Published July 13, 2024
Alumni and Friends,
Happy New Year! Our new fiscal year began on July 1. To those who made a gift during the 2023-24 fiscal year, thank you. Because of your generosity, we concluded another strong year of fundraising and alumni engagement, including a record-setting Commit to Witt. This level of giving is felt on campus and lifts morale. Please continue to invest in Wittenberg and especially in our immediate University priorities here.
We are now in the thick of summer on campus, and it is quieter, but not quiet as we host numerous camps and conferences. Our forward momentum also continues as evidenced by the recent awarding of a $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program to develop future STEM educators; the launching of a new dual degree program in engineering with Indiana Tech; an expanding relationship with Erie Insurance; the decision to move the University’s current RN-BSN program completely online; and several other success stories.
While we still face uncertainty about the coming fall semester and into the future, we are looking forward to welcoming and celebrating the more than 400 new Tigers who have chosen to find their light at Wittenberg, as well as the unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and learning that has defined our University since 1845.
Sharon and I hope you are having a wonderful summer. Keep passing your light.
Best regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
$1.2M Investment in STEM Teacher-Leaders
In response to the critical need for more STEM educators in the Springfield community and beyond, Wittenberg sought out and recently received a $1.2 million continuing grant from the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. The effort, which will include partnerships with the Springfield City School District, the Global Impact STEM Academy, and Clark State College, will focus on setting up sustainable structures that will facilitate the creation of an effective pipeline of STEM educators.
Taking the Reins
President Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as president of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years after two years in the role of vice president. He moves into the position previously held by Denison University President Adam Weinberg, who will now serve a two-year term as the immediate past president on the NCAC Executive Committee.
Fulbright-Hays Grant Supports Study Abroad
Fourteen participants recently spent a month in Poland as part of the prestigious Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Grant awarded to Wittenberg through the U.S. Department of Education. The $105,105 grant-funded project included opportunities to interact with Polish scholars, politicians, and citizens via seminars, workshops, and site visits.
Destination Witt 2024
Wittenberg welcomed members of the class of 2028 to campus for Destination Witt: New Student Orientation with several more dates scheduled this month. Designed to help students begin to see themselves as Wittenberg students, the program offers sessions on academic and student life, tours of campus, meetings with faculty and advisors, and the chance to connect with other students.
Alumni Ambassador College Fair Reps
Interested in helping recruit our future Tigers? Apply to become a Wittenberg University Alumni Ambassador-College Fair Alumni Representative (CFAR). If you live in or near one of the following areas, we could use your assistance attending college fairs to support our Admission territory managers and staff.
- Florida: Orlando, Tampa
- Georgia: Atlanta
- Illinois: Chicago
- Indiana: Fort Wayne, Indianapolis
- Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville
- Michigan: Ann Arbor
- New York: Rochester
- Ohio: Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo
- Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh
*Applications will be reviewed, and volunteers will be contacted to participate in an informational call.
Champion City Write Now 2024
Back again this summer, Wittenberg hosted the second annual Champion City Write Now camp for high school-aged creative writers. This time, thanks to the support of the Springfield Foundation, a second week was added specifically for junior high writers.
From Loading Dock to Work of Art
Assisted by two students, Assistant Professor of Art Gypsy Schindler is bringing to life a new mural on campus this summer. Together, the trio has been transforming the walls surrounding the Benham-Pence Student Center loading dock into a dynamic artistic vision.
#LifeAtWitt
Cami Stevovich ’25, Mikayla Myers ’25, and Allyson Gardner ’26 recently earned awards for their commitment to service, leadership ability, and excellence in the education program, respectively, while Matthew Gerardi ’26 and Paige Jackson ’26 were selected as the inaugural interns for the new Preferred Internships Partnership.
To read the latest #LifeAtWitt stories, click here.
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 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2014 will celebrate reunions, as well as alumni of Wittmen Crew, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary. For more information about the weekend, click the button below. Check back often for schedule updates!
Wittenberg graduates lead by example. Our alumni can be there for others because Wittenberg was there for them. Reunion giving is rooted in the tradition of passing our light for decades to come. Unrestricted gifts to The Wittenberg Fund support the area of greatest need on campus and directly impact each of our students on a daily basis. To make a gift to support current and future Tigers, click the button below.
#LifeAfterWitt
For Stu Hartenstein ’09, building relationships has been central to his success since he was a student at Wittenberg. Those lessons in relationship-building have paid off professionally for Hartenstein, who was named director of umpire development and operations for Little League International in February 2024.
To read the latest #LifeAfterWitt stories, click here.
#LifeAfterWitt
Double the impact of your gift! Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. To make a difference in the lives of our students through a matching gift, click here and enter your employer’s name.
Leave A Lasting Legacy
We’re grateful to the many alumni and friends who have provided for Wittenberg as part of their estate plans. We invite you to join our Hawley Society and be included among those who have left a legacy at Wittenberg through their estate plans. Explore how you can leave a legacy for Wittenberg through your will, donor-advised fund, or IRA: Ways to Give | Wittenberg University
We’ve also partnered with FreeWill, a free estate planning resource, to help you write your legally valid will and create other important estate planning documents. Create your legacy here.
Connect with Your Alumni Association
The Wittenberg University 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? Submit this form to voice ideas, feedback, and suggestions to an Alumni Association Board member.