Many of our alumni found love at Wittenberg and married their college sweetheart. Some met their future spouse at a dance, a class, or the Wittenberg Choir. Others met through mutual friends, the Greek system, or sports. For many, the Kissing Bridge at Commencement Hollow was a special place. According to tradition, a couple who kisses on the bridge will someday get married. No matter how they met, our Witt Wed couples found love at Wittenberg and built a lifetime of memories beginning at their alma mater. Here are a few of their stories.
Val Parfitt Unger ’77
I remember the first time I saw the man who would become my husband on campus. I was a sophomore, and he was a freshman, and I knew right away that I wanted to marry him someday. My friends thought I was crazy, but I knew.
We ended up meeting through a mutual friend, and we started dating by the end of the semester. We even had logic class together, which he helped me successfully finish. We got married a few months after graduation and had a daughter who also attended Witt. It was amazing to see her walk on the same campus where we met.
We were married for 44 beautiful years before Jim passed away on December 26, 2021. Witt will always have a special place in my heart, and I am so thankful for the lifelong friendships and memories.
Tom Hickman ’56
I had the privilege of attending Wittenberg University, and it was an amazing experience. I met my wife, Caroline Hessong, there, and we have been married for 64 years.
I was also part of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and I was the president. I was able to contribute to the Chapel Library by selecting scripture quotations for the walls, which my family contributed $5,000 for. I also remember as president of the student body, acquiescing to the vote that during Student Day I had to push a peanut up the hill to Myers Hall.
I want my legacy to be that I have contributed to a positive experience in people's lives and that I have enjoyed working with people. I would encourage young people to follow their dreams and to have trust and faith in God.
Dave Flesner ’66
I definitely appreciated the liberal arts nature of Wittenberg and the breadth of background it gave me. I had some amazing professors who stood out, like Dr. Robert Remsberg, Herbert Wolf, Dr. Will Hahn, and Martin Johnson. I also had the opportunity to do a study abroad in Germany for my junior year, which was a great experience.
I was involved in the Cosmopolitan Club, which extended my appreciation for international students. I am most grateful for the liberal arts education I received at Wittenberg, which I still treasure to this day. I do regret not joining the college choir, as I have heard wonderful stories from alumni who did.
I met my wife, Susan Zinck, class of 1965, at a get-acquainted dance at Wittenberg. From 1966, we were married for over 46 years, until she passed away in 2013. I am thankful for the amazing memories I have from my time at Wittenberg.
Kori Gunther Frank ’10
I met my husband in 2006 during my freshman year at Wittenberg University. We were both involved in the theatre and dance program and the education department. After graduating, we both got jobs in Springfield and got married in 2013 at Weaver Chapel.
During my time at Wittenberg, I was involved in a variety of activities, including the Math Workshop, theatre and dance department, and the radio station.
After graduating, I taught middle school math in Springfield for 12 years before recently returning to Wittenberg. It's been an amazing journey, and I'm grateful for the experiences I've had.