Joyce Wendel, associate professor of music
After 23 years of bringing song and music to the Wittenberg University and Springfield communities, Associate Professor of Music Joyce Wendel took her final bow as conductor of the Wittenberg Singers in April. Read More...

Erin Kapp, class of 2009
After earning a valuable scholarship to attend Wittenberg University, Erin Kapp arrived with a love of writing and thoughts of pursuing a career as a park ranger or a marine biologist. In four years, she found she could have it all at Wittenberg. Read More...

Manny Lamarre, class of 2009
The journey that led Manny Lamarre from Haiti to Miami, Fla., to Wittenberg may have been circuitous and unlikely, but in four years it became something truly inspiring. Read More...

Julie Ziegler, class of 2009
While the dance classes Julie Ziegler took as a three-year-old never led to a gig as a Rockette, she continued to aim high, discovering a passion for softball and a professional interest in physical therapy, which she pursued to great effect in four years at Wittenberg. Read More...

Kristian Kovacs, class of 2009
A love of sign language and a passion for community service led Kristian Kovacs on a unique academic journey that had a particularly positive impact on one Springfield family during her Wittenberg career. Read More...

Erica Snipes, class of 2009
Since arriving at Wittenberg intent on majoring in marine biology, Erica Snipes has taken her physics major as far as California, where she worked on a research project with the National Science Foundation in 2008. Read More...

Elise Willer, class of 2009
Elise Willer has carried a hefty academic load during her collegiate career at Wittenberg, majoring in both political science and French while carrying a religion minor as well. But she has learned just as much outside the classroom during her collegiate career. Read More...

Cody Grindle, class of 2009
When Cody Grindle first arrived on the Wittenberg campus four years ago as a prospective student, he had a passion for politics and had already picked out his intended major. After sitting in on a Russian politics class taught, he made the decision to make Wittenberg his home. Read More...

Rachel Kaufman, class of 2010
Rachel Kaufman was attracted to Wittenberg's strengths in many disciplines, so much so that she is majoring in English while also carrying a rigorous three minors: history, theatre, and pre-modern and ancient world studies. Read More...

Adam Burdsall, class of 2011
Adam Burdsall developed a learning experiment using his puppet, Cordon Blue, to share his message with children at Springfield's Warder Literacy Center. "A puppet can connect with children in ways that a live person just can't," he said. Read More...

Brian Schubert, class of 2009
With graduation looming, Brian Schubert '09 has a lot to look back and reflect upon. The management major from Norwalk, Ohio, has accomplished a great deal in his time at Wittenberg, and he has given as much as he has received. Read More...

Rebecca Atkins, class of 2010
Rebecca Atkins has known where she wanted her life to take her since she was in the eighth grade. Seven years later, the junior biochemistry/molecular biology major continues to follow that challenging and rewarding path at Wittenberg. Read More...

Matt Looney, class of 2009
Matt Looney was able to combine his favorite hobby with the opportunity to give back to his community in an innovative way. He helped organize an Honor Flight mission, a community service project that led to an experience he will "never forget." Read More...

Kelly Eggers, class of 2009
Growing up in a community just 20 minutes from New York City, Kelly Eggers wanted to learn about other communities. Four years after first visiting Wittenberg, she says "my entire college experience has been outside the box." Read More...

Cristina Recalde, class of 2008
From the day Cristina Recalde '08 arrived on campus from Quito, Ecuador, she began to redefine herself. The shy teen from far away quickly discovered she was in an environment that encouraged her to participate, and she felt her confidence and sense of self begin to grow. Read More...

Aubrey Herbst, class of 2009
Aubrey Herbst was in high school when she recognized her passion for writing. While she was well prepared for the challenges Wittenberg would later offer her as an English major and journalism minor, she has gone above and beyond what most Wittenberg students experience during her collegiate career.
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Laura Linden, class of 2008
Laura Linden was drawn to Wittenberg by factors that usually don’t come into play in most students’ college search. Having severe allergies to some things standard to residence hall life, as well an allergy to wheat known as Celiac disease, Linden needed to find a place suited for her to take classes and function in her daily life. Read More...

Courtney Symons, class of 2008
Courtney Symons, an English major from Westfield, Ind. who graduated from Wittenberg in May 2008, believes that learning to make a life is as important as learning to make a living. At the close of her collegiate career, she knows that she is well-prepared for both. Read More...

Alison Stalzer, class of 2008
A biology major and management minor from Broadview Heights, Ohio, Alison Stalzer admits that she gets bored if she's not busy. She also realized early in her collegiate career that she had to stay motivated and disciplined to achieve her goals.
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Shannon Little, class of 2008
Shannon Little took advantage of Wittenberg's post-secondary education option for two years before starting her college career with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. Everything changed after she took an economics class – to her surprise, Little discovered a passion for economics and realized she needed to make some changes if she wanted to find success and happiness in a career.
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Matt Lynch, class of 2008
Matt Lynch loves looking at the world in different ways, and from the start of his collegiate career he knew he wanted to major in sociology. Soon he discovered he wanted to add something more to allow him to build a life that would better suit his energies, passions and needs.
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Sarah Fetters, class of 2008
A passion for softball came as naturally as breathing for Sarah Fetters, and she has taken that passion to extraordinary heights. Off the field, Fetters proved she was no slouch in the classroom either.
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Brad Wilson, class of 2008
Having lived his life in a small town surrounded by people he knew made meeting students and faculty from different countries, cultures and backgrounds one of the most important opportunities Wittenberg offered.
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Amanda Rollins, class of 2008
Captivated by anime at the age of six, Amanda Rollins from La Crescenta, Calif., grew to be intrigued by all things Japanese and storytelling.
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Eric Bess, class of 2008
Growing up in Springfield, Ohio, Eric Bess knew he would go to college, and although at one time he wanted to be a heart surgeon, his passion for art took him in another direction.
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Brittney Dye, class of 2008
A strong science program at a small liberal arts college topped the list when she began her college search.
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Dylan Baun, class of 2008
Dylan Baun class of 2008 from Mars, Pa., knows the hard work and dedication it takes to be an honor student-athlete at Wittenberg.
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AJ Holloway, class of 2009
For some people community service is a chore –something they do because they must. For others it's a blessing.
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April Condell, class of 2010
A Spanish major with minors in sociology and international studies, April Condell, class of 2010 from the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica, first heard about Wittenberg from her college adviser. Read More...

Ben Scott, class of 2009
“When I was little, I wanted to be a Ninja turtle or a race car driver,” says Ben Scott. Today Scott isn’t exactly sure what he wants to do, but he knows what it won’t be. Read More...

Ed Charney, Professor of Art
As Edward Charney, associate professor of art and department chair, looks back on his life, three people stand out as personal inspirations.
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Ben Williams, class of 2010
Music completes the world of sophomore Ben Williams. It has filled his past; it has a strong presence in his present; and his plans for the future are built around it. Read More...

Caitlin Hedrick, class of 2009
A political activist, Caitlin Hedrick ’09 believed she would pursue political science in college.
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Lauren Terry, class of 2010
Lauren Terry grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and loved the all-girls school she attended for nine years. However, she did not want to go to college in Ohio. Read More...

Danny Marous, class of 2009
When Danny Marous ’09 began his college search, he wanted a smaller school close to home with a reputation for strong academics and faculty interaction. Read More...


Matt McDonald, class of 2010
From the time he was little, Matt McDonald ’10 wanted to be a pilot, and today he has a commercial pilot’s license. He transferred to Wittenberg from Cleveland State after he completed his flight training.
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Blaire Butler, class of 2009

Blaire Butler began dancing when she was three, and she has been involved in the performing arts ever since.
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Miguel Martinez-Saenz,
Professor of Philosophy
Described as someone who “takes the initiative to educate, value, recognize, understand, appreciate and celebrate differences amongst people,” Miguel Martinez-Saenz, assistant provost for the First-Year Experience/associate professor of philosophy, has ensured that students leave his classes not only confident in the knowledge they’ve gained, but also prepared to live meaningful lives.
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Trudy Faber,
Professor of Music
Called “a friendly woman with an engaging smile,” by one international concert reviewer, Trudy Faber has spent a lifetime inspiring others to find their light through her teaching and her unwavering passion for playing the organ. Read More...

Bob Welker,
Professor of Education
For Robert Welker, professor of education, the field of teaching represents an opportunity to change lives forever. In fact, for 20 years at Wittenberg, Welker has made it his mission to ensure that future teachers see themselves as “agents of social change.” Read More...

Robin Inboden,
Professor of English
If literature were a light, Robin Inboden would illuminate. Since joining the faculty at Wittenberg in 1989, Inboden, professor of English and department chair, has inspired countless students with her passion for reading and writing. Read More...

Matthew J. Smith,
Associate Professor of Communications
Whether it’s sharing the success stories of communication majors, enlightening a classroom with a lively conversation on comic books, or demystifying the messages of media industries, Associate Professor of Communication Matthew J. Smith daily reflects the university’s motto, “Having Light We Pass It On To Others.” Read More...

John Fenimore, Professor of Management
Professor of Management, John Fenimore found his passion for teach through an unexpected path - The Boy Scouts of America. Fenimore is a 2006 Eagle Class Honoree. Read More...

Katyi McCarthy, class of 2007
After studying in Lutherstadt, Austria, the summer after her freshmen year, Katyi McCarthy held tight to the dream of returning after graduation to teach. She was warned that it would be extremely competitive to receive admission through the Fulbright Commission in Austria, but she figured she had nothing to lose. Read More...

Brian Cataldi class of 2007
An outstanding East Asian Studies program in a small, close-knit liberal arts college headed Brian Cataldi’s college search list. Wittenberg came highly recommended, and an overnight scholarship visit clinched the deal. Read More...

Chad Martin, class of 2007
“I discovered an atmosphere at Wittenberg that helped me remain focused and stay on track. The professors have been approachable and interested in my success. A National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates and research funded by Wittenberg’s Floyd R. Nave Award have fed my passion for geology. My ultimate goal is a post-graduate degree in structural tectonics.” Read More...

Erin Robinson, class of 2007
Erin Robinson chose Wittenberg because of its size. When she visited, she thought it was a great place – the people were friendly, and she felt comfortable right away. As a Community Service Scholar, Robinson was also required to complete 20 hours of service each semester. ReadMore...

Gina Carney, class of 2007
When Gina Carney began her college search, the “must-be” criteria included a strong academic reputation, small, and close, but not-too-close, to home. Read More...

Halle McGuire, class of 2007
Although vocal performance rocks the world of Halle McGuire, the soprano from Bexley, Ohio, chose Wittenberg to study music as opposed to a music conservatory because she didn’t want to limit herself to performance. Read More...

Jennifer Gordon, class of 2007
When Jennifer Gordon began her college search, she looked for someplace beautiful, close to home and with a strong academic reputation. She found everything she wanted, and more, at Wittenberg. Read More...

Kaoru Hoshino, class of 2007
A recommendation from her college counselor first brought Kaoru Hoshino to Wittenberg, and when she arrived for a campus visit, she knew she could be happy here. Read More...

Kristen Ricchetti, class of 2007
A favorite high school biology teacher spoke highly of her college experience at Wittenberg, and Kristen Ricchetti listened. Read More...

Kristy Klann, class of 2007
A studio art major, Kristen Klann will graduate with a bachelor of fine arts, and she acknowledged that several features were instrumental to her in choosing Wittenberg. Read More...

Pat Denbow, class of 2007
In sync with the intricate and unpredictable world he lives in, Pat Denbow has forged a significant understanding of himself and his role in the world. Read More...

Alumni & Friends:

Luke Dennis '00
Music Educator
Armed with a love of music and desire to share his passion with others, Luke Dennis is now executive director of a nationally recognized arts education organization. Read More ...

Michael Burger '87 Conservationist
Michael Burger is making a mark on the world through his environmental work. He recently became one of just 40 individuals awarded a fellowship through the TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Program initiated by the National Audubon Society. Read More ...

Jerry Graham '58 Educator
Jerry Graham lives to make a difference in his students' lives by always encouraging a free exchange of ideas. It is a passion that he acquired as an undergraduate at Wittenberg University. Read More ...

Fred Mitchell '69 Award-Winning Journalist And Author
Although the Wittenberg University motto reads "having light, we pass it on to others," Fred Mitchell, class of 1969, has gone further by not only sharing his light, but by helping others to "pass it on" as a journalist and author. Read More ...

Lauren Schmidt '00 Words Come To Life On Hit Television Shows
As a Wittenberg student, Lauren Schmidt never envisioned writing television shows. But that's where she now finds herself as ABC's Private Practice airs at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21. Read More ...

Sarah Leavens '06 Making A Difference In The Springfield Community
Community service is a requirement for graduation at Wittenberg. Sarah Leavens is taking her love for service a step further as coordinator of Project Jericho, an arts outreach program in Springfield. Read More...

Debbie Cassell '99 Combines Love of Writing with Love of Baking
After graduating from Wittenberg in 1999 with an English major and a political science minor, Deborah Cassell headed to Northwestern University for graduate school. Read More...

Hannah Powell '03 Works Toward Eliminating Education Inequity
Upon graduation, Hannah Powell knew she “wanted to do something that would allow me to make a significant impact on the lives of others.” Read More...

Rachel Tuck '00 Finds Passion in Conservation
In love with marine biology as early as grade school, Rachel Tuck has never wavered in her commitment to protect the planet and its marine life.Read More...



Johnny Pryor '99 Connects Classroom to Courtroom
In the summer of 2003, Johnny Pryor returned to Springfield to begin his law career as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Clark County. He also returned to Wittenberg where he became actively engaged in campus life - a decision that recently earned him the 2006 Alumni G.O.L.D. Young Alumnus Service Award given to those who have generously shared their time and talents in service to their alma mater. Read More...

Peter L. Schneller ’72 Trains Teachers in Tibet
For Peter L. Schneller, a long-standing friendship, a commitment to teaching and a willingness to travel paths unknown have made a significant difference in his life. Read More...

Gordon Mitchell '40
Cruises the World
At 85, Gordon Mitchell has no plans to settle down. A former industrial relations manager in the manufacturing division of Republic Steel, Mitchell decided seven years ago to see the world, and see it he has. Read More...

Andrew Wedemeyer '87 Creates Spiderman Set
Recreating the mythical world of webbed wonder Spiderman in a contemporary setting proved to be just another day at the office for Andrew Wedemeyer ’87. Read More...

Katie Wilton ’93 Cooks With Kids
By combining cups of fun with splashes of creativity, Katie Wilton has created a unique recipe for inspiring kids to cook. Read More...

Emily Guhde ’05 Brings College To The Classroom
As one of Wittenberg’s prestigious full-tuition Smith Scholars during her years on campus, Emily Guhde knew there were high expectations for her, and the philosophy major did not disappoint. Following graduation, Guhde took her Wittenberg education and embarked on a unique journey with Teach for America. Read More...

Tim Phelps ’75 Finds Fun in Flames
As associate professor and medical illustrator at Johns Hopkins University, Tim Phelps has often been recognized for his artwork and scholarly contributions to his field, including more than 40 regional and national awards.
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Robin Strickler ’83 Answers Call in Rwanda
A master’s in English linguistics and a 15-year teaching career, coupled with several years administering after-school programs and a background in personnel management, have prepared Robin Strickler well for her most recent mission. Read More...

Blake Troxel ’05 Serves in South Pacific
Armed with an interest in international affairs, and a desire to serve others and challenge himself, Blake Troxel has traveled the world, touching lives along the way. Now nearing the completion of his first year with U.S. Peace Corps in Vanuatu, a remote cluster of islands in the South Pacific, Troxel can’t imagine another path at this time. Read More..