Considered the go-to guy for everything Web content-related on Wittenberg’s campus, Robert “Bob” Rafferty has a hard time saying “no” when his alma mater needs him. A volunteer assistant coach for the swimming team since graduation, Rafferty also regularly volunteers at alumni events and assists with university development and admission efforts.

Add to that the countless calls for assistance in such areas as digital media, photography, Web updates and news releases, all of which he handles with a smile, and it’s no wonder Rafferty received the 2005 G.O.L.D. Young Alumnus Service Award for sharing his time and talent with the university. He accepted the award during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Oct. 28-30.

The university webmaster and newly named director of new media, Rafferty leads Wittenberg’s overall electronic communications efforts, overseeing 62 academic and administrative Web sites and annually training students to assist in the university’s Web development initiatives.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to assist in ensuring that the Web inspires current and future students to experience the Wittenberg that makes me proud to call myself an alumnus.”

Such pride may be why the political science major is willing to drop everything to help a colleague figure out a problem, why he has stayed until the early morning hours to see a project through to completion, or why he spends an additional 10 -15 hours a week volunteering with the swimming team.

“Volunteering for Wittenberg is really satisfying,” he said. “It’s the type of satisfaction that is hard to come by. The opportunity to work with current student-athletes at your alma mater is a unique opportunity for an alum.”

Rafferty is also a member of the voting committee for the Athletics Hall of Honor, a position that the two-time Honorable Mention All-American swimmer and former captain of the swimming team, finds immensely rewarding.

“Wittenberg is what it is because of the dedication and commitment of so many people before me, and I remind myself of that everyday.”