SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Amid all the activity during Wittenberg University’s annual Homecoming Weekend festivities, Oct. 24-26, many alumni, faculty and staff also discovered their names imprinted in the heart of campus.
Engraved on bricks surrounding a large concrete Wittenberg “W” placed in the center of the new Woodlawn Avenue pedestrian plaza, the names showcase some of Wittenberg’s outstanding alumni, faculty and staff, and offer a brief glimpse into the university’s past.
The names on the bricks include such Wittenberg teaching greats as the late Margaret Sittler Ermarth, a 1930 alumna and a beloved history professor, and current English professor Richard P. Veler, a 1958 alumnus. Also included are recipients of the university’s prestigious alumni awards given to those who have served the university above and beyond what might be expected, brought honor to their alma mater or those who have excelled in their profession or avocation.
The name of the late Rees Edgar Tulloss, a 1906 alumnus and Wittenberg president from 1920-1949, for example, can be found around the “W,” a gift from the Class of 2003.
“These honorees are an important part of Wittenberg’s history, and this plaza serves as a monument to the many men and women who have made a difference in the life of the university,” said Patricia Richmond Benne, director of alumni relations and a 1968 alumna, whose husband, Ken Benne, dean of admission and a fellow 1968 alumnus, received the Class of 1914 alumni award in 1990.
On behalf of the Office of Alumni Relations, Benne also expressed thanks to the Wittenberg Alumni Association, the Office of Advancement, Darrell Kitchen, vice president for business and finance, Donna Picklesimer, director of purchasing, Rita Whip, director of prospect management, Jim Walsh, a 1950 graduate, and Kenny Lake, Wittenberg carpenter and foreman, for their special efforts in making this dream of an area of recognition a reality.
“As people cross this area on their way to the Benham-Pence Student Center, we hope they will take time to consider those individuals who have influenced them in their Wittenberg careers so that they, too, might one day take their place around the ‘W,’” Benne added.
To nominate an individual, log on to the Alumni & Friends section of Wittenberg’s Web site, and click on Alumni Award nominations. Letters of recommendation are also strongly encouraged, and can be sent to Pat Benne via the address online. The next deadline for submissions is Dec. 30, 2003, after which a nominating committee comprised of faculty, staff, alumni and students will select the 2004 award-winners.
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