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.

Witt Nation 2011-Welcome

Well, ‘here we go again’!
The Witt Nation Summer Tour is back. This year the tour’s focus is to connect with alumni in select cities and allow those attending the events to greet the new members of ‘our’ Witt Nation—the Class of 2015. The crew is ready, the van is spotless and the Witt Nation gear is packed.

Before you can say, “but the trip isn’t traveling across the country”, or “the trip has a different feel this year,” I will explain and offer several options for you to engage in Witt Nation 2011 and offer a sneak-preview of Witt Nation 2012!

DEFINITION

Witt Nation: A mass of people who attended Wittenberg University, who are passionate about remaining connected to their alma mater. This group enjoys interactions which include educational components, social aspects and service related projects. The members of this group love to be involved, love to engage in many activities in their communities as they did as students, and always enjoy a great time. This group is the People with the Passion for the Place!

With that said, we are Witt Nation. All of the alumni in the world create Witt Nation. A gathering of any alumni and friends of the University is a Witt Nation event. So, you don’t always need the Witt Nation Crew or the office of alumni relations to gather together and sport your Witt Nation gear. The act of having an event or gathering supports our alma mater, Wittenberg. It allows you to reconnect or stay connected to one or many!

What you can do if we are not coming to your city or town in the Witt Nation Van?
Create your own fun. Submit events on-line and we will send invitations, emails, help coordinate efforts and send all of the gear you need! Many cities have already made plans and others are underway. You never know—one city might just be surprised and have a visit from some of crew members.

What you can do to assist and support the tour – Witt Nation Welcome?
*If you have an event, take photos of the group and individuals to submit to our WN web site.
*On the site you can write your own welcome messages.
*Respond to the blog posts written by the crew members.
*Fuel the Fund by continuing your commitment to the university and your financial support so we remain that place you grew to love and your gifts will continue to allow us to attract wonderful students.
As for 2012, we are putting the tour in the hands of you—-Witt Nation. The Office of Alumni Relations will announce a window of opportunity for you to submit events. We will review all applications for events and select our tour route, providing you with the day we will be in your city to engage with our alumni—the members of the Witt Nation! More details to come.

For now, let’s give a warm welcome to the Class of 2015, 600+ new Wittenbergers and their families.

All my best for a safe trip, a fun tour and our hope to see many of you on the road this summer and in the future!

Linda