Since 1845, Wittenberg University has inspired countless friendships and connections. Some of those connections have blossomed into cherished relationships. Over the years, many couples have found love at Wittenberg, meeting their spouses in class, through friends, or outside of class. Their time and experiences at Wittenberg are some of the most special moments of their lives.
One such #WittWed couple is Haley Mucha Domenick ’16 and Gus Domenick ’13. They are young alumni who serve as leaders of the Columbus chapter of the Wittenberg Alumni Association.
Haley, who is from Lewis Center, Ohio, was inspired to attend Wittenberg because of the sense of community she felt on her college visit. The opportunity to play in a volleyball program that had won the NCAA Division III championship in 2011 sealed the deal.
Gus wanted to attend college outside of his home state of Colorado. He was drawn to Wittenberg by the beautiful campus, friendly people, and competitive soccer program.
While Haley and Gus crossed paths at the fitness center, it wasn’t until a social hosted by Phi Gamma Delta they began to get to know each other. They continued to date through college and recently became a #WittWed couple in Columbus, Ohio, in May 2023.
Both Haley and Gus made lifelong friendships with students, professors, and staff members they met during their time at Wittenberg. In addition to playing on the Wittenberg Women’s Volleyball team, Haley was a member of Alpha Nu Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. “I loved the life experience I gained from holding leadership positions and participating in community service events,” Haley said.
After retiring from intercollegiate soccer, Gus and his best friend, Chad Downing, started the Wittenberg Co-ed Futbol Club to stay in shape and play soccer for fun. Gus is grateful for the students who have kept the club going all of these years.
Haley majored in biology and minored in Spanish. After graduating from Wittenberg, she earned a nursing degree. She works as a nurse at The Ohio State University Medical Center and is a clinical instructor at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
“My Wittenberg education has helped me to treat patients holistically. I appreciate that a liberal arts education considers many different perspectives,” Haley said. “When caring for patients, I have to consider many disciplines from communication with co-workers, knowledge of the disease pathophysiology, and spirituality, among many other things.”
Gus majored in economics and minored in Spanish and geology. Now he works in learning and development for IGS Energy creating training materials and learning experiences for customer-facing teams.
“Wittenberg teaches their students the ability to think critically so that they may find success in any career they pursue,” Gus said. “The connections that I made at Wittenberg provided me with a robust professional network after graduation.”
To both Haley and Gus, Wittenberg is about community. Many of the close friends they have today are those they met at Wittenberg.
One of Haley’s friends encouraged the couple to step into chapter leadership. “2024 was our first year of being the leaders of the Columbus chapter,” Gus said. “We look forward to our second year of hosting events and building community.”
In addition to coordinating events with the Columbus Alumni Chapter, Haley and Gus choose to support the University with financial contributions. They especially love to give during Commit to Witt, Wittenberg’s annual day of giving, which will be held March 20 this year.
“To us, it’s worth giving back to the community that has given us so much. During Commit to Witt, we’re encouraging our fellow alumni to pass their light and Tiger Up! Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference,” Gus said. “Commit to Witt is a great event because you can easily double your impact with the special challenges that give you the chance to unlock extra bonus funding for the departments, programs, student organizations, teams, and outreach efforts that you love.”
The University is grateful to donors like Haley and Gus for the difference they are making through their annual gifts, especially during Commit to Witt. To learn more about Commit to Witt and to make a gift, visit the University’s website.
