Published May 2, 2020
During this time of social distancing and remote learning at Wittenberg, our alumni e-newsletter will be distributed twice a month.
Wittenberg Alumni and Friends,
I hope this issue of Tiger Tales finds you each healthy and safe. As you can imagine, the COVID-19 situation has forced us to take unprecedented steps, but I remain grateful for the patience, understanding, and flexibility of the people of Wittenberg. This is a difficult time on our campus, in our community, across higher education, and everywhere. As we continue to navigate the uncertainty and adapt to the challenges presented by this ever-evolving global health crisis, it is important that we take a moment to highlight the positive and offer thanks.
Even virtually, we have continued to celebrate academic and leadership excellence with our Honors Convocation, including announcing this year’s recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching, Dr. Brian Yontz. My thanks to Alumni Board member Tosha Bell ’07 and the Alumni Board for recognizing Brian as you did virtually. More on the Honors Convocation is below. We also plan to celebrate virtually with the Class of 2020 on its original Commencement date of May 16, but we are targeting October 10 for the rescheduled in-person date, state-guided health and safety protocols permitting.
While we are pleased to support our students and their families through the swift disbursement of the $864,385 we have received so far through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the CARES Act, I also know the question on everyone’s mind is: “Will we open on time this fall?” I am hopeful that this will be the case, but we should expect that it will be different. We must continue to rely on guidance from state agencies to make an informed decision, and we must consider the health and safety of all members of our community in the process. At this time, four return scenarios are being discussed, and our intent is to make a firm decision about the fall by July 1.
In the meantime, alumni engagement is essential, so I ask you to continue to support Wittenberg during this critical time. The resilience of the Wittenberg community is evident everywhere, and I thank each of you for ensuring that it remains.
Best regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
#GivingTuesdayNow
A new global day of giving and unity set for May 5, 2020, #GivingTuesdayNow is an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19 (in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec. 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday).
Alumni and friends can join the efforts by becoming an ambassador for the day. As an ambassador, you’ll text, email, and post on social media to share why you support Wittenberg and encourage giving for the day. Generate your personal #GivingTuesdayNow URL by clicking the ambassador tab on any of the funds on our #GivingTuesdayNow page.
Alumni Awards Nomination Deadline Extended
Wittenberg alumni are making an impact in everything they do, both in their careers and their communities. The Alumni Association annually recognizes and celebrates our outstanding alumni at an awards ceremony during Homecoming weekend. You are invited to nominate Wittenberg alumni today for their chance to be celebrated at the Alumni Achievement Awards ceremony during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. You do not need to be a graduate of Wittenberg to nominate a Tiger deserving of recognition. View the list of awards and nominate online by May 8.
Support Students
Lanty ’64 and Margaret Smith have offered up a new challenge to support Wittenberg’s COVID-19 Crisis Fund. They will match gifts dollar for dollar up to $10,000. This match will unlock at $53.450.Thanks to a $20,000 match challenge provided by Bob ’65 and Bonnie Cindrich ’66, the fund has already exceeded $43,800 with more than 75 donors. Make a gift here.
Virtual Alumni College: Climate Change & Florida: Too much carbon for a carbonate state?
Connect with Wittenberg on Wednesday, May 20, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to experience the classroom as Jim Welch, professor of biology and department chair, discusses the effects of climate change in Florida. Learn how excess CO2 causes higher temperatures and ocean acidification, and how the changing climate is affecting the Keys and Gulf. RSVP by May 18. Seats are limited so early registration is suggested.
Distinguished Teaching
The Alumni Board is pleased to announce that Brian D. Yontz, associate professor and chair of education, is this year’s recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching, the top faculty prize at Wittenberg. The award was presented by Alumni Board member Tosha Bell ’07 in a virtual ceremony that can be viewed by clicking the image above.
Wittenberg CARES
Wittenberg is expected to receive approximately $1.7 million in total funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The $864,385 distributed to Wittenberg to date will fund emergency financial grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Wittenberg Tie
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine sported a Wittenberg tie during his daily 2 p.m. press conference on April 30. He also gave shout-outs to two of our alumni, Lance Himes and Joseph Deters, who work for the state of Ohio. For those unable to view the Governor’s opening remarks, please click here. The event continues to generate considerable Tiger pride across Wittenberg’s social media channels.
Research Garden
The newly established Native Plants Research Garden provides students with hands-on exposure to phenomena discussed in biology classrooms, as well as a place for students or faculty to conduct their own research. Located by the back entrance to the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center, the garden contains eight sections of land, allowing for eight different projects.
Hall of Honor Update
Wittenberg’s Athletics Hall of Honor will celebrate its Class of 2019 during a formal induction ceremony and banquet on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. Tim Altman ’96, Steve Dawson, Jeff Pfister ’67, Daniel Russ ’06, Rebecca Russ Spencer ’03, Geri Woessner ’04, and Caroline Zimmerman will join 235 other Wittenberg greats. In addition, Jim Render ’64 will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Faculty News
Professors Stefne Broz, associate professor of communication, and Kelly Dillon, assistant professor of communication, (pictured) teamed up for a research project that earned them a “Top Paper” designation in the Media Communication division at the Eastern Communication Association (ECA) conference planned for early April.
As the world celebrated Earth Day 2020, the Wittenberg community remembered Professor Emeritus of Biology Louis J. Laux Jr., a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and the namesake of a prestigious campus award. He died April 10, 2020, at the age of 90.
Have Your Plans Changed?
For almost everyone, the answer to that question is yes. The impact of recent events means that plans have changed and many lives have been put on hold in some way. Experts say that clients are contacting advisors in record numbers to discuss the impact of current events on their future retirement plans, income streams, and financial security. We, too, have heard from alumni and friends who are reviewing their estate plans. Like you, we are also taking this time to review our own records and to update the roster of our David Hawley Associates Legacy Society, a recognition society of those alumni and friends who have graciously considered the University as part of their legacy planning. We may be confirming information with you to see how – or if – your plans have changed, and if we can be of assistance during your own review of your legacy documents. If we can be of help to you and your family, please don’t hesitate to visit our website or to contact Chris Nelson, Senior Director of Development and Director of Planned Giving. We are thinking of you during this time.
Second City "House Parties"
Former Wittenberg Series' performers, The Second City, have been hosting ‘House Parties’ during the COVID-19 health crisis. Join the Second City's best improv artists in their homes. Chicago's funniest comedy talent joins forces with Second City alumni from across the country to bring you a night of fun-filled distraction. The Second City creates a singular online experience as your suggestions influence every aspect of this interactive, playful, hilarious performance. These primarily improv-based shows are for mature audiences. Check the schedule, and sign up to participate in one of the remaining events.
Cards of Gratitude
Celebrate Service Day–Alumni Edition had to be cancelled due to COVID-19, but Alexandra “Andy” Smith ’91, co-leader of the Buffalo Alumni Chapter, took it upon herself to support Operation Gratitude anyway, as the chapter had originally planned, writing cards of gratitude to American troops. Although this was to be her first time participating in an alumni service project, Smith is no stranger to serving others. As a returning Peace Corps volunteer, she currently volunteers with local refugee communities.