Wittenberg University has exceeded its $100 million fundraising goal for its Having Light: The Campaign for Wittenberg, the largest campaign in the school’s history. This ambitious effort supports all that defines Wittenberg: the people, the place and the present.
Thanks to unprecedented support from thousands of alumni and friends across the globe, the campaign surpassed its record-setting $100 million goal nine months early. Wittenberg University launched the public phase of the campaign in March 2021 with a goal of raising $100 million by June 30, 2023. On Friday, Sept. 30, during Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend kick-off festivities, Wittenberg announced the current total raised of $100,125,997 (and counting), while encouraging ongoing increased participation in the campaign before its official close on June 30, 2023.
“The goal we set was ambitious. When we announced our $100 million fundraising goal, we called upon Tigers to join us in sharing their light,” said Wittenberg President Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D. “Despite the challenges facing our world these last few years, Wittenberg Tigers responded and lived up to our motto of ‘Having light we pass it on to others.’ As a community, we Tiger Up!; that is what we do. On behalf of our community, I am grateful for the extraordinary support and unwavering belief in our mission and future.”
The campaign has already impacted every area of the University with donor commitments benefiting the three campaign priorities: People, Place and Present. To date, Having Light: The Campaign for Wittenberg has engaged more than 32% of the alumni body and raised approximately $20 million for its People through scholarships, faculty and staff support, and investments in career exploration and outcomes for our students. Additionally, approximately $40 million has been raised to support the Place – taking care of the historic campus while advancing into the future – with another $40 million raised in support of the University’s Present through annual support to address current and emerging needs across all of campus.
“Each and every gift, regardless of amount, makes a difference for the future of our students,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Rebecca Kocher. “The collective power of Tigers is tremendous, and I am incredibly grateful for the support from our alumni and friends in helping us reach this historic accomplishment ahead of schedule. When we recognize our light and share it, Wittenberg shines!”
Looking ahead, campaign fundraising will continue to support all that defines Wittenberg: the people, who inquire, create, inspire and compete; the place, where Tigers come together as a community and welcome others to learn and grow; and the present, where the next generation of Wittenberg graduates learns to pass on its light. Now is the time for alumni to ensure an exceptional educational experience for current students, along with financial stability and sustainability for years to come.
“The scope of the investments is what stands out, making a profound impact across the entire campus,” said Janet E. Jackson ’75, who serves as the managing co-chair of the campaign. “It is such a privilege for me to be involved in this forward movement, and I can’t wait to see what more Tigers do for Wittenberg between now and the end of the campaign.”
The Wittenberg light has shone brightly since 1845. With the support from alumni and friends, it will shine for generations. Keep passing the light through June 30, 2023 by joining a community of donors committed to making a positive difference in the lives of current students and the future of the University.
