Published May 17, 2026
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
The 176th Commencement exercises took place yesterday, May 16, with 262 graduates turning their tassels and becoming Wittenberg's newest alumni. Addressing the graduates were President Christian M. M. Brady; keynote speaker Rakesh Tondon ’01, a highly successful entrepreneur; William D. "Bill" Edwards ’89, chair of the University's Board of Directors; and Stephanie Morgan-White ’92, president of the Alumni Association. Senior class representatives Alyssa Burnside from Hilliard, Ohio, and Taylor “Moose” Harper from Columbus, Ohio, also shared remarks. See story on all the Commencement festivities.
Week of Celebration
The atmosphere on campus this past week was both festive and reflective as the class of 2026 prepared for Commencement. Celebrations of belonging, connection, and support marked the annual Lavender and Hitimu: Multicultural events. During Friday's Baccalaureate service, members of the senior class focused on faith as they prepare for the next step in their journey. Also, the class of 2026 was welcomed to the Wittenberg Alumni Association during the annual Senior Send-Off event, where they celebrated with Alumni Association Board leaders, local alumni, faculty, and staff.
Leading in Academic Excellence
With the arrival of President Christian M. M. Brady in June 2025, Wittenberg has embraced an innovative, forward-facing agenda to become the model of a liberal arts university. Consistent with that objective, Wittenberg is excited to announce the creation of four new schools designed to bring the liberal arts to life in a synthesized learning environment. Inaugural deans selected from among Wittenberg’s own faculty have also been appointed. View video announcement.
A cherished symbol and the centerpiece of the Wittenberg campus, Myers Hall has stood faithfully since the University’s founding in 1845. Within and around the original Wittenberg’s beautiful facade, friendships formed, lifelong connections began, and a shared sense of place developed in graduates as they prepared to pass their light. However, years of weathering have changed this iconic structure, fading its treasured red color into an orange hue, which has saddened thousands of alumni and friends.
Today, we invite the alumni community to leave a collective mark by making a gift to “Restore the Red: The Campaign to Paint Myers Hall.” The $250,000 campaign is more than preservation of the building’s exterior and iconic cupola; it is a statement on continuity, community, and a fervent belief in Wittenberg’s future under Dr. Christian M. M. Brady’s dynamic leadership. The campaign will run throughout the summer with plans for the big reveal of the restored Myers Hall facade occurring during Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend, Oct. 1-4, 2026.
Every gift, no matter the size, moves this project forward and helps ensure that Myers Hall will be a permanent, visible embodiment of the strength and spirit of Wittenberg University. Thank you for your support!
Special Session
On June 9, 2026, at 7 p.m., President Christian M. M. Brady will host a virtual stop on his Lighting the Way Presidential Tour. Led by the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, the option will leverage the Zoom platform. Along with providing an update on the University, Dr. Brady will also field questions on a range of topics. Registration information will be coming shortly via email. Save the date and stay tuned.
Connections Symposium
Student-faculty research, internship experiences, artistic performances, and exhibits were on full display Friday, April 24, during Wittenberg's Connections Symposium. The annual event celebrates scholarship and interdisciplinary achievements, as it demonstrates the impact of the liberal arts on student learning and success. View photo gallery.
Junior Earns Goldwater Scholarship
Supporting talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become the nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has awarded Hailey Mulvilhill, class of 2027 from Florence, Kentucky, its prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Mulvihill joins only 454 students across the country in earning the distinction for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Tri-Beta Hosts District Convention
The Xi Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) biological honor society hosted the Northeast 4 District Convention last month at the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center. Students and faculty from across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio presented research in oral and poster categories and awards for the best molecular/cellular and ecological/organismal presentations. John Ritter, retired professor of geology, gave the keynote address.
2026 Ezry Awards
The Department of Athletics recently hosted its annual Ezry Awards, a celebration of excellence in athletic and academic performance by Tiger student-athletes, including a large group who all broke records during the 2025-2026 academic year. View photo gallery.
Wittenberg University is grateful for alumni who serve by leading. They help other alumni stay connected and get involved. They also give back by supporting Wittenberg financially with a gift year after year.
One such #WittWed couple is Laurie Heckler Griffin ’79 and Dave Griffin '79 of Centerville, Ohio. Laurie served on the Wittenberg University Alumni Association Board for nine years (2007-2016). When her term ended, she worked alongside several other Dayton area alumni to create the Greater Dayton Alumni Chapter. She has been instrumental in helping to lead the Dayton chapter for the past 10 years.
“I enjoy being connected with Wittenberg,” said Laurie, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who worked at Coopers & Lybrand and Physics International in addition to volunteering at local schools and community youth programs. “Our Dayton Alumni Chapter committee plans events to help provide other alumni with opportunities to maintain their connection to Wittenberg.”
Laurie and Dave also are instrumental in planning reunions for the Class of 1979. “We feel our Wittenberg education prepared us well for our careers and for life after graduation,” said Dave who recently retired from Marsh McLennan Agency as senior vice president after 43 years in the insurance industry. “We want to help support the University in providing that same opportunity for current and future Wittenberg students.”
We’re grateful for the leadership and generous support from alumni like Laurie and Dave. To join them in supporting Wittenberg, make a gift here.
Thank You to Volunteers
The Office of Admission thanks all alumni who volunteered with various recruitment efforts throughout the past academic year, especially the 155 Postcard Project participants. The admission staff looks forward to working with alumni on more initiatives in the coming year. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Oral History Project: Kori Gunther Frank '10
Many alumni found love at Wittenberg, married their college sweetheart, and built a lifetime of memories beginning at their alma mater. Kori Gunther Frank '10 met her husband, Paden Frank '10, during her freshman year. They were both involved in the theatre and dance program as well as the education department. After graduation, they married in Weaver Chapel and found jobs in Springfield. Kori taught middle school math for 12 years before returning to Wittenberg to work in the business office. Paden works at the Clark County Combined Health District. We’re grateful for alumni like Kori and Paden, who have supported Wittenberg throughout the years with a gift. To join them in supporting the University, make a gift today.
Walking for a Cause
On Saturday, May 2, the Student Alumni Association hosted its annual Nearly Naked Mile, collecting clothing donations for local organizations in need. It was a great day walking for a great cause! Special thanks to Balloon Dog Events for the amazing balloon arch and to all the alumni who came out to support the event and the community.