Published March 18, 2023
Wittenberg Alumni and Friends,
What an incredible week we experienced at Wittenberg as we worked alongside you in setting a new record for our Commit to Witt 1845 Minutes of Giving. The graphic below tells the story, but between each line, all of us at Wittenberg know that our success is a direct reflection of your engagement with us. Together, we raised a record-setting $642,728 to support our people, place, and present, and I am grateful for each and every gift we received. Thank you!
We are now only eight weeks away from Commencement, and we have so much more planned these final two months, including the Honors Convocation, April 14, and the first-ever Connections Symposium to highlight student achievements, April 21. Recruitment is also trending in a positive direction, and we are excited to see what the final months of our Having Light Campaign bring as spring unfolds on campus.
As we have said since the start of the campaign, when we recognize our light and share it, everyone shines. You did that this week, and you do that every day as our ambassadors in the world. Thank you for always passing your light.
Best regards,
Mike Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
FIRE Week
Approximately 150 students recently embarked on experiential learning trips during Focused, Integrated, Reflective Experiences (FIRE) Week, Feb. 27-March 3, including service trips to Georgia and Costa Rica; entrepreneurship in Austin, Texas; an examination of the politics of water in California; an intensive chamber music experience; and visits to regional museums, among others. See photos here.
Conquering Hunger
Wittenberg's version of Empty Bowls, which has raised more than $550,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank in the past 29 years, will return to its previous format with an in-person meal on Thursday, March 23, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Center Dining Room (CDR) of the Benham-Pence Student Center.
Tiger Talks - Book Club Edition
Join us for a conversation and Q&A with author Gina Schaefer ’93, CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, as she discusses her book, Recovery Hardware, which tells the story of her entrepreneurial path and efforts to revitalize her urban community. The Tiger Talk will be held both in person and on Zoom (link will be sent after registering). Seats are limited, so register early!
Book Club with Gina Schaefer ’93
Wittenberg University, Shouvlin 201
Thursday, March 30, 2023
12-1:30 p.m. ET
Calling All Springfield-Area Alumni!
The Springfield Alumni Chapter will hold an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m., April 5, 2023 at Mother Stewart's Brewing. Plan to join and learn more about the chapter's activities, as well as connect with fellow alumni. Please RSVP here.
Your Liberal Arts Degree in Action
Virtual Program
April 10, 2023 at 7 p.m. ET
Are you thinking about changing your career? Are you looking for connections to help you with your next steps? Join us for a virtual session with fellow alumni to find more connections to your life after Wittenberg. Alumni in business, entrepreneurship, non-for-profit agencies, higher education, government, health care, and STEM fields will be available online to offer advice. Register here.
Recognizing Student Success
To recognize the academic accomplishments of students and to highlight Wittenberg’s diversity of experiential learning opportunities, the inaugural Connections Symposium will debut on Friday, April 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mentoring Future Women Leaders
Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Rebecca Kocher has been selected as one of 30 women for a new mentoring program for women leaders in higher education through the American Council on Education.
#LifeAfterWitt
Melissa Clary ’90, a practitioner of Equine Gestalt Therapy at Heels Down Healing, partners with horses to help clients navigate and heal the past trauma that may be impacting their lives.
Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories
Plan Your Legacy
To help you protect your future and the things that you love most, Wittenberg is excited to introduce a free estate-planning resource for our community. Click here to get started.
Opportunity for Engagement
The Alumni Association Board is seeking interested candidates who are proven leaders, have demonstrated service to the alumni population, are experienced in working in a collaborative environment, and are committed to serving as Wittenberg ambassadors in their communities. Find out more information, and submit a nomination for yourself or a fellow alumnus/a by March 10, 2023.