Published May 22, 2021
Hats Off to Our Newest Alumni!
Under sunny, blue skies, Wittenberg conducted the 171st Commencement exercises in two separate, in-person ceremonies to celebrate the class of 2021 on May 15. To allow for social distancing, both ceremonies were held at Wittenberg Stadium. A long-awaited Commencement ceremony celebrating the class of 2020 was also held in the same location on May 16.
In addition, during the weeks leading up to Commencement, Wittenberg hosted the first annual LGBTQAI+ Lavender Graduation celebration virtually to honor the achievements of the University鈥檚 LGBTQAI+ graduates, and the McClain Center for Diversity hosted the third annual Black Celebratory Graduation (Hitimu) to honor the University鈥檚 Black students. The 10th annual Student Leadership Awards recognizing student organizations, advisors of the year, and unsung heroes, were announced via social media.
Having Light Campaign Regional Events
Since the public launch of the Having Light Campaign on March 11, many alumni have been planning events that will be hosted in-person between the fall of 2021 and spring of 2023. Look for event dates on the site, and let us know if you would like to for one of the following regions:
- Springfield/Dayton
- Columbus
- Cleveland
- Cincinnati
- Chicago
- DC
- Detroit/Toledo
- NYC
- LA
- Tampa/ Sarasota
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Oct. 8-10
Homecoming 2021 is being planned in hybrid form with the hopes that we can host in-person events this fall. Alumni celebrating reunions are being encouraged to join reunion planning committees. Golden (鈥�69 and beyond), '70/鈥�71, '80/鈥�81, '90/鈥�91, '00/'01, '10/鈥�11 and 鈥�20/鈥�21. Join your reunion committee .
Walk for Witt
In recognition of the 20th anniversary of #WittCelebrateService Day, the annual event designed to honor Wittenberg鈥檚 longstanding commitment to serving others, we invite you to 鈥減ass your light鈥� during a special Season of Service.
Alumni, students, staff, and friends are encouraged to volunteer individually or in small groups in your community and join fellow alumni online by participating in Walk for Witt. Anyone can participate anywhere between now and June 20. Learn more here, and register to be entered to win a Walk for Witt Swag Pack.
Debut Novel Receives Critical Acclaim
The days following the March release of his debut novel Raft of Stars were a whirlwind of activity for author Andrew Graff, visiting assistant professor of English. The book landed on the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association best-sellers list, was named one of Parade鈥檚 Best Books for Spring 2021, and was selected as an Indie Next pick for April 2021.
Women鈥檚 Basketball Head Coach Named
has been selected as the tenth head coach in the history of the women鈥檚 basketball program. She brings an extensive basketball resume to Wittenberg as both a player and coach, including coaching positions at Ohio State, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, and Penn State.
New Tradition
The class of 2024 participated in a new tradition of illumination earlier this month, passing their light on from one to another and lighting candles in luminary bags around campus.
Future Civic Leader
Acknowledged as an inspiring and emerging problem-solver, Sophia Ouellette-Wade 鈥�22 has been named a Campus Compact 2021 Newman Civic Fellow. She joins a group of 212 community-committed students representing the organization鈥檚 member colleges and universities from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.
#LifeAfterWitt
With fresh ingredients and inventive flavors, Sara Bornick 鈥�00 brings back memories of childhood summer-day bliss with the gourmet popsicles sold at her Cincinnati streetpops shop. Read more #LifeAfterWitt stories here.