Throughout each academic year, the Wittenberg Series sponsors a number of diverse cultural, intellectual and value-centered programs that feature distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence. These programs are open to the university community and general public free of admission charge. They are planned to augment the university's academic curriculum, complement departmental and student programming, and enhance the cultural life of the campus and Springfield communities.
Broadly stated, the goals of the Series are to provide opportunities for growth and challenge, new kinds of experiences, exposure to unfamiliar ideas, and cultural enrichment. These objectives result directly from the mission and priorities of the university as an institution of higher learning that specializes in quality undergraduate liberal arts education in a residential environment. They also reflect the commitment of the university to share its resources with the residents of the Springfield community. Funding is provided by the general operating budget of the university, by student activity fees assessed in support of arts and lectures, by special endowments, and by a variety of local and campus cosponsors.
The general management of all aspects of the Series is the responsibility of the Wittenberg Series Coordinator who works closely with the University President, the Provost, the Office of Institutional Relations and Advancement, the Office of the University Pastor, the chairpersons and directors of all academic departments and programs, student organizations, and various service departments that provide practical support for each event.
The Committee on Programming, a faculty task committee appointed annually by the Provost and composed of faculty and students, provides general oversight for the Series and specifically chooses and schedules those events that are funded by the general budget (one event annually in dance, music, and theatre; two convocations; the distinguished author; visual artist residency; and poster art). The Committee for the IBM Endowed Lecture in the Sciences, an administrative committee composed of faculty and also appointed by the Provost, is responsible for the selection of IBM endowed lecturers and assists in planning their visits. Other endowed lectures and specific events presented each year are planned and facilitated by a variety of ad hoc committees appointed by the Series Coordinator.
The lectures and performances of the Series are inclusive of all the disciplines and special areas of study represented within the curriculum of the university: music, theatre, dance, the visual arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, psychology, religion, and technology. In addition, two observances at Weaver Chapel that are significant to the Lutheran heritage of Wittenberg are included in the programming: the services for Reformation and Advent/Christmas Choral Vespers.
The success of the Wittenberg Series results from the efforts of a diverse and extensive group of people. Support staff in the Advancement Office; Public Information; Publications; Scheduling Office; Student Development; Weaver Chapel; Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center; Housekeeping and Physical Plant are all important in handling the arrangements required to guarantee that events go smoothly. Faculty, students and administrators provide significant and continuous assistance in hosting guests, arranging itineraries and supplying campus publicity. Suggestions for the refinement of ideas and help throughout the year are provided by the Committee on Programming. The support of these individuals and of President Baird Tipson, Provost Kenneth Bladh, and Charles Dominick, Vice President for Institutional Relations and Advancement, continues to ensure the vitality of the Series and its impact on the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of the Wittenberg community, the City of Springfield and Clark County.
Gwendolyn W. Scheffel
Wittenberg Series Coordinator
May 17, 2004