Published October 16, 2021
Wittenberg Alumni & Friends,
Fall break is already upon us at Wittenberg, and our first semester is moving swiftly. It is a much better time on campus than last year. There is more energy from the students because they are able to do more of the things they love to do. The regular fall sports schedule has resumed, as have concerts, plays, and the activities that draw our community together.
The biggest of these events happened last week when we welcomed hundreds of alumni, friends, and family members back to campus for Homecoming, Reunion & Family Weekend. From inducting alumni athletes into our Hall of Honor and watching several of our teams compete, to enjoying an alumnus-led band, tailgating by the Hollow, and celebrating alumni achievement, the weekend left a wonderful mark. I was also honored to co-present our highest alumni recognition, the Alumnus of the Year Award, to theatre major Chris Conti ‘98, chief innovation officer at PRG North America. You can learn more about Chris in a special video here.
With this return to some sense of normalcy, I am also pleased to report that our COVID mitigation strategies continue to be effective. As of yesterday, our case count remains low at only three. My thanks to everyone on our COVID Response Team for their commitment to keeping our campus safe.
Lastly, another investment that is shining the light on Wittenberg is in marketing. Thank you to all our Ohio alumni who have reached out to share how much you have enjoyed seeing Wittenberg in select media across our state. We continue to encourage each of you to pass your light so students can seize theirs.
Best regards,
Mike Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Thanks for the Memories: Homecoming 2021
What a weekend! Beautiful weather, great friends, and wonderful memories made. Take a peek at some of the photos from last weekend to see if you were captured. We look forward to having you back on campus next year as we welcome alumni and families to celebrate Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend 2022. Save the date: September 30 - October 2, 2022.
Odd vs. Even Challenge
Many alumni took a moment during Homecoming Weekend to reflect on the impact Wittenberg had on their lives with gifts to the Odd vs. Even Challenge. These gifts in support of the Campus Beautification Fund help ensure this place we call "home" remains a beacon of light for future generations of Tigers. It was a close call, and we're pleased to announce that the Odd class years won the challenge! Thank you to everyone who participated. Even though the challenge has ended, you can still make a gift to the Campus Beautification Fund.
CBS Legacy Society Decades Challenge
The CBS Legacy Alumni Society challenged alumni and friends to participate in a special decades challenge in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Wittenberg during Homecoming. So far graduates of the 1990s are leading the charge. There is still time to participate! Will your decade take the lead? The competition continues until Tuesday, October 19. Don't miss your chance to make a gift in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Wittenberg. Make your gift today.
Advancing Career Prep
Wittenberg is excited to announce recent changes in its Office of Career Services that will enhance its efforts to provide the best career preparation and vocational discernment possible. Joi Garrett Scales will take on an elevated leadership role as associate director for career operations and student employment, while Tim Bates ’18 has been named the assistant director for career engagement and exploration. Heath Queen '16 will also continue to support special projects in the division.
Leading Civic Engagement
Wittenberg has announced Kim Creasap as the newly appointed director of the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement. Creasap looks forward to collaborating with colleagues, community partners, and students to grow community-based experiential learning and advance civic engagement.
Holding Court
Wittenberg's David B. and Georgiana S. Albright Tennis Complex has undergone a transformation that gives Tigers who love racquet sports their most welcoming and high-tech facility yet.
Calling Greater New York Area Alumni!
You are invited to a special campaign event on Tuesday, October 26, with President Mike Frandsen. Learn more and RSVP.
NYC Region Having Light Campaign Event
Tuesday, October 26, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Penn Club, Tarnopol Room, 10th floor
30 West 44th St.
New York, New York 10036
ARP Act Funding
Wittenberg is disbursing more than $2.2 million in total funding to 1,301 students as part of the Higher Education Relief Fund II & the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 through the U.S. Department of Education
Satta Sheriff ’23
Passionate about human rights and justice, Satta Sheriff ’23 has been named one of four winners of the 2021 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards for the Sustainable Development Goals under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation & Project Everyone. The youngest award recipient this year, Sheriff is the founder and executive director of Action for Justice and Human Rights, a youth-led non-governmental organization in Liberia.
#LifeAfterWitt
Jenifer Warner Locke ’04, assistant professor in the department of materials science and engineering at the Fontana Corrosion Center at The Ohio State University, has partnered with Wittenberg’s physics department to sponsor a student in her lab every year. The first recipient, Lizzy Cefaratti '22, spent the summer interning as Locke's research assistant.
A doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame, Sean Murphy ’15 has found his liberal arts education and theatre experience at Wittenberg to be tremendous assets in his scientific career.