Wittenberg’s annual Homecoming & Reunion Weekend will take place virtually this year, Oct. 2-4, with unique programming designed to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the University’s founding, honor Wittenberg’s heritage, and provide fun, engaging options for alumni and friends to be together in spirit online.
Members of the reunion classes of 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 have already connected to plan virtual engagement opportunities, but will continue to meet to plan for in-person gatherings during Homecoming 2021, provided conditions allow. If anyone is still interested in serving on their respective reunion committee, please email alumni@wittenberg.edu.
During the weekend, four virtual presentations beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, will take place. From 9 to 10 a.m., Elizabeth Ayers, Wittenberg class of 1980, will present “Gift Planning: A Conversation About Solutions and Your Legacy.” Ayers, executive director of gift planning at the University of North Carolina, will discuss opportunities on how to build a meaningful legacy and how to navigate the retirement and estate planning process (RSVP).
The second Friday event will be an Alumni Tiger Talk. Titled “Moving the Needle of Justice: An Antiracist Approach to Pedagogy in the Midst of a Global Pandemic,” the presentation will take place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. and will feature speaker Chenelle Jones, Wittenberg class of 2006 (RSVP). From 2 to 3 p.m., tune in for “Between the Stripes,” an athletics update presented by Matt Croci ’94, men's head basketball coach, Katie Robinson, women's head soccer coach, and Joe Fincham, head football coach (RSVP). The final Friday event, “Celebrating 175 Years,” will revisit the legacy that is Wittenberg University with a short video, followed by an invitation for a live Zoom toast from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. with President Michael Frandsen (RSVP).
Programming will then continue on Saturday, Oct. 3. Beginning at 9:30 to 11 a.m., Professors of Political Science Rob Baker, Ph.D., and Ed Hasecke, Ph.D., will host a Virtual Alumni College event titled “Democracy & Elections in a Polarized America” (RSVP). From 11 a.m. to noon, the second Alumni Tiger Talk titled “Investing Young” will be presented by Pete Franz (CFA and CFP), Wittenberg class of 2004 (RSVP). And, of course, what homecoming is complete without a tailgate? Alumni and friends are invited to join in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Homecoming Tailgate to reconnect with teammates, classmates, fraternity brothers, or sorority sisters. Sign up for one of the Zoom Tailgate rooms and invite friends to join in for a Tiger cocktail. (Special ingredients and demonstration video by Fadi Michael, Wittenberg class of 2007, can be found here).
On Sunday, check out the live chapel service beginning at 11 a.m. (Watch Live).
All alumni and friends are invited to reflect on the impact Wittenberg has had on their lives, as well. Visit the special Celebrating 175 Years! website to make an anniversary gift to help ensure that the University is a beacon for seekers of knowledge and justice for years to come.
The annual Alumni Awards presentation will also take place virtually throughout Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, more information about which will be forthcoming. Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement with any questions at alumni@wittenberg.edu or call (937) 327-6374.
