SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Already an expert in U.S. history, government, social reform movements and
politics, Richard T. Ortquist, professor emeritus of history, recently tackled
Wittenberg’s past and present for a new collection of essays examining Ohio’s
independent colleges and universities. Titled “Wittenberg University:
Commitment to an Idea,” Ortquist’s chapter appears in the book Cradles of
Conscience, which features 42 Ohio colleges in its 588 pages.
From the Ohio Synod’s initial desire to establish a college that would serve as a “western outpost for Lutheranism with an ‘Americanist’ influence and “provide theological training for clergy” to the college’s early and current leaders to its various enrollment, economic, community, co-educational and curriculum challenges throughout the years, Ortquist offers readers a unique glimpse into Wittenberg’s history and its influence on the liberal arts landscape.
“What I enjoyed most about my work was the opportunity to pull together some thoughts and memories about my 35 years as a member of the faculty and administration at Wittenberg,” Ortquist said.
“Through this work, I hope that both Wittenbergers and non-Wittenbergers come
away with the understanding of the importance of the institution’s early
history to its modern experiences, its determination to retain the liberal
arts as the essential core of the institution, its determination to gain and
maintain the respect of insiders and outsiders for academic excellence as well
as success in athletics, and its desire to retain some meaningful connection
to the Lutheran Church (ELCA).”
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