Published November 14, 2020
Wittenberg Alumni and Friends,
In a few weeks, the traditional Thanksgiving holiday will be upon us. This special time of gathering will be very different in light of COVID-19 this year, but the sentiments that surround this annual event remain: We are thankful – deeply thankful – for all the support we have received this past year. The words of encouragement, gifts toward our COVID Crisis Fund, the sharing of expertise by our alumni physicians, and the overall commitment by everyone in our community to helping students succeed have all been an inspiration to each of us at Wittenberg.
What has also been inspiring is the role our Health, Wellness, and Athletics Complex has played in supporting health and safety on campus. To ensure effective social distancing in every classroom and facility, we had to assess all available spaces and adjust as needed to allow for in-person learning. The HWA proved instrumental in our success. The utilization of the HWA’s new classrooms by various academic departments has increased substantially. We used the HWA Complex to host the mass-testing event with the Ohio National Guard earlier this semester, and we continue to have a testing center in the Connector space between the lobby and The Steemer. In addition to these new uses, we were still able to offer health and fitness options for students, faculty, and staff, allow select teams to compete virtually with other schools, and maintain a practice schedule for our student-athletes that conforms to COVID-related expectations.
None of us went into 2020 knowing the shifts and sometimes daily changes we would have to make to deliver our education, but we are grateful that we have been able to accomplish what we did safely and successfully this semester. We know the challenges will continue when students return in January, but we are confident in our ability to meet them. In a real sense, that is the power of the Wittenberg light; it allows us to see possibilities, reflect on them, and act for the benefit of all in the best way we can.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Best regards,
Mike Frandsen
Remembering Veterans
With the mission to Remember fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom, the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Members of the Washington, D.C. chapter have participated in the event at Arlington National Cemetery every year since 2015, and this year two alumni are hoping to keep up the tradition on their own, Dec. 19, pending COVID-related precautions and any decisions around the event being fully virtual. Read full story here.
#LifeAfterWitt
Jarod Vance ’14, second-year Ph.D. student at University of North Carolina-Greensboro, is exploring how aerobic exercise impacts cognition and brain health. Nicole Fogarty ’98, assistant professor in the department of biology and marine biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, has dedicated her career to coral research, restoration, and education. Focused on community engagement, Luke Dennis ’00, president of Miami Valley Public Media, seeks to provide more local radio content and music, as well as train young people to make radio a career. Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories here.
Advancing Plasma Science
Jeremiah Williams, associate professor of physics and department chair, was recently awarded a $39,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Energy to continue his research on plasmas, an important area of science that has technological applications. Williams expects to involve students in the research project.
Alumni Survey
In preparation for the public launch of the Campaign for Wittenberg University, we are reaching out to all our alumni for insights and feedback. More than 600 alumni have responded to the survey link sent this week. Check your email for your opportunity to reply as well.
Tiger Network in Action
Despite COVID-19, Claire DeWeese ’22 was able to complete a Texas-based summer internship with Clariant that involved running simulations of an oil pipeline to explore how to prevent corrosion. Rusmir Niksic ’96, who heads Clariant’s global oil and mining business, connected his colleagues with Wittenberg’s chemistry department as they recruited interns.
#WhereAreTheyNow?
Transformed countless times by classroom discussions with students, Professor Emeritus of English Bob Davis credits the experience of teaching with helping his latest book emerge. Playful Wisdom: Reimagining the Sacred in American Literature, from Walden to Gilead, published last month by Lexington Books, explores the theme of religious play in works by some of America’s greatest writers.
Thank You to Alumni Educators
Thank you to the 230+ alumni who responded to our alumni educator outreach! We are humbled by your willingness to spread the word about Wittenberg in your classrooms and schools. #WittTigerTeachers
Meeting Your Year-End Giving Goals
As we near the end of a challenging 2020, there are still ways that this year can yield rewarding returns:
- In 2020, you can deduct $300 of charitable gifts to a charitable organization without itemizing on your taxes.
- IRA accounts have no required minimum distribution (RMD) in 2020 but those age 70 ½ or older can still make gifts directly from an IRA to a nonprofit organization tax-free up to $100,000.
- Gifts of appreciated securities may offer an additional tax benefit in comparison to cash gifts; beyond claiming a deduction for the fair market value of an asset, you can potentially eliminate the capital gains tax you would incur if the asset was sold (and the cash proceeds were gifted).
- Have you updated your estate plans this year? Have you considered Wittenberg University as a beneficiary of a part of your legacy?
Remember: These are just a few ideas to discuss with your advisor, and they may not apply to your situation. Contact Director of Planned Giving Chris Nelson, at nelsonc20@wittenberg.edu to learn more about how your gifts can make a lasting impact at Wittenberg.
Unable to join the gift planning conversation with Elizabeth Ayers ’80 during Homecoming? Learn how you can find solutions to your specific estate planning needs by watching the recording.
Virtual Alumni Events
A Virtual Holiday Time Concert Experience with Thomas and The Work-Men
Friday, Dec 18, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. EDT
7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Concert Premiere on YouTube
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. VIP Meet & Greet with Thomas and the Work-Men via Zoom
RSVP
Postcard Project
We are gearing up and setting our sights on the Class of 2025. As such, it’s time to register for the annual Alumni Postcard Project. Sign up to send a postcard to 10 applicants telling them your Wittenberg story and what makes the University special. Register here to participate. Alumni postcard packets will be mailed mid-January, and we ask that you write and mail your 10 postcards by February 28.