Published December 13, 2025
The Inauguration of Dr. Christian M. M. Brady
The Wittenberg and Springfield communities celebrated two cherished holiday traditions on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The fifth annual tree-lighting occurred on Chapel Lawn followed by the always popular Lessons and Carols in historic Weaver Chapel with President Christian M. M. Brady facilitating and music provided by the Wittenberg Chorale, Springfield Symphony Chorale, Springfield High School Chorale, and Springfield Brass Quintet.
Lesotho Nutrition Initiative Turns 10
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Wittenberg's Lesotho Nutrition Initiative (LNI) set a new record for meals packed in a day on Nov. 16. Thanks to 300 students, faculty, staff, and more than a dozen alumni, 77,000 meals were packed for Lesotho children suffering from severe/chronic malnutrition and stunting. Special thanks to all who participated and to LNI founder Scott Rosenberg, H. Orth Hirt Professor of History, Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Lesotho, and Director of Wittenberg's Peace Corps Prep Program. .
Students Create Their Own Classes
Inspired by their FIRE Week adventure in March at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, where participants learn how teachers implement experiential learning opportunities, a group of education students proposed a new course that would continue the University鈥檚 connection with the institute. The result: a topics course called Schoolyard Network, which debuted this semester with 11 students enrolled.
New Football Coach
久久视频 is pleased to announce the hiring of BJ Coad, Wittenberg class of 2008, as the new head coach of Wittenberg Football. Coad officially took the reins on Dec. 1, 2025.
He returns to his alma mater after compiling an impressive coaching resume, including stops at Wittenberg, Syracuse University, Marian University (Indiana), Butler University, and Ohio Dominican. He spent the last two years as the top assistant to former Wittenberg defensive coordinator Kelly Cummings. Read more about Coach Coad here. Also check out a .
Virtual Meet-and-Greet with Coach Coad
Football alumni are invited to a virtual meet-and-greet with Coach Coad at 7 p.m. EST, Monday, Dec. 15. After an introduction by Matt Gallatin '01, enjoy a conversation with Coad Coad, a Q&A session facilitated by Zach Hurtt '12 and Josh McKee '12, and closing remarks by President Christian M. M. Brady. . (Zoom link will be provided prior to the event.)
Be #WittProud
This holiday season, show that you are #WittProud by wearing Witt gear in your community and as you travel. Take a photo and tag Wittenberg using the hash tag #WittProud, so we can share your photo on social media. Special thanks to Chad Minnick '98, Alumni Association Board President, for encouraging all Tigers to participate.
Spotlight on Philanthropy
Wittenberg has long benefited from alumni who step forward to support the University鈥檚 most pressing needs and promising opportunities. Among those dedicated Tigers are Robert 鈥淏ob鈥� 鈥�63 and Lynn Noble Ness 鈥�64, who have been woven into the fabric of the Wittenberg community for more than six decades. As alumni, leaders, volunteers, and parents, Bob and Lynn have consistently demonstrated their deep affection for 鈥� and belief in 鈥� their alma mater. Most recently, they reaffirmed that commitment by providing essential funding to launch a critical strategic planning initiative. This inclusive planning process is now underway and is expected to conclude in May 2026, shaping the roadmap that will guide Wittenberg鈥檚 future. We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Ness family for their thoughtful leadership and generous philanthropy.
Serving Their Alma Mater
Committed to preserving and advancing the mission of Wittenberg, the University's Board of Directors has added six new alumni members to its ranks in Mike Aljancic, class of 2002, Bill Emery, class of 1980, Horton Hobbs IV, class of 1997, Ronald Rowland, class of 1969, Allison Scaia, class of 2009, and Kelly Maguire Sumption, class of 2001. All will attend their first Board meeting on February 6-7, 2026.
Committed to Community
Nursing major Macie Robinson, class of 2026, has been named by Campus Compact as one of this year鈥檚 student civic leaders. She joins fellow recipients from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico in comprising the 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellows, a yearlong program that recognizes and supports students who have demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities.
Fall Sports Highlights
Wittenberg's fall sports season was marked by brilliant individual performances and a conference title for Wittenberg Women's Volleyball. A year after missing the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since the mid-90s, the Tigers got back to the business of raising trophies in 2025, sweeping the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) regular season and tournament titles and advancing to the second round of the national tourney. Mary Sulfridge '28 filled her trophy case with NCAC Setter of the Year, NCAC Player of the Year, first-team all-region, and honorable mention All-America awards, while the Tiger women's volleyball coaching staff collected top honors from the NCAC as well. Elsewhere, Maddi Clark '27 became the fifth runner in Wittenberg Women's Cross Country program history to qualify for the NCAA Division III championships, both Tiger soccer teams featured the top scorers in the NCAC as Asher Donahue '28 and Sarah Deaton '28 both claimed first-team All-NCAC and all-region honors, and Luke Jackson '26 led the conference in tackles for Wittenberg Football.
Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
The 2025-2026 Wittenberg Series will continue with the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation featuring Christopher Thompson '93, executive coach and founder of CORE Inclusive Consulting LLC, as the keynote speaker. Thompson's address is titled "The Light We Find, The Light We Carry." The event, which is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Weaver Chapel, is free and open to the public.
Refer A Tiger Today
Those who know Wittenberg the best, make the best ambassadors for the University. If you know a student 鈥� a child, relative, sibling, family friend, co-worker鈥檚 child, youth member of your church, academic all-star, theatre standout, athlete, etc. 鈥� who might be a good fit for Wittenberg, .
Send Postcards to Applicants
Register for the annual Alumni Postcard Project for the Class of 2030. Send a postcard to 10 applicants, telling them your Wittenberg story and what makes the University special. Alumni postcard packets will be mailed between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. We ask that you write and mail your 10 postcards by March 15, 2026. .
As the holidays approach, we reflect on the generous gifts we have received from so many alumni and friends over the past year. We鈥檙e truly grateful for your continued support of Wittenberg. May this holiday season bring you joy and peace!
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, new federal rules for charitable giving take effect. By making your gift to The Wittenberg Fund by Dec. 31, 2025, you may maximize your deduction under the current law while helping our students today. If you haven鈥檛 done so already, please consider making a year-end gift to Wittenberg before Dec. 31. Your generosity helps us continue our tradition of excellence.
YEAR-END GIVING TO WITTENBERG
Gifts made by Dec. 31 may reduce your 2025 tax liability. If you haven鈥檛 already done so, please consider a matching gift or a recurring gift. must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, and checks must be postmarked by Dec. 31 to be counted for the 2025 tax year.
IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If you are 70陆 or older, you may be able to lower your taxable income from your IRA withdrawals and make an impact at Wittenberg with an IRA charitable rollover. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift from your IRA.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
You can recommend a gift to Wittenberg by contacting your financial institution or fund manager. Please request your name and address to be included, as some funds only include the fund鈥檚 name and address. When recommending a gift, please use the following information:
- Tax ID: 31-0537177
- Board of Directors of Wittenberg College
Thank you for your support!