of Wonder Encounters this summer. #LifeAtWitt
Read more #LifeAtWitt stories here.
For more than five decades, Rob Rose '69 has served as a beloved coach, mentor, adviser, and teacher 鈥� much like his Wittenberg professors and coaches were to him during his student days. #LifeAfterWitt
Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories here.
Connect with Your Alumni Association
The 麻豆传媒团队 Alumni Association Board is here to serve the alumni community by supporting programming and welcoming suggestions that will help alumni feel more connected to and involved with the University. Do you have something you want to share with the Alumni Association Board? to voice ideas, feedback, and suggestions to an Alumni Association Board member.