Published August 8, 2020
Celebrating Philanthropic Success
In a year of celebrating Wittenberg’s 175th birthday, the collective power, support, and generosity of the University’s alumni and friends has been a story of its own. The passion and commitment of the Wittenberg community to affect change was tangible this last fiscal year (July 1, 2019–June 30, 2020) as evidenced by record-setting philanthropic success, proving once again that Tigers step up when called upon to do so. Because of Wittenberg alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, students, parents, and friends, Wittenberg surpassed several fundraising milestones.
Join the BPS & Unlock The Match
Through their generosity, Wes and Ann Bates have agreed to gift an additional $1,000 for the first 100 members of the BPS, beginning July 1, 2020. Make your gift today to become a member of the Benjamin Prince Society and double your impact.
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Update
While we had hoped that the fall would find us able to gather together, current guidance makes it clear that we cannot do so at this time. As a result, we will be hosting a virtual Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, October 2-4, 2020. Save the date and look for more information on the Homecoming & Reunion page soon.
#MaskUp Ambassador Program
Wittenberg has launched the #MaskUp Ambassador program, which invites students, faculty, and staff to become role models for Wittenberg by communicating the importance of wearing a mask to keep the community strong, healthy, and vibrant. Updates and actions, as well as current community expectations, can be found on the University's new WITT: We’re In This Together website.
Intercollegiate Competition Suspended
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present evolving challenges to our campuses and communities, Wittenberg University, in conjunction with the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Presidents’ Council, has suspended all intercollegiate competition through Dec. 31, 2020. All of Wittenberg’s sports programs will be affected by this decision in some way, including those sports with non-traditional fall seasons, winter sports with competition dates in the fall semester, and those sports not affiliated with the NCAC (women’s water polo and men’s volleyball).
2019 Hall of Honor
Eight individuals, representing 10 different sports, have been selected for induction into Wittenberg's Athletics Hall of Honor. Join us in honoring their accomplishments by viewing the 2019 Hall of Honor Inductee video next week. View the original release to learn more about this group of inductees.
Join The Alumni Board
Wittenberg Alumni are invited to nominate themselves or someone they know to serve on the Alumni Board. The Alumni Board will be adding 4-6 new members by early October. If you’re interested in submitting a name please do so by September 1.
Carry on Your Legacy
Legacy scholarships and referral awards are available through the Office of Admission. Alumni are encouraged to submit a student’s information. The student will then be eligible for a minimum of $18,450 upon acceptance with scholarship amounts varying based on academic achievement and automatically receive an Alumni Referral Award of $1,000 per year. Complete the form at this link, and the Office of Admission will make certain the student receives information about Wittenberg. Submit now for a Wittenberg gift.
Creating Collaborative Spaces
Provost Michelle Mattson announced the establishment of the Wittenberg Institute for Public Humanities and Sciences (WIPHS) focusing on a combination of experiential learning and community engagement. Under the direction of Professor of Philosophy Nancy McHugh, who will serve as the inaugural director, the WIPHS aims to develop programming and grant funding to directly align with public-facing work in academia. Mattson also announced several campus office moves that will allow for easier student access and more inter-campus collaboration.
Servant of the Year
Taking the tough conversations one step further, Associate Professor of Philosophy Julius Bailey is providing insight and guidance on social change through his new pilot podcast titled “Straight, No Chaser.” His most recent guest was Cornel West, professor of the practice of public philosophy at the Harvard Divinity School. On Monday, Aug. 10, Bailey will talk with Eddie Glaude, author of the New York Times' bestseller Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.
Faculty News
Renowned teacher as well as an author and editor, Albert A. Hayden, professor emeritus of history, passed away July 21, 2020, at the age of 96. He is remembered as an outstanding teacher, serious scholar, dedicated mentor, and generous friend.
#LifeAfterWitt
Laura Kay ’12, a theatre and history alumna, is using her creative talents to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Petunia’s Playhouse,” a web series she created that uses puppets to teach about self-care, has already been accepted into several film festivals.