Published February 10, 2024
Alumni & Friends,
We are almost one month away from our annual Commit to Witt Day of Giving on March 13. Beginning at 12 a.m. ET, this 24-hour event offers a time for Tiger Nation to show its collective pride in Wittenberg with a gift of any size to the University.
In making a gift during Commit to Witt, you are signaling your confidence in the Wittenberg mission and in our ability to change students' lives. Save the date and visit the Commit to Witt website often for the latest updates. There is also still time to sign up to be a Commit to Witt ambassador.
As you have heard President Frandsen say in this communication: "Tigers Thrive Together." During Commit to Witt, that sentiment comes alive as alumni and friends pass their light. Thank you in advance for GIVING LIKE YOU as we work to impact every facet of the Wittenberg experience on March 13, 2024.
Best regards,
Rebecca Kocher
Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Commencement Speaker Announced
Wittenberg is proud to announce that Megan Frost ’94, director of product design for Apple Inc., will present the keynote address at the 174th Commencement exercises scheduled for Saturday, May 11, in Commencement Hollow. Frost is a product design leader with more than 25 years of experience in creating innovative and user-centric solutions that enhance the lives of millions of people around the world.
Black History Month
Wittenberg is offering a variety of educational and community-focused events in honor of Black History Month. Julius Bailey, professor and chair of philosophy and director of African & Diaspora Studies and Justice, Law & Public Policy, has organized an event titled “Aesthetics In Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression.” In addition, Step Afrika! recently returned to campus for a night of free entertainment and education centered on the African American tradition of stepping.
True North
Released just weeks ago, Andrew Graff’s second novel, True North, has received rave reviews in the Washington Post, Goodreads, Booklist, and Publisher’s Weekly. Graff, associate professor of English and director of creative writing, takes readers back to his childhood home in Wisconsin’s Northwoods for an adventure in marriage and white-water rafting as one couple navigate the changing currents of family, community, and the river itself.
Welcoming a New Member
John Carroll University, a regional rival for Wittenberg’s NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics teams for many years, has accepted the unanimous invitation to join the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). The Blue Streaks will begin NCAC competition in the 2025-26 school year.
Deadline Extended
Wittenberg has extended its May 1 College Decision Deadline to June 1 for the incoming Fall 2024 class. The announcement came just days after the U.S. Department of Education announced further delays and complications in processing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data.
Commit to Witt Ambassadors
Commit to Witt 2024 will take place on Wednesday, March 13, and we want you to be an ambassador. As an ambassador, you can help spread the word and engage others by texting, calling, and posting on your social networks. Commit to Witt ambassadors create awareness and inspire others to make gifts to Wittenberg. Sign up today!
Printable Valentines
It’s not too late to download specially designed graphics and printables for Valentine’s Day, courtesy of the Wittenberg Alumni Association. Created by Claudia Rieth, class of 2020, the Valentines feature illustrated images of Ezry the Tiger, with options for individual cards and sets of six.
Wittenberg Choir Tour 2024
The Wittenberg Choir will tour Indianapolis and Chicago Feb. 22-26 as part of the annual FIRE Week. All alumni and friends are invited to attend these performances.
Philip Spencer ’75, professional musician and professor emeritus of music at Joliet Junior College, will conduct the choir in a performance of his original composition “That Would Be the Day” at 4 p.m., Feb. 25, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Naperville. Members of his new philanthropic choir, NaperVoice, will also sing.
Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Home Concert with Symphonic Band
Weaver Chapel, Wittenberg University
Friday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
Resurrection Lutheran Church
445 East Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, Indiana
Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
5500 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Illinois
Sunday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
815 S. Washington St., Naperville, Illinois
Monday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
611 Randolph Street, Oak Park, Illinois
WittClipse: April 8, 2024
Leveraging its position along the path of totality during the Great Northern American Eclipse on April 8, Wittenberg is planning a series of activities and events to mark this phenomenon. Programming is being led by a committee of Wittenberg experts in astronomy, climate change, meteorology, physics, and more. Alumni and friends are also invited to join the Wittenberg community for WittClipse: Across the Spectrum of Learning. Planning is still underway, so please check back often.
Please note: Wittenberg will have a limited number of eclipse glasses for the totality event. For more information about eye safety and the eclipse, click here.
Union Board Sweatshirts For Sale
Show your Tiger Pride year-round and support Union Board by ordering an I ❤️ W sweatshirt! Sweatshirts are on sale for $20 and can be shipped right to your door for an additional $12. Sales close Friday, Feb. 23. Thank you for your support of Wittenberg’s student organizations! Contact Union Board with questions. ORDER HERE.
Connect with Your Alumni Association
The Wittenberg University Alumni Association Board is here to serve the alumni community by supporting programming and welcoming suggestions that will help alumni feel more connected to and involved with the University. Do you have something you want to share with the Alumni Association Board? Submit this form to voice ideas, feedback, and suggestions to an Alumni Association Board member.