Published June 6, 2020
Wittenberg Alumni and Friends,
1918 + 1929 + 1968 = 2020
There is a lot going on in our world. Through it all, Wittenberg remains committed to fostering a spirit of respect in all its community members. Some of our student leaders are organizing a virtual conversation with their peers and those of us who are on campus will gather (outdoors and 6鈥� apart) next week as we try to make sense of all that has transpired in the wake of George Floyd鈥檚 tragic death. I encourage you to read my Letter to the Community here.
As we reflect and support one another, we also are advancing our plan to bring our students, faculty, and staff back to campus safely this fall. My thanks to alumni medical professionals, Dr. David Hopper 鈥�63, Dr. Alan Stewart 鈥�69, and Dr. Laurice Moore 鈥�95, for sharing their expertise as members of our 18-member Health and Safety Working Group. As a campus, we are uniting around the theme of 鈥淲ITT: We鈥檙e In This Together,鈥� as we know that our efforts will only be successful if everyone remains diligent in helping to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Safe operations in the fall will require everyone to think differently about time, space, and how we go about our work and lives.
The WITT theme was also evident in the virtual farewell to our Class of 2020, May 16. More on the special celebration is below, but I want to thank all the alumni who sent in videos to congratulate the class during this most unconventional conclusion to the academic year. You showed our graduates and our campus that the Wittenberg light is always being passed on, and it is a light that is needed so desperately now.
With all that has been happening, however, I remain hopeful that our collaborative efforts will continue to make Wittenberg a sought-after educational experience. Our incoming class numbers are trending positively at 420 as of June 5, and our fundraising has set records both in terms of alumni participation (18% which is up from 13%) and total dollars raised this fiscal year (nearly $6.8 million which is up more than $1 million). We remain focused on a final push into fiscal year end with a goal to surpass $7 million. Thank you for your continued support.
I hope you and your families are safe and well, and I am hopeful the we can again be together in-person for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, October 2-4.
Best regards,
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Virtual Commencement 2020
Wittenberg celebrated the Class of 2020 and conferred degrees May 16 in a virtual ceremony that included a special message from the class鈥� Commencement speaker, U.S. Virgin Islands . President Mike Frandsen, Board Chair Jonathan Eilert 鈥�93, Senior Class President Leul Bulcha 鈥�20, Provost Michelle Mattson, and Past-President of the Alumni Board Johnny Pryor 鈥�99 offered congratulatory remarks, along with alumni, faculty, and staff. A faculty-led 鈥減assing of the torch鈥� concluded the event, while graduates also found creative ways to #StompTheSeal. Wittenberg is currently targeting Oct. 10, 2020, for its on-campus Commencement, health and safety protocols permitting.
Future Civic Leader
Recognized as a change-maker and public problem-solver, Emmanuel Thombs 鈥�22 has been named a Campus Compact 2020 Newman Civic Fellow. The financial economics and political science double major from Raleigh, North Carolina, will complete a project on economic inequality within underrepresented communities.
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend
Save the date for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, October 2-4. The classes of '70, '80, '90, '00, and '10 will celebrate reunions with friends and fellow Tigers. Check back for reunion information, tickets for select events, and the full weekend schedule.
Virtual Alumni College
Philosophy in Times of Crisis
Connect with Wittenberg on Wednesday, June 24, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to experience the classroom as Nancy McHugh, professor of philosophy and department chair, presents on "Philosophy in Times of Crisis," which will be co-taught by alumni and current students. . Seats are limited, so early registration is suggested.
Race, Class, and Pandemics
Connect with Wittenberg on Wednesday, July 15, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to experience the classroom as Scott Rosenberg, professor of history and director of African and Diaspora studies, discusses Race, Class, and Pandemics. RSVP by July 13. Seats are limited, so early registration is suggested.
Climate Change and Florida: Too Much Carbon for a Carbonate State?
Thanks to Jim Welch, professor of biology and department chair, who recently discussed the effects of climate change in Florida. Learn how excess CO2 causes higher temperatures and ocean acidification, and how the changing climate is affecting the Keys and Gulf by viewing the presentation below. Rewatch all past Alumni College presentations here.
What Is Fake News?
When Assistant Professor of Religion Travis Proctor introduced his innovative class titled 鈥�Fake New, Forgeries, & Frauds,鈥� little did he know that his students would have a global health crisis to provide the ultimate study guide.
Student Success
Rachel Corsello 鈥�20 saw a project for an environmental science course transform into a published research paper thanks to Wittenberg鈥檚 commitment to hands-on learning.
Grace Worley 鈥�20 turned her passion for art and education into an award-winning project in the Excellence in Visual Arts competition through the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio.
Community Leaders
The city of Hilliard, Ohio, is in good hands these days with three Wittenberg graduates guiding the community of nearly 40,000 residents. Libby Van Ommen Gierach 鈥�74 is the president and CEO of the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce, John Marschhausen 鈥�93 is the superintendent for the Hilliard City School District, and Michelle Crandall 鈥�90 is Hilliard鈥檚 first and current city manager.
Faculty News
Professor of Political Science Ed Hasecke has been appointed as director of the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic & Urban Engagement following several months of service as interim director. Hasecke brings experience working with a broad spectrum of local leaders, as well as community-engaged teaching and research, including the creation of the Engage Springfield dashboard and website.
Described as an 鈥渋rrepressible force鈥� by a former colleague, Robert G. Hartje, professor of emeritus of history and 1967 recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching, passed away April 21, 2020, at the age of 97.
#LifeAfterWitt
Meeting so many interesting people in the world of athletics has led Sarah Gearhart 鈥�06 to a fulfilling career path as a freelance sportswriter with her work appearing in Runner鈥檚 World, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Outside Magazine.
Kyle Barger 鈥�07 was recently listed among Columbus Business First鈥檚 2020 honorees in the annual 40 Under 40 program that showcases the best and the brightest young community leaders.