Published April 10, 2021
Alumni and Friends,
Having Light, you have inspired all of us with your commitment to our $100-million comprehensive campaign. Your tremendous generosity has helped us surpass $77 million to date, and the momentum is only beginning. Thank you.
Having Light: The Campaign for Wittenberg University is the most ambitious effort of its kind in our 177-year history. The name is Having Light because the campaign aims to stay true to the mission and values of the college we love. It is a campaign for Wittenberg itself: for the people, for the place, and for the present.
Regional and affinity events are being planned for the fall to share this bold vision for our future. More information and updates will be provided in this e-newsletter and other communications, so be sure to stay connected with us.
In the meantime, thank you for continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of current students and in advancing Wittenberg's mission for generations. You are indeed passing your light.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Kocher
Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Honors Convocation
Wittenberg celebrated the achievements of students and faculty in person during the University’s annual Honors Convocation in historic Weaver Chapel, April 9. The event was streamed live on Facebook during which time Alumni Board President Jennifer Ramage '00 (see video below) presented the 2021 Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching to Cynthia Richards, professor of English. Sincerest thanks to the Alumni Board's On-Campus Alumni Engagement Committee, chaired by Arif Mirza '05, for its leadership in this year's award process.
Save the Date: Oct. 8-10
We are currently planning our fall Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. In light of the ongoing pandemic, we continue to keep all options on the table. We hope to welcome everyone back to campus in person if it is safe to do so. Stay tuned for more information about reunions and a schedule of events. If you’re a graduate from 1960/61, 1970/71, 1980/81, 1990/91, 2000/01, 2010/11 or 2020/21 and would like to serve on your reunion committee, sign up to connect with classmates.
#SleevesUpTigers
In collaboration with the Clark County Combined Health District and following Gov. DeWine’s announcement that all colleges and universities can receive the COVID-19 vaccine for student use, Wittenberg held an on-campus vaccination clinic for students on April 8 in the Health, Wellness, & Athletics Complex. Fourteen Wittenberg nursing students, under the supervision of Dr. Marie Bashaw, chair of the nursing program, assisted with the vaccine administration.
Every Gift Matters. Every Year.
The Wittenberg torch has shone brightly since 1845. Together, we can keep it lit for generations. Giving annually is important. Last academic year, more than 4,400 donor households gave to Wittenberg University. Of those households, almost one-third have made at least one gift to Wittenberg every year for at least 20 years! Loyal donors provide crucial ongoing support that makes so much possible for those who learn, live and work here. We thank and celebrate every donor who strengthens the Wittenberg education of today and partners with us in shaping what it will be tomorrow.
To give or to learn more about how you can pass on your light, visit the new campaign website; to consider how your annual support can continue forever as part of your legacy planning, visit the planned giving website.
Ignite Your Light
We are creating committees to support the coordination of the Regional & Greek Having Light campaign events and to help bring the comprehensive campaign message to fellow alumni. Please complete this form to indicate your committee preference.
Passing the Light
Knowing she wouldn’t have “the job, the perspective, or the community” that she has today without Wittenberg, Kayla Villegas ’16 “always signs up” when the University reaches out to ask for support. A senior account manager for Travel at Google, Villegas understands that the value of a Wittenberg degree is a reflection of the time, energy, and finances that alumni give back to the University.
#LifeAfterWitt
As director of football communications for Vanderbilt University, Sarah Fetters ’08 is breaking barriers in a field long dominated by her male counterparts. Jennifer Brown Carter ’94, executive director of two learning centers in California, has designed a curriculum focused on progressive hands-on learning. Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories here.
Thank You Postcard Project Volunteers!
Professor Emeritus of Sociology Keith Doubt examines the destructive impacts of war on society in his latest book Sociocide: Reflections on Today’s Wars (Lexington Books). Jeffrey Boucher ’10, one of Doubt’s former honors students, contributed to a chapter on Iraq.
There's Still Time to Register - Alumni Lunch & Learn
Quin Gable ’14, the marketing director and event producer for Behindthechair.com (BTC), the largest online community for hairdressers worldwide providing online education in more than 80 countries, will share her tips for virtual personal branding during a special lunch-and-learn from noon to 1:20 p.m., April 14. To register and learn more, click here.