Published December 10, 2022
Wittenberg Alumni and Friends,
Our fall semester is nearing its conclusion, and finals are about to begin. A popular tradition on campus during this time is our Midnight Breakfast. From 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., members of our faculty and staff serve students breakfast items in our CDR. The big event happens tomorrow, Dec. 11, and Sharon and I will once again head up the waffle station.
I often bring up this tradition at this time of the year because it always reminds me of the community we foster at Wittenberg. Hundreds of students crowd outside the CDR waiting for the gate to be lifted. Faculty and staff await their entrance, and once inside, laughter, fun, community-building, and memory-making ensue. In this moment, we also see firsthand what makes Wittenberg so special — showing up for our students.
We show up in and outside the classroom. We show up on the fields of play. We show up at performances, gatherings, and in service to others. We want to be part of our students’ journey, and that includes making waffles for them.
This holiday, I hope you know how grateful we are that you also show up for us. You attend alumni events. You engage with us. You mentor our students. You join NetworkWitt, and you also continue to give in more than 100 million ways through our Having Light Campaign.
During this season and every day, please accept our gratitude and thanks for all you do. Keep passing on your light in the year ahead.
Best regards,
Mike Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Celebrating the Season of Light
The campus community recently celebrated the spirit of the holiday season with two festive events. The second annual Wittenberg Tree Lighting event included music by Just Eve, the Wittmen Crew, and the department of music, as well as a “reindeer” petting station featuring 4Paws pups, holiday crafts and treats, a sing-along, and a German/Austrian-style Christmas market.
Focused on the theme of joy, the annual Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas featured readings by students and classic compositions performed by nearly 50 musicians. This year’s service celebrated the music and traditions of different cultures such as those of Haiti, Poland, Latvia, the Caribbean, England, Spain, and Germany.
Save the Date!
Join us as we celebrate the most ambitious campaign in Wittenberg University history with President Michael Frandsen.
Florida Having Light Campaign Event
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023
Red Mesa Cantina, La Florida Room
128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, Florida
Real-World Experience
In response to the continued growth of the popular nursing program, Wittenberg recently renovated the simulation house on campus. Electrical and lighting improvements now allow the program to maximize the available space when providing real-world experience related to community health, critical care, mother/baby, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing.
Sharing Expertise
Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Rebecca Kocher recently chaired and helped present a three-day campaigns workshop for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Kristina Devine, assistant vice president for advancement and operations at Wittenberg, also presented at the workshop.
Reason to Cheer
For the second year in a row, Wittenberg is hosting the Ohio High School Athletic Association Spirit State Championships in the newly renovated and expanded Health, Wellness, & Athletics (HWA) Complex. Organizers say the HWA provides the ideal venue with its 265,000-square-feet of varied indoor space, ample renovated locker rooms, and seating for 3,000 spectators in Pam Evans Smith Arena.
Astronomer in Residence
Wittenberg’s resident astronomer, Professor Emeritus of Physics Daniel Fleisch, is viewing the solar system in a different light. The leading scientist and best-selling author is serving as the Astronomer in Residence at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona through Dec. 21, 2022.
#LifeAtWitt
Biology major and marine science minor Taijym Deloney (pictured far left), class of 2023, is conducting research in ecology and conservation at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina, this semester.
Olivia Norbut, class of 2024 and a future medical professional, has benefited from Wittenberg’s multiple student-faculty research options.
Alumni Award Nominations
Wittenberg alumni are making an impact in everything they do, both in their careers and their communities. The Alumni Association recognizes and celebrates outstanding alumni during an annual awards ceremony every Homecoming weekend. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends of Wittenberg are invited to nominate alumni deserving of recognition. There are no restrictions on the number of nominations a person may submit, and people submitting nominations do not need to be graduates of Wittenberg University. Nominations are due by Jan. 7, 2023.
Save the Date for Our Annual Time of Giving
The planning is already underway for our next Commit to Witt, which will again take place over two days this spring. More information on all the opportunities to give back to Wittenberg on March 14-15 will be forthcoming.
Alumni Business Directory
Alumni are invited to display their business on the NetworkWitt Business Directory. This feature allows alumni to showcase their businesses while also inspiring the Wittenberg community. It’s also a great way for alumni to support Wittenberg alumni-owned businesses. Follow this link to join the NetworkWitt community and then click the Business Directory on the Resources tab to share your information.
Opportunity for Engagement
The Alumni Association Board is seeking interested candidates who are proven leaders, have demonstrated service to the alumni population, are experienced in working in a collaborative environment, and are committed to serving as Wittenberg ambassadors in their communities. Find out more information, and submit a nomination for yourself or a fellow alumnus/a by March 10, 2023.