Since 1845, Wittenberg University has been challenging its students to become responsible global citizens, to discover their callings, and to lead personal, professional, and civic lives of creativity, service, compassion, and integrity. The supportive community at Wittenberg played a defining role in shaping their life’s journey. Many of our alumni reflect fondly on the support and guidance that our professors have given them throughout the years. Here are a few of their stories.
Lori Frew Rentz ’97
I attended Wittenberg University because I wanted a small, private liberal arts school experience. I fell in love with the campus and the intimate feeling it gave me.
I was the first in my family to attend Wittenberg, and I remember the seal at the center of the campus was a place we went to for good luck.
I had some amazing professors, like Dr. Richard Veler in the English department and Mr. Hap Ashenfelter in the music department. I had a great experience playing in the symphonic band and the jazz ensemble, where I met some of my best friends of all time.
After graduating, I was able to use the practical experience I gained to pursue a career in marketing, which is what I'm still doing today. Wittenberg is perfect for anyone looking for a world-class education in a smaller classroom setting. The campus is beautiful, and it's a great place to receive the total college experience.
Mary Alice Schryver Neely ’75
My college experience at Wittenberg was incredibly meaningful to me. I was close to Dr. Virginia Lucas, who greatly influenced my life in the education department. I also met my husband there, and I was a member of Kappa Delta sorority.
Dr. Lucas taught me about learning disabilities, which I went on to teach for 36 years. My sorority sisters provided a great bonding experience. I grew a lot from my freshman to senior year, becoming more focused on my career path. My education from Wittenberg gave me a good foundation for teaching and a love for it, which I'm grateful for.
Jeff Orner ’79
I’m grateful for my time at Wittenberg University. It gave me the skills to be articulate in writing and orally, as well as analytical, thinking, which have been essential in my successful career as a senior executive in the federal government.
I was fortunate to have great professors in the political science department, and I made lifelong friendships with my peers. I remember having to write a lot of papers, and I would often climb the Weaver Chapel tower to find complete privacy. I would sit in the room at the top of the tower, which had nothing but a table and a chair, and I would be able to focus without any distractions. Every hour I would hear the chapel bells above my head, and it was the only place I could go to have complete privacy.
I'm thankful for the skills I acquired at Wittenberg and the lifelong relationships I made.
Jon Osman ’17
I’m grateful for the memories I made at Wittenberg University, especially the end of every spring semester when the cross country team, of which I was a captain, would have a celebration and reminisce over the year. It was a time to reflect on the camaraderie, friendship, and academic term.
I'm especially thankful for the professors and advisors who made a significant impact on me, such as Dr. Matthew Collier, Dr. Cathy Pederson, and Dr. Jay Yoder. They helped me become the scientist I wanted to be and prepared me for the rigors of physical therapy school.
I'm also grateful for Dr. Daniel Kazez, who helped me get a music scholarship and challenged me as a musician. He was a father figure to me during my first year of school, and I wouldn't be where I am today without his guidance.