• Suzanne Stiver Lie ’56 - Finds Passion in Research
• Lanty Smith ’64 - Lives Life As A Reflection Of The Liberal Artst
• Douglas Vinsel ’72 - Passes His Light In Healthcare Field
• Kara Teeple ’93 - Spends Time In Service To Others
• Jennifer Meier Geistfeld ’98 - Devotes Life to Teaching Others
• Dan Stroeh ’01 - Inspires Young Writers On Campus And Off
• Kenneth E. Lake ’07H - Preserves Past And Helps Craft University’s Future

Dan Stroeh has remained a familiar face on Wittenberg's campus since his graduation, and his commitment to the university and its students recently resulted in him receiving the G.O.L.D. Service Award during Homecoming 2007.

Especially well-known to students in theatre, English and communication classes, with whom he has shared his time, talents and life experiences as a freelance writer, Stroeh continues to invest himself in the success of those he meets during classroom visits, readings and colloquia.

"I learned what it meant to BE a writer while I was at Witt," he said. Winner of the 2001 John F. Kennedy Center's National Student Playwriting Award for his play it is no desert while at Wittenberg, Stroeh continues to write and has been commissioned by the Kennedy Center to write a new play for young adult audiences. He also has scripts in development with Reel Farm Films Inc. and is working on his first novel. In addition, Stroeh serves as a guest lecturer on creative and dramatic writing, theatre and literary theory at various universities, high schools and young writers' conferences, and with each engagement, he takes his Wittenberg experiences with him.

"My happiest memories of Witt are always centered around the community of artists and scholars of which I became a part," Stroeh said. "We had an Algonquin Round table of sorts that met every night at Denny's, writing, work-shopping, studying, planning and drinking coffee till the wee hours of the morning."

Stroeh maintains regular contact with members of the round table, and he added that he continues to turn to professors and mentors Steve Reynolds, professor of theatre and dance, and Kent Dixon, professor of English, when he needs guidance.

"To me, Witt's greatness lies in its faculty. I always felt that my professors, throughout the various departments, were completely invested in my success - academically, artistically and personally," Stroeh said. "They trusted me and encouraged me, and never allowed me to get away with mediocrity in my work."

- Phyllis Eberts '00