Published November 14, 2021
Wittenberg Alumni & Friends,
As I look at my calendar, I find myself amazed by how fast the year has flown by. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and with it comes an incredible feeling of gratitude. Right now we stand at more than $88 million in our $100-million Having Light Campaign. To be at this level shows how much you care about our people, place, and present. We are so thankful for your support as it literally will change the lives of our current and future students, as well as advance the educational experience we provide.
I also want to express my thanks to those who are leading our regional campaign committees, who reach out to ask how they can help, and who serve as our ambassadors wherever they go. The pride you have in Wittenberg speaks volumes and makes a difference.
May this holiday find you counting your blessings and continuing to pass your light.
With gratitude,
Rebecca Kocher
Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Global Connections Collaborative
A new initiative aims to prepare students to study, live, engage, serve, and work in a global future. Called the Global Connections Collaborative, the effort will emphasize that students can major in various areas and tie their language study to future careers in business, science, and other areas via the nationally recognized Cultures and Language Across the Curriculum (CLAC) program and international internship or experiential learning opportunities on campus.
Happy Anniversary
Celebrating its 44th year, the latest volume of Wittenberg’s East Asian Studies Journal – with cover art by Kimmey Mugford ’20 – is available online. A group of students created the journal in 1975 with the purpose of encouraging undergraduates from both Wittenberg and other universities to pursue scholarly inquiry into East Asia.
A Great Way to End the Year
As we enter the season of giving and gratitude, we give thanks to the many people who support Wittenberg and make our future stronger. There is still time to make a difference in 2021 by supporting the people and areas of our University that make a difference to you.
Here is how you can maximize your year-end gifts in 2021:
- Initiate your gifts of appreciated stock and mutual fund shares early – transfer times may vary from broker to broker. Please contact us for instructions on how to make a gift using appreciated securities.
- Gifts made through the mail should be postmarked by December 31 to be counted as a 2021 gift for tax purposes; online credit card gifts should also be made by December 31 at giving.wittenberg.edu.
- Take advantage of the temporary tax deduction that is available to all donors. In 2021, consider making a gift (or gifts) that meet the $300 above-the-line charitable deduction for single tax-filers (and $600 for married couples filing jointly), if you have not already.
- For 2021 only, individual taxpayers who itemize federal tax deductions and who contribute cash to a public charity may deduct up to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income after taking into account other contributions subject to charitable contribution limits.
All gifts count toward Wittenberg’s Having Light campaign. You or your advisor can contact us at development@wittenberg.edu or visit our giving website for more information.
Join the Alumni Board
The Alumni Board is seeking interested candidates who are proven leaders, have demonstrated service to the alumni population, are experienced in working in a collaborative environment, and are committed to serving as Wittenberg ambassadors in their communities. Find out more information and submit a nomination today.
Join the Movement this #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a global movement of generosity that is more vital in 2021 than ever before. Join us on Tuesday, November 30, for a day dedicated to uplifting communities, empowering nonprofits, and celebrating kindness. Stop by giving.wittenberg.edu to see our featured funds or support the fund that inspires you the most.
Spotlight: Tamika Jeter
As the Tiger women’s basketball season gets underway, the Springfield News-Sun shines a spotlight on new head coach Tamika Jeter, who brings an extensive basketball resume to Wittenberg as both a player and coach.
Church Partner Pack
We are excited to kick off our Wittenberg Alumni Church Partner Pack outreach with the hope of placing the Wittenberg University name in your faith communities and allowing your youth to see the opportunities Witt offers. We encourage you to complete the Wittenberg Alumni Church Partner Pack Form and get FREE Witt items for you and your church. The package will also include a folder with college admission information. By completing the form you will also be placed in a drawing for a Wittenberg University sweatshirt and additional Witt gear!
#LifeAfterWitt
Attorney, judge, and long-time CEO Janet E. Jackson ’75, member of Wittenberg’s board of directors, has been selected by Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther to chair the Civilian Police Review Board.
Throwing stones has become a passion for Courtney Chavers Schmidt ’96, chair of the USA Curling Board of Directors.
In honor of Veterans Day, retired Naval officer and intelligence expert Barry Zulauf ’79 reflected on the rewards of his career.