Published July 11, 2026
Thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty, and staff, Wittenberg experienced a tremendous fundraising year. Because of you, we raised more than $13 million in Fiscal Year 2026 – a remarkable 26 percent increase over last year. Special thanks to the 761 Benjamin Prince Society members who demonstrate their enduring belief in Wittenberg and its bright future with their annual gifts. We’re grateful to all alumni and friends for your support, which enriches the student experience and ensures that the University will continue to thrive. As we begin a new fiscal year, you can continue to pass your light by making a gift here.
As Dr. Christian M. M. Brady wrapped up a busy and fruitful first year as president, Wittenberg hosted the final stop in his Lighting the Way Presidential Tour, which covered 16,314 miles and included stops in 18 cities across the nation. The Wittenberg and Springfield communities came together to celebrate, hear news from the road, and share in the excitement around the vision ahead for Wittenberg. Those unable to attend a Lighting the Way event can hear more about that vision and the strategic plan by watching the recording of the June 9 virtual event. Watch Video
SOCHE Awards
The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) recently announced 52 Excellence Awards recipients from across 21 member institutions for the 2025-2026 school year. Wittenberg award winners include Richard Phillips, associate professor of biological and environmental sciences, for the Faculty Excellence Award, Carol Nickoson, director of human resources, for the Staff Excellence Award, and Grace Sever, senior director of academic services, for the Campus Impact Award. Read About SOCHE Awards
Summer Service in Lesotho
Since 2003, hundreds of Wittenberg students have served in the Southern African Kingdom of Lesotho, working on projects designed to help the most vulnerable children there. This year's group recorded their experiences learning and working alongside the Basotho people in a daily blog. Read the Lesotho Blog
McClain Center Director Named
Kenneth "Ken" Goodrum has joined Wittenberg as the University’s new director of the William A. McClain Center. With more than 25 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, most recently as the principal of the Dayton Business Technology High School, Goodrum looks to help students develop their full selves through intercultural engagement and holistic support. Read About Ken Goodrum
#LifeAtWitt
Getting a little taste of Italy, Karley Moore, class of 2027 from Tipp City, Ohio, and a standout on both the women's basketball and flag football teams, experienced the opportunity of a lifetime last month. Moore participated in a 10-day trip to Italy thanks to Beyond Sports, a program that allows student athletes to take their sport abroad and study in another country. Read About Karley Moore
Thanks to support from our alumni and friends, Wittenberg has raised more than 85% of our $250,000 goal for Restore the Red: The Campaign to Paint Myers Hall. Steeped in tradition, Myers Hall holds significant pride among Wittenberg alumni. The Restore the Red campaign will bring new life to the exterior of Myers Hall and bring the building's iconic cupola back to prominence. The campaign will run through the summer. If you have not already made a gift to support the campaign, there's still time to do so. Making a gift today.
Eddie '75 and Wendy Williams Ford '76 are grateful for the liberal arts education they received as students at Wittenberg University. To express their gratitude, they volunteer and support the University annually with gifts.
"Wittenberg invested in us. We give to Wittenberg because it gave to us," said Wendy who serves on the Wittenberg University Board of Directors. "Alumni and others made it possible for us to receive an outstanding education. Through our gifts, we hope to help others."
As students at Wittenberg, Eddie met Wendy at a party where Eddie asked her to dance. They have been dancing, laughing, and chatting with each other ever since. During their time at Wittenberg, Eddie was a four-year starter for the Wittenberg men's basketball team and a member of Concerned Black Students (CBS). Wendy served on the Union Board and was also a member of CBS. They later married and made Springfield their home. Both are retired teachers and administrators from the Springfield City School District. They have two adult children, Lindsay and Tyler, and five grandchildren.
"Wittenberg is a special place for us. It gave us a foundation for our careers in education," Eddie said. "We formed lasting relationships, and Wittenberg gave us opportunities to have different experiences. Wittenberg provided a safe place to grow."
Celebrating her 50th Class Reunion this year, Wendy is a member of the 1976 50th Reunion Committee, which is challenging classmates to give to Restore the Red, the campaign to paint the exterior of Myers Hall. When the class collectively reaches $25,000 in gifts, it will unlock $25,000 in donations from the reunion committee.
Wendy and Eddie encourage all Wittenberg alumni and friends to give to the Restore the Red campaign. "We are so fortunate to have our majestic Myers Hall on the hill. It is the most prominent building on campus, and many people admire it," Wendy said. "This historic building is in need. By giving to the Restore the Red campaign, you will allow others to have the same experience." Give to the Restore the Red Campaign