Published December 14, 2024
Alumni and Friends,
Some see the end of a year as an opportunity to reflect, revisit, and remember. While I do that occasionally around this time, too, I tend to find myself looking ahead far more often than looking back, and what I see is a tremendous opportunity in 2025 for the Wittenberg community to seize the collective light of generations.
This University – our beloved Wittenberg – was built by founder and first president Ezra Keller, brick by brick, column by column, step by step. Students helped in this process for they knew, as he did, that the effort would “require some faith to believe that in after years it will be an academic grove, to which hundreds will drink of the fountain of knowledge” and go on to do good in the world.
I believe Wittenberg can continue to do good in the world despite all the changes that have occurred internally and externally on our campus and in our community. We have changed lives for nearly 180 years, and we have no intention of stopping now. As we prepare to welcome a new year, we ask that you consider sharing more about the impact Wittenberg has had on you. Such stories inspire all of us at the University as they show how our community passes its light. Should this opportunity interest you, simply click this link.
Let’s shine even brighter, together, in the year to come. Season's greetings, and happy 2025.
Best regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Making the Season Bright
As the fall semester wound down and students geared up for the winter break, campus was alive with festive activities and holiday traditions. Click on the links below to view the photo gallery for each event.
New Accelerated B.S. in Nursing Program
Wittenberg’s new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program has received approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing and is now actively recruiting for the spring 2025 semester. Designed with flexibility in mind, this fully online, 16-month program empowers individuals who are seeking a career change to become nurses with a rigorous education and hands-on training to excel in today's healthcare landscape.
Student Hosts Poverty Simulation
Cami Stevovich, senior economics major at Wittenberg, recently conducted a poverty simulation on campus in conjunction with local nonprofit Think Tank. Named a Community Campus Coalition 2024 Newman Civic Fellow, the Rocky River, Ohio, resident is using the simulation, called the Cost of Poverty Experience or COPE, as part of her senior honors thesis.
Making In-Home Tutoring Easier
Several education majors who have served as local tutors packed and delivered bags to children at Lagonda and Northwestern Elementary Schools to help families with in-home tutoring. The initiative, part of a federal grant awarded to Wittenberg’s Department of Education for mathematics and literacy tutoring, aims to boost academic achievement. Enjoy a special video of this effort, as well.
Fall 2024 Athletics Highlights
The fall 2024 sports season was marked by consistency for the Wittenberg Tigers, who stand third in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) All-Sports Standings. Three Tiger teams finished second in the league standings (men’s cross country, women’s cross country, and women’s volleyball), and NCAC special awards went to Clare O’Malley ’28 (Women’s Volleyball Newcomer of the Year), Brandon Anderson ‘28 (Men’s Cross Country Newcomer of the Year), and Field Hockey Head Coach Brighid Kortyna ’18 and Assistant Coach Maddie Passarella (Staff of the Year). The Tiger cross country teams went on to post a pair of program-best team finishes in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional meet, highlighted by a sixth-place finish from Conor Kolka ’25, who became the first runner in program history to compete in two national championships.
Annual Postcard Project
Register for the annual Alumni Postcard Project for the Class of 2029. Send a postcard to 10 applicants, telling them your Wittenberg story and what makes the University special. Alumni postcard packets will be mailed between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. We ask that you write and mail your 10 postcards by March 15, 2025.
Commit to Witt Ambassadors
It's never too early to start thinking about Commit to Witt, which will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025. We want you to be an ambassador! As an ambassador, you can help spread the word and engage others by texting, calling, and posting on your social networks. Commit to Witt ambassadors create awareness and inspire others to make gifts to Wittenberg. Sign up today before official registration starts!
Mark Your Calendar
Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend is Sept. 25-28, 2025. From reunions to events to tailgates to victories on the field, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this cherished annual tradition. Alumni from the classes of 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015 will celebrate reunions. Alumni celebrating reunions are invited to join their reunion planning committee. Email alumni@wittenberg.edu to let us know you’re interested.
Seeking Nominations for Alumni Awards
Distinguished Teaching Award: The faculty recipient must have completed five years of service at Wittenberg and be a full-time teacher at the time of selection. Selection is based on current performance. The award is announced at Wittenberg's annual celebration of academic excellence and achievement, the Honors Convocation, each year in early April.
Alumni Achievement Awards: Alumni, faculty, staff, and students are invited to nominate outstanding 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. The deadline for nominations is January 10, 2025.
Pass Your Light This Holiday Season
We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and love! We are so thankful for your continued support. If you haven’t already, please consider making a year-end gift to Wittenberg before Dec. 31. Your generosity helps us maintain the best of Wittenberg and ensures that the University will stand resilient for years to come. Thank you for supporting Wittenberg and passing your light on to others.
YEAR-END GIVING TO WITTENBERG
Gifts made by Dec. 31 may reduce your 2024 tax liability. If you haven’t already done so, please consider a matching gift or a recurring gift. Online gifts must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, and checks must be postmarked by Dec. 31 to be counted for the 2024 tax year. To pass your light with a year-end gift, visit: giving.wittenberg.edu
IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If you are 70½ or older, you may be able to lower your taxable income from your IRA withdrawals and make an impact at Wittenberg with an IRA charitable rollover. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift from your IRA.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
You can recommend a gift to Wittenberg by contacting your financial institution or fund manager. Please request your name and address to be included, as some funds only include the fund’s name and address. When recommending a gift, please use the following information:
- Tax ID: 31-0537177
- Board of Directors of Wittenberg College
Thank you for your support!
Create Your Legacy and Join the Hawley Society
In 1871, David Hawley made the first planned gift to Wittenberg, establishing a charitable annuity with the University. The David Hawley Associates Legacy Society recognizes the many alumni and friends who have provided for Wittenberg as part of their estate plans. We invite you to join this prestigious society of committed investors, leaving a legacy at Wittenberg through your estate plans. Through our partner FreeWill’s user-friendly online platform, you can create an estate plan. Your planned gift, no matter the size, can have a profound impact on future generations of Wittenberg students. Create your legacy and join the Hawley Society.