Published January 13, 2024
Alumni & Friends,
Happy New Year! We just finished our first week of the spring semester, and we are looking forward to a robust series of events as we prepare for our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week and Black History Month. I particularly encourage you to tune into the livestream of our MLK Convocation on Monday, January 15, at 11 a.m. to hear from our distinguished alumni and keynote speakers Karlos Marshall ’13 and Moses Mbeseha ’13. More information on this special event is below.
As we begin a new year, I also want to thank our alumni and friends who have continued to support us. I know Board Chair Bill Edwards and I had to share some challenging news as last year concluded. Despite the challenges, we are not sitting still. Our emphasis continues to be on preparing our students for success both personally and professionally through internship creation, corporate and non-profit partnerships, new program development, facility enhancements, and more. We will be sharing additional information, but for now, I ask that you continue to invest in us so that we can invest in those we serve — our students.
We have said from the start that Tigers Thrive Together. I expect that theme to continue to unite us all in the year ahead.
Best regards,
Mike Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation Planned
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, which will be livestreamed here, will feature 2013 graduates Karlos L. Marshall, Ed.D. and Moses B. Mbeseha, internationally award-winning social entrepreneurs, presenting the keynote address “From Consciousness to Calling” at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, in Weaver Chapel. The pair will participate in a meet and greet at 10 a.m. at the chapel and a Q & A session at 2 p.m. in room 105 Shouvlin Center.
The Healing Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded Wittenberg $135,482 for a comprehensive, integrated project titled “The Healing Humanities: Creating Healthy Pathways on Campus and in the Community.” In addition to empowering students and community members to impact their hometowns in ethical and equitable ways, the project aims to make Wittenberg the first liberal arts school in Ohio to offer a certificate program in health humanities and equity.
Outcomes-Driven Leader
Wittenberg continues its investment in outcomes preparation with the announcement that Cheryl Cates is the new executive director for career engagement and professional development. Cates joins Wittenberg after serving most of her career at the University of Cincinnati, where she led its nationally ranked co-op and internship program and served as a professor focusing on career education.
Investing in Young Writers
Wittenberg’s new summer immersive writing program, Champion City Write Now (CCWN), just received a big boost for 2024 with the awarding of $5,000 through the Springfield Foundation for operational expenses, including marketing materials, program supplies, and student supplies.
Giving Back to the Community
Panhellenic Council recently conducted its largest ever philanthropic effort, with students involved in sorority life packing more than 1,000 bags of feminine hygiene products. The bags were donated to the Rocking Horse Center and the Campus Cupboard with the help of campus partners at the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement and women’s athletics.
Annual Postcard Project
Register for the annual Alumni Postcard Project for the Class of 2028. Send a postcard to 10 applicants, telling them your Wittenberg story and what makes the University special. Alumni postcard packets will be mailed between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. We ask that you write and mail your 10 postcards by March 15, 2024.
"Why You" Mock Interview Program
Alumni are invited to connect with students through the Career Services "Why You" Mock Interview Program. Why You provides an opportunity for alumni to serve as mock interviewers for current students, offering feedback and tips to help students prepare for the job search and #LifeAfterWitt. Why You mock interviews will be conducted virtually from Feb. 7-9. Sign up today.
Commit to Witt Ambassadors
It's never too early to start thinking about Commit to Witt! Commit to Witt 2024 will take place on Wednesday, March 13, and we want you to be an ambassador. As an ambassador, you can help spread the word and engage others by texting, calling, and posting on your social networks. Commit to Witt ambassadors create awareness and inspire others to make gifts to Wittenberg. Sign up today before official registration starts!
Printable Valentines
Courtesy of the Wittenberg Alumni Association, we are once again celebrating Valentine’s Day with specially designed graphics and printables created by Claudia Rieth '20. Click here to download images for printing or sharing on social media.
Plan Your Legacy
As we kick off a new year of educating students for lives of meaning and impact, we are excited to continue our partnership with FreeWill. A free estate planning tool, the program allows our alumni and friends to pave the way for a future where they, their loved ones, and Wittenberg can thrive. Write My Free Will.
Connect with Your Alumni Association
The Wittenberg University Alumni Association Board is here to serve the alumni community by supporting programming and welcoming suggestions that will help alumni feel more connected to and involved with the University. Do you have something you want to share with the Alumni Association Board? Submit this form to voice ideas, feedback, and suggestions to an Alumni Association Board member.