Published March 21, 2020
Wittenberg Alumni and Friends,
The events of the last two weeks were unprecedented in modern times, but I cannot begin to describe the outpouring of support we have received from concerned alumni and parents. We are making decisions daily that place the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff first, and that are informed by guidance from the CDC, Ohio Department of Health, the Governor's Office, and other state and federal agencies. That said, each decision is accompanied by a heavy heart as we know that our need to protect our community's health means that the residential living-learning experience we have provided for generations must temporarily shift, bringing with it a host of emotions for our students, faculty, and staff, and especially our seniors. To stay updated on our decisions, please visit our special COVID-19 Health Advisory website.
The ongoing support of our alumni, both in words of comfort and action, during this global health crisis is deeply appreciated, as was the tremendous generosity you showed during our annual Commit to Witt on March 11. In one day, nearly $458,000 was raised, a coming together that surpassed all expectations and for which we are incredibly grateful.
Our financial challenges are still real, and we are continuing to work through our new Board committees to address them, but your continuing generosity and passion for Wittenberg encourage us daily. Rebecca Kocher, vice president for advancement, sent an e-communication on March 14 providing an overview of how you can continue to support your alma mater. I am also linking to a new letter here with additional details of how your support makes a difference in the short- and long-term. We are listening, and we hear all your concerns, as well as your sincere desire to help. Thank you.
While our curriculum is set to be delivered using a remote form of instruction beginning Monday, March 23, and our employees are being asked to work remotely with few exceptions, the teaching excellence, student success, and #LifeAfterWitt outcomes that have defined Wittenberg will always remain.
Best regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Huge Thank You!
As Wittenberg celebrates 175 years of passing light on to others this year, you showed what it means to Tiger Up. This is by far a record-breaking result that will fuel our mission, support student success, and augment teaching excellence in every way. Sincere thanks also go to all the alumni who provided challenge gifts and everyone who served as an alumni ambassador.
Upcoming Events
With the global spread of COVID-19 and consistent with local, state, and national recommendations, all upcoming alumni events have been canceled or rescheduled through the end of April. Our thanks to all our Alumni Chapter leaders who had helped to create service options in their communities. We still encourage alumni to participate in our virtual Celebrate Service-Alumni Edition by sharing a favorite story and/or photo here. Also be sure to visit our alumni events page to check the status of all events.
Ways To Engage
Looking for a way to show your love for Wittenberg virtually while you’re social distancing? You can help students feel connected to the University while they’re away from campus by sending a Witt Gram. You can also nominate fellow alumni for an alumni achievement award, wear your Witt gear, and connect with alumni and current students in our LinkedIn Group. Check out the many ways to engage with Wittenberg on our website.
Peace Corps Ranking
Peace Corps recently announced that Wittenberg University ranked No. 16 among small schools on the agency’s list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities in 2020. “These schools are institutions that emphasize being global citizens and service-minded students,” said Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen. There are 10 Wittenberg alumni currently volunteering in countries around the world.
Tiger Tank
Future Wittenberg entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their ideas for a product, service, business, or nonprofit venture at the third annual Tiger Tank, the University’s version of the hit TV series Shark Tank. Judged by a panel of successful alumni and a local business consultant, students competed for $20,000 worth of business assistance.
Women In Sport
In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day earlier this month, Wittenberg hosted a Pecha Kucha-style presentation featuring three Wittenberg professors and a keynote address by Lauren Snider Thompson ’04. Topics included women athletes in the media, Title IX and athlete equality, and the lifelong athletic life.
OneTeam
Wittenberg’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was enhanced recently when Joshua Moore, assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, was certified as a Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program facilitator. Designed for coaches and administrators, the program aims to identify best practices for institutions to ensure an athletics climate of respect and inclusion, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.