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Tiger Tales - September 2026 Issue

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Published September 12, 2026

Homecoming Graphic

Join Us for Homecoming 2026!

Filled with cherished traditions and numerous activities in a festive atmosphere, Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend features something for everyone, including athletic contests, Tiger Town Tailgate, campus tours, special reunion celebrations, the Athletics Hall of Honor and Alumni Achievement Awards ceremonies, family events, and so much more.

  • The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. Register for Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend.
  • Join us Saturday, Oct. 3, for the Tiger Town Tailgate where you can experience Tiger pride, community, and connection. Tailgate registration is now closed due to a record number of registrations.
  • To reserve a hotel room, visit the Local Accommodations web page.
  • Click here to check out the restaurants in and around Springfield.
  • The classes of 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2016, and 2021 will celebrate reunions. As alumni from these classes reconnect and share memories of their days at Wittenberg, they will have an opportunity to give back to the University. Reunion giving is rooted in the tradition of passing our light forward for decades to come. Make your reunion gift today.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Wittenberg Students helping with new student move inWelcome, Class of 2030

The University's newest Tigers began their Wittenberg journey during the annual move-in and Welcome Week, Aug. 20-23. Coming in at more than 430 strong, the class includes First-Year Research Award recipients, Honors Program admits, student-athletes, and students from as far as Alaska, California, and Colorado to 72 percent being from Ohio. Top areas of interest include business, nursing, sport management, and exercise science. Together, the incoming students spent Welcome Week learning about the University's friendly, inclusive community, as well as campus life, traditions, engagement, and more. View Flickr Galleries

Wittenberg Professor Richard PhillipsAcademic Year Kicks Off

Opening Convocation, the traditional beginning of the new academic year and the first event of the 2026-27 Wittenberg Series, took place Tuesday, Aug. 25, in historic Weaver Chapel with Richard Phillips, associate professor of biology, director of the University’s environmental science program, and 2026 recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching, providing the keynote address titled “Counting Crows.” Listen to Dr. Phillips' Address and/or View the Flickr Gallery

Wittenberg Support PuppyPuppy Patrol

Wittenberg’s Campus Safety and Police Division has welcomed a furry new member to its team – an adorable yellow Labrador puppy that will soon be ready to serve as the University’s first-ever crisis response therapy dog. Donated to Wittenberg by Black Swamp Labradors, a small, specialized, family-based breeder located in Grand Rapids, Ohio, the puppy was named "Duke" after a weeklong contest in which students, faculty, and staff were invited to vote for their favorite name. Read More About Duke

Alumni Board GraphicRepresenting Their Alma Mater

Committed to serving as a liaison for the University by engaging and connecting the alumni body in support of Wittenberg’s mission and goals, Wittenberg’s Alumni Association Board represents more than 26,000 alumni across the United States and internationally. This summer, the board welcomed four new members: Nathan Mawhirter, class of 2014; Jennifer Peters, class of 1986; Cliff Pope, class of 1992; and Kevin Schalnat, class of 2007. Read About the New Members

Wittenberg University Recitation Hall EntranceTrading Places

The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement has moved to the first floor of Recitation Hall, and the Office of Enrollment Management, which includes Admission and Student Financial Services, has moved to the Bayley Alumni House, now known as the Bayley Welcome Center. This move has provided better space for admission counselors to meet privately with prospective students and families, as well as offer a more easily accessible option for visitors. The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement looks forward to serving alumni and donors from Recitation Hall.

Wittenberg University Restore the Red Celebration Graphic

Thanks to the generous support from 550 donors, Wittenberg University raised $263,287, surpassing its $250,000 goal, for Restore the Red: The Campaign to Paint Myers Hall. Alumni and friends participated in several challenges and leaderboards to double their impact. Alumni from the 1960s raised the most dollars, donating $72,153, while alumni from the 1970s led the donor count with 97 donors. Thirty-six donors from the class of 1976 raised $44,250, the most dollars given from the eight classes celebrating their reunion this year. The painting of Myers Hall has already begun, bringing new life to the exterior of the centerpiece of the University's campus and renewing the structure's iconic cupola to prominence. Join us at Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend for a celebratory reception from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3. The Rev. Dr. Nathan Esala, Wittenberg's new Matevia University Pastor, will officiate at the dedication of Myers Hall.

Spotlight on Philanthropy Steve and Carol Hirt

Wittenberg University is grateful for alumni and friends such as Steve '67 and Carol Hirt who have given to the University for more than 40 years. As members of the Benjamin Prince Society, Steve and Carol are leaders in giving back to the University. They also are members of the David Hawley Associates Legacy Society, which recognizes alumni and friends who have provided for Wittenberg as part of their estate plans. In addition, they recently gave a gift to Restore the Red: The Campaign to Paint Myers Hall. Steve credits Wittenberg with preparing him for a successful career in fundraising.

Week for Witt 2026 Graphic

Save the date! Week for Witt, our third-annual giving week, unites Tigers in a celebration of what makes the Wittenberg experience truly transformative. Throughout the week, we’ll shine a light on several key areas, including Scholarship Support, Strategic Presidential Initiatives, Experiential Learning, Athletics, and The Wittenberg Fund. Each plays an important role in the Wittenberg experience and provides opportunities and resources that directly support our students and strengthen the University. Your support helps provide meaningful opportunities for today’s students while building a strong foundation for Wittenberg’s future. Stay tuned for more information.

Wittenberg Students Alumni Referral Program

Refer a Future Tiger! When you refer a high school student to the Office of Admission, that student will receive a $1,250 scholarship for each of four years for a total of $5,000, if accepted for admission. Whom should you refer? Friends, family, relatives, neighbors, community members, church members – any student you think would make a great Wittenberg Tiger! Current high schools seniors must be nominated prior to submitting their application for admission. Refer a Student

Benjamin Prince Society Graphic Thank You to BPS Members

Special thanks to the hundreds of alumni and friends who supported Wittenberg as members of the Benjamin Prince Society (BPS) during the past fiscal year. Named for the beloved teacher, scholar, and servant-leader who worked at Wittenberg for 69 years, the giving society honors individuals who have shown uncommon commitment to Wittenberg’s academic excellence through their annual support. Learn more and join the Benjamin Prince Society today.