Many say we have a strong history and tradition of success in our
academic programs, arts and theatre, athletic prowess and student engagement.
Others may say we have wonderful alumni, staff, faculty and friends of the
University who offer boundless hours to create the passion that lives within
each student who attends Wittenberg. After spending an evening with twelve
individuals who share many common bonds and 681 years of connection to ‘our’
Wittenberg, I truly know the meaning of ‘The People, The Passion for The
Place.’

The stories were wonderful, everything from the classroom experience to the six year-old girl who, in the 1920′s, shared a duplex with the Chi Omega
sorority, the alumni events update from a former director of alumni relations,
to the 70 years of Wittenberg wisdom from one of our eldest alumni, Roland
Matthies, who is a young 101! We had several medal of honor recipients, distinguished teaching honorees, a young alumnus varsity hoops player (class of ’81-who invited him) and those who have given their time, talent and many treasures to our Wittenberg. After the event, as I began my time of reflection. “What could we have done better? Who was missing from the group? How can we bottle up the pride and energy the 681 years represents and ‘pass it on’,” I realized there was no need to change one element of the night. It was natural, it was genuine, all were gracious, it was authentic—it was Wittenberg.

That Wednesday evening, in my element, I witnessed everything Wittenberg. It is always a blessing to participate in the discussion about Wittenberg and hear the praise for our University.The best is when all of the stories, casual comments, even jokes, resonate with what is happening in our daily lives. The positive reinforcement of Wittenberg—a place that makes a
difference in the lives of those who embrace it, those who live its motto, those who give back.

Welcome to the class of 2015—May you find all of the passion this place has to offer as you pass on your light!

Let the tour begin!

Linda

*Emeriti Professors and Staff, Alumni and Family of Wittenbergers gather at an event held at Oakwood Village-Retirement Community.