What amazing accomplishments! In the pages of this magazine you will see just some of the fantastic stories of the lives of Wittenberg alumni. Those featured here, and all of you, are living examples of the power of your life-changing experiences here.

Our students, and the ways in which I get to see them learn, grow, and change, are the highlight of serving as president of Wittenberg. I am energized when I see them lead and serve with compassion and confidence, hear them present their research, listen to them celebrating their accomplishments, and watch them sharing the experience with their peers. What I feel every day from them reinforces that what we do at Wittenberg makes a difference, for individuals and in the world.

In this moment, the narrative around a college education, particularly at a residential liberal arts and sciences institution like ours, continues to be a challenging one. College enrollment has declined in the United States for eight straight years. We are among those institutions struggling with resource constraints as we seek new ways to fulfill our mission that are both respectful of our history and embrace an uncertain future. We do this work as we hear of institutions closing, merging, or working urgently to develop new, innovative programs and forward-thinking methods of educational delivery. We know we must evolve in response to our environment and the times.

That we must change in the face of these challenges simply fuels our resolve to continue our efforts to be the institution that helps students find their light so they can pass it on to others. We have been engaged in this critical work since 1845, and this year will mark our 175th anniversary on March 11 of accomplishing what founder Ezra Keller set out to do. I believe it is essential to use this milestone to reflect on our journey. I also believe this milestone must serve as a bridge to change as we examine fully and completely the role we, as an institution of higher learning, are called to play in shaping people to lead lives of integrity and purpose.

As the new year begins, I ask that you continue to preserve our mission and advance our future as Wittenberg ambassadors. You represent us to the world, and you remind each of us that our work as educators and change-agents is never done. While the narrative affecting all of higher education, sadly, will likely continue, we must do our part to keep shining our light, both institutionally and as individuals, and be the beacon we have been for 175 years. I’m confident that together, we can inspire generations.

Happy New Year as we build on the foundation that began in 1845 and move forward on multiple fronts in 2020 and in the years that follow.

Best regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President