Published March 23, 2021
Wittenberg Community,
More than a week after we virtually launched the public portion of our $100-million Having Light: The Campaign for Wittenberg University and experienced record-setting success during our annual Commit to Witt, we continue to receive positive feedback from all corners of Tiger Nation. The events were outstanding, and I want to thank everyone who gave, provided support, or helped in any way. I particularly want to thank our VP Becky Kocher and the entire Advancement team. We are now more than $76 million toward our goal thanks to the team and the commitment of so many to our future success. If you missed the online launch on March 11, you can view the full video below.
While we are celebrating last week's events, we also are seeing multiple positive metrics in Admission with more visits, more accepted students, more applications, and more FAFSA filers than this time last year. Deposits are slightly behind, but from this point forward, our comparison data may not be apples to apples since the pandemic began around this time last year. That said, I remain pleased at where we currently stand, and I will continue to keep you posted. I also plan to update you on our financial picture with a special communication later this week.
Also happening this week, the Office of Human Resources is preparing for the virtual celebration of employees who have reached significant years of service milestones. The event will take place on Friday, March 26, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to announcing service awards, the Staff Advisory Council will be unveiling the winner of the 2021 Torch Bearer Award. HR will be sending a link to the virtual event soon, and I encourage everyone to take time to thank our colleagues for their dedication and service to Wittenberg.
We are already in mid-March, and with planning for an in-person Honors Convocation and Commencement ceremony underway, I am hopeful this spring may offer a bit more normalcy for all of us while keeping health and safety in mind.
Best Regards,
Michael Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Wittenberg University
Campaign Kickoff
Below is the way we virtually launched our $100-million campaign on March 11. My thanks to Managing Campaign Co-Chair Janet E. Jackson ’75 and VP Becky Kocher for joining me in this special presentation, which also features our 90-second Campaign Anthem video. The shorter video will be used by Advancement to encourage engagement in supporting the campaign moving forward.
#Commit2Witt
We celebrated the official launch of Having Light: The Campaign for Wittenberg University with the biggest, boldest Commit to Witt day of giving ever during our Founder’s Day on March 11. During the 24 hours of giving, a total of 2,145 gifts from 1,535 donors totaling a record-setting $567,858 were received. You can read more and see all the stats here.
Vaccine Rollout
I want to draw your attention to recent changes in eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Monday, March 22, anyone 16 and older in Ohio is now eligible to receive. To schedule an appointment with the Clark County Combined Health District, please follow the district's instructions here. Appointments can also be made over the phone by calling 937-717-2439. For more information, click the Vaccination tab on our WITT: We’re In This Together website here.
Women's History Month
Another engaging programming series is underway in honor of Women’s History Month. I want to thank C.J. Witherspoon, director of the McClain Center for Diversity, for her leadership in establishing a strong series to mark this month’s celebration. You can see the full list of events to date here.
Spectator Access
As a reminder, athletics has announced that it is offering limited spectator access to home games for indoor sports in the Pam Evans Smith Arena and the 1929 Fieldhouse for Wittenberg students, faculty, and staff members. In addition to these groups, each player/coach will be provided the opportunity to identify two guests to attend home contests. First-come, first-serve sign-up opportunities are available, and all health/safety protocols must be followed. Check your email weekly for sign-up information. Click here to review parameters for attendance and all expectations.
New to Wittenberg
Since my last update, we have welcomed a few new members to our University community. To view the list compiled by the Office of Human Resources, click here.
SAC Shout-Out
The Staff Advisory Council would like to recognize the members of the COVID Response and Parkhurst Teams, as well as the talented individuals involved with orchestrating campus events, for their creativity and resilience this school year. When COVID-19 presented on campus, the actions taken by these groups kept the Wittenberg community safe and united. The COVID Response Team led by example, providing calculated instruction for daily procedures. Executive chef Zachary Puhala and the Parkhurst Team provided delicious meals for those in quarantine. Key to this effort were the eight student volunteers and 46 staff and faculty volunteers who have delivered more than 1,200 of these meals since last March. With the support of Brandee Bates and Lisa Watson, the Residence Life staff and Resident Advisers delivered safe and engaging activities for our students. Though events looked different, students were still able to connect and build a home at Wittenberg in the fall. We thank you all for your tireless efforts to maintain a sense of community during trying times.