Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University officially began its 163rd school year on Monday, Aug. 20, with the start of classes. However, the symbolic start to the 2007-08 school year will take place at the annual Opening Convocation, scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29.

Wittenberg faculty, staff, students and Springfield community members will gather in the university's historic Weaver Chapel for a convocation that has become a beloved tradition that includes a procession in full academic regalia. The featured speaker is Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), who will give an address titled Service and Engagement in the World: A Lutheran Tradition to usher in a fresh academic year.

The Opening Convocation doubles as the opening event of the annual Wittenberg Series, newly re-named the Witt Series, a diverse array of events, performances and lectures spanning the school year.

Hanson's address will equip students and faculty members alike with a stronger sense of connectivity to the Lutheran identity that Wittenberg prides itself upon. Prior to his tenure as bishop, Hanson served in many capacities, including pastor of three Minnesota churches, president of the Minnesota Council of Churches, vice president of the Lutheran World Federations, and vice chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops.

A published author with titles including Faithful Yet Changing, the Church in Challenging Times and Faithful and Courageous, Christians in Unsettling Times, Hanson also is an advocate for issues dealing with social justice and speaks to Lutherans in different venues around the world. Racial justice, housing, welfare rights and immigration rights are among the issues Hanson continues to support.

All Wittenberg Series events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Benham-Pence Student Center Information Desk at (937) 327-7445.

Written By: Erica Strauss '08