Published November 7, 2018
Wittenberg Community,
As another calendar year begins to wind down, I think it is critical to look back and find moments to celebrate. I don't know how many of you are aware, but we begin every senior staff meeting with the sharing of celebratory news from across our respective areas, among our University colleagues, and even at times on personal levels. I believe this tradition needs to extend throughout campus as we remind ourselves about why we work at Wittenberg and how we can best support one another.
In my nearly 18 months as president, I've shared in and heard about countless celebratory moments with the following happening just within the last few months:
- Community recognition of teaching excellence with the awarding of two faculty awards, along with national recognition in teaching/scholarship.
- Staff Advisory Council-led shout-outs to fellow colleagues and a pride-generating spirit week.
- The 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement.
- Outstanding Wittenberg Series-sponsored lectures and performances.
- The raising of steel and significant progress on our Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex.
- The honoring of our alumni for their philanthropy, leadership, and service.
- Athletic success on the playing fields, on the courts, and beyond.
The list could easily continue, but the point is that we are a remarkable community of learners and leaders. I hope you will take the time to thank your colleagues for all they do during our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon next week. Please accept my sincerest thanks, as well.
Best Regards,
Michael Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Wittenberg University
Unity Week
I encourage everyone to participate in our Unity Week series of events. Sponsored by the McClain Center for Diversity, Concerned Black Students, American International Association, the Gender and Sexual Diversity Alliance, and Shades of Pearls, the special week, which began Monday, includes several opportunities to focus on unity and respect, including the Choose a Better Word campaign. Please contact Joshua Moore, our assistant dean of diversity & inclusion, with any questions.
A Mission That Matters
In my continuing effort to remind us of the respective impacts we all make, I am again sharing another video that speaks to the power of Wittenberg through the voices of our community. My thanks to Sam Camacho '22 from Columbus, Ohio, for being the second student to share what makes Wittenberg so special.
Faculty Recognitions
The Faculty Development Board (FDB) recently announced the winners of its 2018 teaching awards.
Professor of English Cynthia Richards received the Collegium Award for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching, the only teaching award at Wittenberg that is awarded by the faculty itself.
Assistant Professor of English Sha’Dawn Battle was awarded the Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching, which recognizes the highest level of teaching excellence by a visiting or adjunct faculty member.
Leventhal Lecture
We are excited to welcome New York Times best-selling author and water activist Seth M. Siegel as the keynote speaker for the Wittenberg Series' Fred R. Leventhal Family Lecture at 7:30 p.m. this evening in Weaver Chapel. His lecture is titled “Let There Be Water: Israel’s Solution for a Water-Starved World.”
Athletics Success
Congratulations also go to the Tiger women’s volleyball team, which won its 24th NCAC regular season title overall (13th in a row) with a perfect 8-0 record, followed by a 12th straight NCAC Tournament championship. The Tigers next head into NCAA Division III Tournament play. The Tiger women’s soccer team also put together a string of five straight matches without a loss to reach the NCAC Tournament title game, much like the Tiger field hockey team, which won three straight games to close the regular season and advance to the NCAC Tournament. Lastly, the Tiger football team is currently in a three-way tie for first place in the league standings heading into the regular season finale on Saturday, Nov. 10.
HWA Update
We were delighted to have Board member Wes Bates '70 and spouse Ann '70 join us two weekends ago for the Wittenberg-Wabash football game. As the lead donors to the new HWA facility, both were pleased by the tremendous progress to date on the facility, the latest images for which can be found online.
Staff Advisory Council Shout-Out
As recommended by the Staff Advisory Council, this month's shout-out goes to the Office of the Registrar. Advising and registration weeks are an especially busy time for this office, and SAC wanted all the staff members to know that "their attention to detail, responsiveness to the wide variety of needs and issues that arise, and utmost dedication to our students does not go unnoticed. Their efforts are central to the success of our students at Witt, and we are deeply grateful for them!"