Published June 11, 2022
Wittenberg Alumni & Friends,
Every June 30th marks the official completion of our fiscal year. From my years in finance, the date was just that – a date by which to finalize all our accounts, ensure all invoices were paid, and prepare to close the books. On the surface, it’s the same process at Wittenberg, but this date means more than ledgers and tying up loose ends.
At Wittenberg, this date also offers a chance to reflect inwardly on our accomplishments from a fiscal perspective and through a forward momentum lens. Right now, we stand at nearly $97 million in our $100-million Having Light Campaign. Ponder that for a moment – $96,700,000. I look at the number with both humility and amazement, knowing that we would never have reached this figure without your uncompromising generosity and support. I also know we have raised $12.7 million so far in this fiscal year alone. This is a record-setting level, which reaffirms the faith each of you have in us.
Thank you for giving back. Thank you for sharing your light, and thank you for investing in our vision, which centers on our people, our place, and our present. We are in the final stretch now, and even have more wind in our sails thanks to an anonymous donor who will contribute $100 for every new gift between now and June 30, 2022. Sharon and I plan to take up the challenge, and I encourage you to join us.
I hope your summer is off to a great start, and I look forward to sharing more about our incoming class, which now stands at 431 new students, as well as the investments underway in support of student success and our continued educational excellence.
Best regards,
Mike Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Outstanding Leadership & Community Outreach
In recognition of their commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing the community, two students received awards from Campus Compact and Ohio Campus Compact. The awards were presented during the University’s Honors Convocation this spring.
Sydney Lamb '23 was named a Campus Compact 2022 Newman Civic Fellow. An education major from Medway, Ohio, Lamb works with local food banks and city government to address food and recreation needs of local youth. The fellowship will provide a year of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth.
Madalyn Marsengill '23 of Sylvania, Ohio, received the 2022 Charles J. Ping Student Service Award. Involved with the Wittenberg Campus Cupboard, she has helped to expand its offerings by adding clothing, starting a garden, and creating a food insecurity simulator, as well as creating “Little Cupboards” around the Springfield area.
New VPEM Announced
President Michael L. Frandsen has announced that Maribeth Stevens, assistant vice president for university campus and center enrollment at Saint Leo University in Tampa Bay, Florida, will serve as Wittenberg's new vice president of aenrollment management. Stevens is expected to begin her new role on July 1.
Legacy Gift
An endowed fund for the department of business & economics has been established with a gift from the estate of Donald Bowman ’50, who was deeply grateful for his Wittenberg education. Funds may be used for materials, student training and workshops, guest speakers, and events, as well as faculty fellowships, professional development, and staff support.
Our Moment is Now
As President Frandsen mentioned above, every new gift given to Wittenberg between now and June 30, 2022 will earn the University an extra $100 toward our $100-million Having Light Campaign, thanks to an anonymous donor. To help make the most of this generous opportunity, please consider making a campaign gift here by the end of June. Thank you for your support!
#LifeAfterWitt
Alex Dressman '14, Citi Bank vice president of implementation, recently won the Emerging Leaders Award through NICSA, a nonprofit trade association.
Larry James '74 and spouse Donna are bequeathing more than 60 pieces from their collection of Black art to the Columbus Museum of Art. The artwork is on display at the museum until Oct. 2, 2022.
Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories
Witt Wednesday Pod Season 2
The Witt Wednesday Pod is a production of the Office of Career & Professional Development in the COMPASS: Sweet Success Center at Wittenberg. With Heath G. Queen '16 as the interviewer, Wittenberg alumni and friends share tips on discerning one's vocation and kick-starting professional life. Tune in every Wednesday as a new episode drops on Apple and Spotify.