Published Feb. 13, 2018
Save-The-Date
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends will celebrate a new chapter at Wittenberg when the university inaugurates its 15th president, Dr. Michael L. Frandsen, on April 5, 2018. The totality of the Wittenberg experience will shine during the ceremony and in events planned throughout the week, all of which will center around the theme of "Light Illuminated." The ceremony will also feature guest speaker Randy Bass, Ph.D., founding executive director of Georgetown University's Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship.
#LoveWitt
The 2nd annual I 鈥淗eart鈥� Witt Day is happening on Feb. 14. The day aims to teach the campus community about the power of philanthropy and how donor support provides the margin of excellence when tuition dollars run out. Students will have the opportunity to write personal notes of thanks to Wittenberg donors and show their thanks by taking a picture in our photo booth, which will be shared via social media. Join in the day by downloading the image below to use in your social media profile. Also share the reasons why Wittenberg is special to you using the hash tag #LOVEWITT.
Engaged Learning
In honor of Black History Month, Wittenberg is offering a wide variety of programs throughout February, including several discussions about film screenings and African American literature, as well as a talk by scholar and recording artist A.D. Carson. Julius Bailey, associate professor of philosophy, will also engage students in several conversations.
Into The Tank
As part of Wittenberg鈥檚 new Enlight entrepreneurial-inspired program series, Wittenberg will host its version of the popular "Shark Tank" program, Feb. 15. Titled "Tiger Tank" and hosted by the department of business, the event will allow eight students to pitch their big ideas to a panel of Wittenberg alumni judges in hopes of earning an internship, mentorship or even cash. Alumni judges include Kyle Barger 鈥�07, owner of Champion Trading Group; Board member Scott 鈥淢uddy鈥� Watters 鈥�87, owner and president of Flippin Water LLC; and Corey Myers 鈥�04, strategic advisor for multiple organizations including Gamesmith Inc., Qwil, TradeLanes, and Conduit Ventures Inc. Myers is also an engineering recruiter for Tesla.
Campus Ministry
Dan Jacob 鈥�10, a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has been installed as the ministry associate in Wittenberg鈥檚 Office of the Pastor. In addition to helping students organize and lead the weekly contemporary worship service, he is working to strengthen the university鈥檚 relationship with the Lutheran Church and Wittenberg鈥檚 presence at events such as the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston.
GPS Symposium
Wittenberg's School of Graduate & Professional Studies will host its 2nd Annual Analytics Symposium, Feb. 27. In addition to gaining insight and having the chance to network with senior leaders in the field, those in attendance will also participate in a group analytics experience and various group activities utilizing a data set from Ohio Means Jobs.
Honoring MLK Jr.
For the eighth year in a row, Wittenberg partnered with Hayward and Roosevelt Middle Schools in Springfield to host the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The Community Service Program organized the event, which involved approximately 25 Wittenberg students and 30 middle-schoolers participating in games and artistic and educational activities that focused on King鈥檚 message and legacy.
Alumni Relations
Wittenberg is excited to welcome applications for the Director of Alumni Relations and Lifelong Engagement position. Responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive alumni relations program designed to increase alumni engagement and support of the university's strategic plan, the director will build stronger ties among alumni and the university, accomplished by a wide variety of programming, volunteer opportunities and communications. This position will also provide strategic leadership and direction to the Alumni Board of Directors and regional alumni chapters.
Teaching Excellence
Associate Professor of Philosophy Julius Bailey is fighting the stigma surrounding mental health conditions in the black community. Believing open dialogue can help those who suffer from depression and abuse, he recently organized a public discussion in his hometown of Decatur, Ill.
Professor of History and Department Chair Darlene Brooks Hedstrom was installed last week as the third Kenneth E. Wray Chair in the Humanities. Brooks Hedstrom spoke on 鈥淭he Value of History and the Humanities" during her installation ceremony.
Alumni In The News / #LifeAfterWitt
When Jonathon Felter 鈥�07 changed his academic path from pre-medicine to mathematics, he had no idea it would lead to a career with Major League Baseball (MLB). But the skills in statistical analysis, logic and problem solving he honed at Wittenberg have served him well in his position as director of sponsorship and media sales for MLB.
Cara Vendeville鈥檚 passion for education and desire to fulfill a larger purpose led her to Memphis, Tenn., where she taught elementary school with Teach for America. Now serving as the manager of matriculation and licensure for Teach for America 鈥� Memphis, the 2014 graduate helps new teachers develop their teaching skills and navigate licensure requirements. Photo by Ziggy Mack
John Mohr 鈥�12, left, has received the first-ever Wayne Flynt Endowed Graduate Award in Alabama History and Culture from Auburn University in Alabama, where he is a doctoral candidate concentrating on the history of technology in the South, specifically the linkages between the auto industry, technological utopianism and political realignment in the American South in the late 20th century.