Published May 27, 2023
Congratulations to Our Newest Alumni!
Meeting every challenge that was thrown at them throughout their college experience, especially a global pandemic, the 270 graduates of the Class of 2023 overcame everything to let their light shine in their time at Wittenberg and during the 173rd Commencement Exercises, held May 13 in the Pam Evans Smith Arena as a result of inclement weather. Albert Bryan Jr. ’89, governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, served as keynote speaker.
During the weeks leading up to Commencement, the third annual LGBTQIA+ Tiger Pride Lavender Graduation celebrated the achievements of 20 seniors. In addition, the William A. McClain Center for Diversity hosted the third annual Hitimu: Multicultural Graduate Dinner to honor approximately 18 graduating seniors.
View Full Ceremony and Photo Gallery
Senior Class Giving
In the spirit of Wittenberg's long history of senior class giving, this year marked the start of a new Commencement tradition. Members of the Class of 2023 who gave to the Senior Class Gift wore the green-and-gold philanthropy cord in recognition of their generosity.
Top Slots at National Conference
Only 10 student poster presentations from across the United States were accepted for the annual conference for the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing in New Orleans last semester, and Wittenberg nursing students filled three of those slots. Two of the three presentations placed high at the conference, finishing second and third overall, respectively.
President Names New Provost
President Michael L. Frandsen announced in April that Brian Yontz, interim provost and professor of education, has accepted the provost position following a national search. Yontz, who has been serving in an interim capacity following the departure of Michelle Mattson last summer, will begin his new role officially on July 1.
International Celebration
President Michael L. Frandsen, Sharon Frandsen, Interim Provost and Professor of Education Brian Yontz, JoAnn Bennett, director of international education, and Tim Bennett ’78, associate professor emeritus of languages, traveled to Germany last month to celebrate the University’s longstanding partnership with Lutherstadt Wittenberg, including the 30th anniversary of the Wittenberg in Wittenberg summer study-abroad program.
Bayley Music Experience
Open to young musicians from throughout the Springfield community, the 2023 Bayley Music Experience will take place June 12-16 on campus in Krieg Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Made possible through a generous gift from Ruth Kunkel Bayley ’42, the weeklong series of musical enrichment opportunities will be taught by professional music instructors.
Champion City Write Now
Wittenberg will host the inaugural writers’ camp titled Champion City Write Now for rising Clark County high school students in grades 9 through 12 from June 19-23. In this immersive writing program, attendees will participate in four days of on-campus workshops and learn about four different genres (fiction, poetry, narrative nonfiction, and graphics) to create stories, poems, essays, and comics.
NCAC Championship Titles
Capping off a triple crown chase, the women's track and field team claimed its first North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Outdoor Championship title. The men's golf team claimed its 12th NCAC Championship in program history, earning the team an automatic bid into the 2023 NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championships, where the Tigers placed 13th.
#LifeAfterWitt
As a senior director in the communications department for the National Basketball Association (NBA), Shawn Hils ’08 advises the league on public relations strategy, helps develop messaging, and serves as a research resource.
Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories here.
#LifeAtWitt
For Kelsey Ragan ’25 and Jazmyn Gaines-Burns ’25, playing basketball is a family affair. Their fathers, Luke Ragan ’94 and John Burns ’95, were teammates on the Tiger men’s basketball team three decades earlier.
Read more #LifeAtWitt stories 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.
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