In its traditional all-hands-on-deck style, Wittenberg faculty, staff, students and administrators joined together, Aug. 17, to help move 588 new students into their residence halls as the university’s annual New Student Days kicked off.
A four-day transition program, New Student Days orients incoming students to their new college home through a range of activities and programs coordinated by a team of student Orientation Assistants and the Office of Student Development. Wittenberg’s new president, Dr. Michael L. Frandsen, also immersed himself in the day, greeting students and families, assisting with move-in, and sharing his excitement about the campus coming to life with the arrival of another stellar class.
“Since joining the Wittenberg community on July 1, I have been listening and learning as much as I can about this special place,” Frandsen said. “While there have been some students on campus, the energy that an entire student body brings to campus has been missing. I love this time of the year, and I am excited to have the opportunity to engage with our newest students and their families over the next few days and throughout their time at Wittenberg.”
Looking at the profile of the incoming class affirms that Frandsen’s conversations with new students will be thoughtful and inspiring. Hailing from 29 states and eight countries, the Wittenberg Class of 2021 includes 57 students who graduated in the top 10 percent of their classes, 105 National Honor Society inductees, multiple Provost Scholars with 4.0 GPAs, 155 multicultural students, 37 music scholars, 16 Martin Luther Scholars and 42 legacies – those whose parents or grandparents attended Wittenberg. Additionally, seven out of 10 participated in community service in high school, and several held leadership positions. About 75 percent played sports in high school.
“Wittenberg has always been an active, engaged community of learners, which embraces creativity, service, compassion and integrity,” said Karen Hunt, executive director of admission. “The Class of 2021 epitomizes our community in every way. They are entrepreneurs, musicians, athletes, environmental advocates and servant-leaders. Many are also passionate about social justice and have even founded organizations and committees to combat bullying, veteran suicide rates, sexual assault and drug abuse. Indeed, this is a class that is devoted to helping others, and we are excited to see how they will share their gifts with us.”
From now until the official start of classes on Monday, Aug. 21, new students will be spending time learning all the ins and outs for a successful transition, along with the range of resources available to them, including through Wittenberg’s new COMPASS: Sweet Success Center in Thomas Library. Extensive programming for parents is also scheduled, as is the annual “campus processional,” wherein new students will process across campus from Commencement Hollow to the formal welcoming ceremony in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center. The procession intentionally starts in the space that all the students will share again when they graduate. It also sets the stage for the remarkable journey they will have at Wittenberg.
For the full schedule, click here or download the Guidebook App on a mobile device. Once downloaded, search for the “Wittenberg Student Involvement” guide for the most up-to-date information about New Student Days. Parents, friends and community members can also follow along on Twitter using the hash tag #WittNSD.
Once classes commence, the campus and community will again come together for the annual Wittenberg Series-sponsored Opening Convocation at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, in historic Weaver Chapel. The year’s keynote speaker will be President Frandsen. Additionally, faculty promotions in rank and tenure will be announced, as will new student leaders.
