Imagine descending into darkness on a quest to discover the unknown. With each movement, sounds hidden from most of humankind begin to emanate. The gentle lap of water atop rock formations untouched by fingertips. Slight echoes from species that thrive without light.

For hundreds of students, this description reflects their first experience with cave exploration as members of Wittenberg University’s Speleological Society (WUSS), which will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its charter as a student grotto of the National Speleological Society on May 14.

In recognition of this milestone, the society and its adviser Horton Hobbs III, professor of biology, have invited WUSS alumni back to campus April 8-10 to enjoy a reunion and go caving in Ohio.

“From the first timid steps into the dark cave entrance as a freshman, to the first step over and down the lip of a gaping pit, to the confident fourth-year students moving gracefully and with respect and care through the cave – these are the developments into ‘cavers’ that I have had the privilege to observe year after year,” Hobbs shared with subscribers to WUSS’ biannual academic journal Pholeos, which is distributed worldwide.

“WUSS members understand that cavers should not only explore the underground, but also we must study, survey and protect it,” noted Beth Hagen ’01, former WUSS president.

Originally organized in response to student interest in caves and the belief that caves possess unique scientific, recreational and scenic value, WUSS has consistently fulfilled its mission to protect and preserve caves in the region and abroad throughout its 25-year history. It also seeks to educate others on cave ecology and promote safe exploration. Early projects undertaken by the organization included surveying more than 40 Ohio caves, producing a map of Laurel Cave in Kentucky and publishing the first edition of Pholeos.

Since then, WUSS members have conducted research involving cave systems, received funding for further study and won national awards for their research. Six even accompanied Ronald Reagan Jr. to northern Alabama for a spot on ABC’s Good Morning America in 1988. The organization also pushed for legislation designed to protect Ohio caves from abuse, which is known as the Cave Protection Act today. In addition, WUSS has welcomed 10-25 new members each year with a record 43 joining the grotto in 1994. Megan Porter ’96 was one such new member back in 1992.

“I found Dr. Hobbs’ boundless enthusiasm for cave biology infectious,” recalled Porter, who recently earned her Ph.D. in molecular evolution at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Porter joins more than 500 cavers across disciplines who have discovered the wonder of the world beneath their feet during their Wittenberg tenures, and Hobbs expects 50-75 of them to return for WUSS’ 25th reunion.

“The appreciation of what caves are is nurtured in every member,” Hobbs said, “and each member has made WUSS what is had been and what it continues to be today: an incredibly enjoyable, conservation-oriented and productive organization.” n — Karen Gerboth ’93