From the moment they set foot on campus, #WittWed couple Kelly Maguire Sumption ’01 and Jeff Sumption ’01 felt at home.
For Kelly, who serves as the president of the Wittenberg University Alumni Association Board, the University felt like family with professors and staff who genuinely cared about the personal development of students.
“I wanted a school where I could grow and not get lost in the numbers,” she said. “Ultimately, what drew me to Wittenberg was the feeling I got when I walked on campus. It was beautiful and serene. Even today, it gives me goosebumps when I drive onto campus.”
Jeff found the relationships he formed with his professors meaningful and remarkable.
“My professors were deeply invested in my academic success, and they genuinely cared for me as a person,” he said. “Wittenberg’s small and intimate environment made these connections uniquely personal, far surpassing the surface-level acquaintances one might find at a larger institution. These relationships were authentic, built on mutual respect, and grounded in a shared journey of growth and discovery.”
In addition to relationships with their professors, the friendships they developed were an important part of their Wittenberg experience.
“The friendships I forged during late-night conversations, shared triumphs, and even the quiet moments of everyday campus life remain some of the most meaningful bonds I’ve ever known,” Jeff said. “And, of course, the most profound relationship I found at Wittenberg was with my wife. That singular connection gave my life purpose, and for that, I will be forever grateful."
Jeff and Kelly, who live in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, met during their sophomore year at Wittenberg. They like to say it was “chemistry.” Jeff came over to Tower Hall to study with Kelly’s roommate for a chemistry project. She was late from work. While Jeff waited for her, he and Kelly talked.
“We just celebrated 20 years married and 26 years together,” Kelly said. “We have two teenage boys, and we love spending time with them and cheering them on in their athletic and academic success.”
Both Kelly and Jeff credit Wittenberg with providing them with a firm foundation as they began their careers. Kelly is grateful for programs like WittCAM (Wittenberg Center for Applied Management), which allowed students like her to experience real-world business consulting, internships, and projects. Her work-study job was at the Clark County Literacy Coalition Warder Literacy Center where she helped the nonprofit organization with public relations. During her time at Wittenberg, Kelly stepped into a leadership role as tour director for the Wittenberg Choir.
“I was an English writing major and management marketing minor. I loved writing, and I loved marketing. These areas of study allowed me to push my creativity and have a background in business and finance,” said Kelly, who is a marketing professional with 24 years of experience leading marketing strategies and client engagement driving consumer acquisition, activation, and loyalty across a variety of industries in both retail and financial services. “Wittenberg taught me how to be a critical thinker, to be confident in my abilities, and to be strategic.”
Jeff explained that Wittenberg shaped him not only as a thinker but also as someone who can critically engage with the world. Through his professors and classes at Wittenberg, he learned how to synthesize diverse perspectives, question assumptions, and reflect on the processes that guide decision-making.
“In my career, I solve complex problems through technology, designing innovative solutions that challenge the status quo. Each day, I analyze processes, question established opinions, and create tools that address real-world challenges,” he said. “The critical thinking skills I honed at Wittenberg are the foundation of this work. They empower me to tackle issues thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring my solutions make a tangible difference.”
Because of their Wittenberg experience, Kelly and Jeff are committed to supporting the University. Kelly has served on the Alumni Board for the past four years in various roles including leader of the Regional Alumni Committee, secretary, president-elect, and now president.
