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20/04/2024

Some days I just want to rewind the clock. And yesterday was definitely one of those days when I learned about Associate Professor of English Andrew Graff’s Wilderness Writers class and this hands-on learning experience, one of many that reflect Witt’s dynamic teaching model.

Leveraging Springfield’s beautiful ECO Sports Corridor - Whitewater Park at nearby Snyder Park, Andy, author of two highly acclaimed novels, “True North” and “Raft of Stars,” immersed his students - literally - into the world found in Peter Heller’s “The River.” (Andy’s 20 years of experience as a whitewater rafting guide on numerous rivers proved an added bonus to the adventure.)

I know I can’t go back to my college days and check the box for such a class, but I can certainly smile knowing that literature is still being brought to life each day at my alma mater. (Time to Google kayak lessons, too.)

15/04/2024

There is community, and then there is the Wittenberg community. And one week ago today, the Wittenberg community gathered together to watch an awe-inspiring moment during the Great North American Eclipse, April 8.

There, in Wittenberg Stadium, “WittClipse” unfolded as faculty shared expertise, and as students engaged in games and activities. Food proved plentiful, and fun defined the day leading up to 100% totality.

And then it happened — the moon slipped in front of the sun for just under three minutes on a beautiful afternoon, and with it, Wittenberg students, faculty, and staff voiced their own form of “wow” in a one-of-kind way that I’ll remember forever.

The video, which we shared that day, gives a glimpse of that moment, along with what community looks and feels like at Wittenberg. It’s an experience that always reflects a special light — literally and figuratively — and one that unites generations, with or without an amazing eclipse.

27/10/2023

When the leaves turn into beautiful hues of gold and red, and the sun hits the Hollow in just the right way, magic happens at Wittenberg as autumn vibes abound. Photos by John Coffman

18/10/2023

I’m seeing a common denominator across these shots. Guessing you can too, as the smiles on display during Homecoming, Reunion & Family Weekend shine through. I keep looking back at our Flickr gallery here and there, as so many of the photos speak to what it means to be in the Wittenberg family. The energy on campus was incredible on Oct. 5-8, along with Saturday’s crisp, yet comfortable fall temps and mixed blue skies. It’s been 30 years (how in the world did that happen?) since I graduated, but the memories never seem to fade — another common denominator of Wittenberg University Alumni. Enjoy your own look back through the gallery here: https://tinyurl.com/WittHCPhotos 📷:Gracie Becker

22/09/2023

Sometimes it’s just about taking it all in — the people who help make the magic happen, the students who bring their own unique energy to each day, and the spots around campus that don’t always make the shot list. This Friday is one of those days as we look back at a few favs from John Coffman at Wittenberg University.

01/09/2023

What a week-and-a-half at Witt! From welcoming our newest Tigers to the start of classes, the scenes from the last few days rekindled so many fond memories of those first moments on campus. The friendly smiles of faculty and staff. The helping hands. The meet-and-greets. The laughs. The late-night chats among roommates. The newfound interests. And the passionate, engaging teaching styles that help make Witt’s classrooms among the nation’s best. Here’s to a great year ahead! Welcome back! 📷: John Coffman

29/07/2023

A month from today the 2023-24 academic year begins, bringing with it an energy all its own. Getting excited to welcome our newest students and those returning in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, here is a quick look back at last year's Move-In Day, which marks the official start of Welcome Week and shows the power of our caring community, as well as the ecosystem of support that defines the Wittenberg experience. Photos by John Coffman

29/04/2023

Shall we dance? Yes indeed. And in the process of watching the spring dance concert, we get yet another opportunity to see students pursue their passions with the intensity and pride these images convey.

Two more free shows are scheduled for tonight and tomorrow afternoon, but the passions discovered through a Wittenberg education last a lifetime — something these students will know soon just as our 26,000+ alumni already do.

Enjoy the show. Shout-out to John Coffman for another great set of photos, too. Wittenberg University Theatre & Dance

17/04/2023

So a cool thing happened in Massachusetts over the weekend. A former student-writer/intern for the magazine, Sarah Gearhart, class of 2006, fulfilled a dream as her first book, We Share the Sun, had its official launch at the Boston Public Library — an intentional choice given the subject and timing of the Boston Marathon today.

A New York City-based sportswriter and former senior producer at USA TODAY Sports Media, Sarah presents a powerful, moving portrait in her debut biography of one of the world’s most fascinating coaches, Patrick Sang, and the elite Kenyan runners who have set the standard for excellence thanks to Sang’s holistic philosophy.

An avid runner herself, Sarah has completed 14 marathons around the world, including the Boston Marathon three times, so the opportunity to learn from and gain unprecedented access to Kenya’s coaching legend was an incredible gift. Combine this gift with Sarah’s passion for reading, and a public library situated near the end of the marathon route proved the perfect spot to launch her book.

As so many alumni know, the power of Wittenberg is in the relationships that form between faculty, students, staff, coaches, and alumni. I experienced that firsthand with Sarah as she honed her craft and set the path for her future career. I cannot begin to articulate the joy that comes from seeing a former mentee and magazine writer succeed. The friendship that we have developed over the years is another added bonus.

Congratulations, Sarah! of you for shining your light through the written word and in all that you do.

07/04/2023

I think it’s cool to see spaces temporarily transform on campus for special events. In February, for example, Shouvlin 105 turned into a small ice skating rink, one of the many activities that are now part of new tradition for students called Snow Day. In a few weeks, Commencement Hollow will be a sea of caps and gowns against rows of white chairs, while fun Homecoming decor will find its way into multiple rooms, outdoor spots, and various venues across campus this fall. Last weekend, though, it was Weaver Chapel’s time to shine.

Amazing artistry, cool lighting, and awesome creativity coalesced in the chapel, April 1, as Grammy Award-winning Third Coast Percussion performed a free concert thanks to the Witt Series. For 15+ years, the “ensemble has forged a unique path in the musical landscape with virtuosic, energetic performances that celebrate the extraordinary depth and breadth of musical possibilities in the world of percussion,” notes the group’s website. The evening proved engaging on every level, giving guests an experience to remember.

The event also made for some fantastic photos. Weaver Chapel is beautiful, but it can be a difficult place to photograph at times because of the lighting. Our photographer, John Coffman, said he had to use three different lenses during the evening, but the extra effort was well worth it as these photos show. I hope you like the transformation, too. Enjoy!

14/01/2023

There is just something cool about the start of the spring semester. I think it’s because it’s always timed with the beginning of a new year, and it always aligns with the heart of winter in Ohio. Both give the semester a unique feel as new goals are set, new classes start, warmer coats and shoes make their debut, and new insight and understanding commence. Students also seem more confident, having successfully navigated the fall, and appear more at ease despite the grey days that can define this time of year. Friendships made in fall grow even more, and the anticipation of spring begins to fill the air.

With all this on my mind, I thought should be a tribute to the first week of classes and another chance to make even more Witt memories in the months to come. Enjoy.
📷: John Coffman

10/12/2022

In honor of tonight's annual Lessons & Carols for Advent and Christmas, this week's focuses on our beautiful Weaver Chapel.

Several years ago, a dear friend and former colleague shared what it was like seeing the chapel's steeple rise above the trees for the first time. He had been traveling from Columbus with his parents to visit Wittenberg as a high school student. As the family drove into town on State Route 40, Weaver Chapel’s steeple appeared in the distance, and right then and there, his parents knew instinctively that Wittenberg University was the right place for their son - and it was.

To them, the chapel standing tall in the heart of campus meant that life at Wittenberg revolved around it and that it played a central role in the student experience. Whether offering a place of comfort in times of crisis, a respite from the rush of each day, or a welcoming space to worship, gather, or celebrate in community, Weaver Chapel continues to serve as a beacon, drawing people to its doors as it did once again this evening. (And it makes for some pretty great photos, too.)

Photo credits: 1: Jon Duraj, 2: Archives; 3-4: John Coffman; 5: Andy/Rachel Tune; 6: Jeromy Laux; 7: John Coffman; 8: Archives; 9: Jon Duraj

02/12/2022

Little moments often make the best memories. Hot chocolate on a chilly night. Smiles among friends and a sing-along. Students sharing their musical gifts. Even a bright red chair. All were present during yesterday's second-annual Tree Lighting to kick-off the holiday season on campus. The event had something for everyone, including fun crafts, special performances by Just Eve and Wittmen Crew, food, and the reveal of a large Adirondack chair on Alumni Way. S/O to the Facilities Management team for its work in building what will likely become a sought-after photo spot, and to all who made the event one to remember. Lastly, would not be complete without a few more fall shots slipped in right before winter begins. 📷: 1: Jon Duraj; 2-9: John Coffman

18/11/2022

Those who know me know I love photography. I love seeing a moment captured in both simple and complex ways. I like how light plays in our experience with an image, and I love the stories photographs tell. I especially love how photos routinely capture our students pursuing their passions, engaging in new learning opportunities, competing, or just having fun using their talents and gifts. Additionally, I enjoy seeing those special Witt spots and spaces in the best of light, which, I hope, is what will help to do moving forward. So many images are taken each week or shared occasionally by faculty, students, and staff. Many of these are used in communications, including the magazine, on the website, or in social media. Others may sit quietly, awaiting the right moment to be seen. I hope to bring a few to light each week in this new segment. Happy viewing!

📷 Credits:
(1) Brian Yontz, (2) CABLE program, (3, 5) Jeromy Laux, (4, 6-8) John Coffman, and (9) Darby Hiller-Freund

01/10/2022

A friend snapped this shot as we walked toward the chapel yesterday. I absolutely love how the light shines in subtly from the left, as it reminds me of our motto, “Having light we pass it on to others.” I get to see so much of this special light in small and big ways at Wittenberg University, and especially during Homecoming, when alumni from all classes return to reconnect.

Whether it’s celebrating the new Veler Endowed Chair in English, Dr. Cynthia Richards, and hearing her amazing tribute to the late Dick Veler ‘58, who shared his light with her and countless others, including me; or remembering the life of another late, beloved professor, Dr. Dave Mason, who inspired so many alumni to find their light in medicine and research; or the amazing light of philanthropy that pushed our $100M Having Light Campaign over the top nine months early — $100,125,997 and counting to be exact — the Witt light is as powerful today as it was in 1845.

No wonder they say a picture conveys a thousand words. I agree, so instead of writing more about the Witt light, I’ll just join with the other 26,000 proud Wittenberg University Alumni and keep passing it on. Hope you will, too. Happy !

05/07/2022

We had a fantastic conversation with 1995 alumna Chandra Donnell Carey, Ph.D. in the latest issue. As co-founder of the new Center for Racial and Ethnic Equity in Health and Society at the University of North Texas, Chandra is working to eliminate barriers to mental health access.

“Where it may be clear to others that seeking treatment is a part of the process to recovery, the stigma, stereotypes, and cultural tropes regarding strength, faith, and resilience have prompted a denial of the impact of mental health in black and brown communities, even among those likely experiencing the daily effects of it. Between improper diagnoses, attitudinal barriers, economic barriers, lack of culturally responsive treatment and interventions, and ineffective relationships with service providers, few people of color who could benefit from mental health treatment receive appropriate care. The overall goal of my work is to increase access to mental health services and to increase the cultural responsiveness of practitioners so that appropriate care and interventions are available.”

To see the full issue and read her Q&A on page 20, visit https://bit.ly/3R54x33. Wittenberg University Alumni

22/06/2022

A garden and graciousness connect retired admission and advancement colleague Linda Schreiber Himes ‘66 to generations of alumni.

Linda is “so uniquely woven into the fabric that is Wittenberg,” and has “this innate ability to add a special touch to everything she does,” says Megan McCann ‘93, who still calls Himes her second mom.

Delighted to share Linda’s impact in the current issue making its way into mailboxes now.

15/06/2022

Light being passed? Absolutely. From our first-ever FIRE Week to our long-standing program with the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) to lifelong connectors and alumni leaders in service, inclusion, sustainability, and more, the latest issue of the magazine aims to show our motto in action. Excited to share all the stories with you. New issue is in mail now. 🙌

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Videos

Bringing Lit to Life

Some days I just want to rewind the clock. And yesterday was definitely one of those days when I learned about Associate Professor of English Andrew Graff’s Wilderness Writers class and this hands-on learning experience, one of many that reflect Witt’s dynamic teaching model. Leveraging Springfield’s beautiful ECO Sports Corridor - Whitewater Park at nearby Snyder Park, Andy, author of two highly acclaimed novels, “True North” and “Raft of Stars,” immersed his students - literally - into the world found in Peter Heller’s “The River.” (Andy’s 20 years of experience as a whitewater rafting guide on numerous rivers proved an added bonus to the adventure.) I know I can’t go back to my college days and check the box for such a class, but I can certainly smile knowing that literature is still being brought to life each day at my alma mater. (Time to Google kayak lessons, too.)

WittClipse 2024

There is community, and then there is the Wittenberg community. And one week ago today, the Wittenberg community gathered together to watch an awe-inspiring moment during the Great North American Eclipse, April 8. There, in Wittenberg Stadium, “WittClipse” unfolded as faculty shared expertise, and as students engaged in games and activities. Food proved plentiful, and fun defined the day leading up to 100% totality. And then it happened — the moon slipped in front of the sun for just under three minutes on a beautiful afternoon, and with it, Wittenberg students, faculty, and staff voiced their own form of “wow” in a one-of-kind way that I’ll remember forever. The video, which we shared that day, gives a glimpse of that moment, along with what community looks and feels like at Wittenberg. It’s an experience that always reflects a special light — literally and figuratively — and one that unites generations, with or without an amazing eclipse.

Lasting Legacy - James Rebhorn ‘70

Called an “American character actor adept at play[ing] clever villains, domineering dads and corrupt politicos,” James Rebhorn '70 took his Wittenberg education to screens around the globe in a career spanning more than four decades before his passing in 2014. Starring as the secretary of defense in Independence Day (1996), Rebhorn appeared in more than 100 films and television series, including My Cousin Vinny, Scent of a Woman, The Game, Meet the Parents, The Practice, Third Watch and White Collar. One of only 115 individuals invited to join the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences in 2007, Rebhorn, who earned his M.F.A. from Columbia University, was also a member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre. I'm so thankful James took time to talk with us a year before his passing as his words about Wittenberg still resonate today. His light is certainly missed.

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