Wittenberg University recently celebrated a remarkable achievement during its annual fundraising event, Commit to Witt. This year, the university community came together to raise an impressive $1,104,818, breaking the previous record by over $400,000. More than 1,377 gifts were made, and the number is expected to rise as additional donations are processed.
Many alumni and supporters contributed to this success, including a significant challenge from the Board of Directors and a surprise donation from Meg Frost, a graphic design alumna from the class of 1994. Frost, who now serves as the Director of Product Design at Apple, emphasized the value of combining liberal arts with technology. She credited a former professor, George Ramsay, for laying the groundwork for her career in tech. Frost shared, “I made the donation to honor my Wittenberg graphic design professor, who pioneered computer graphics in our art department.”
This outpouring of support highlights a growing trend among universities as they adapt to changing funding landscapes. According to a report from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, charitable giving to higher education reached $49.5 billion in 2021, demonstrating the vital role fundraising events play in sustaining educational institutions.
Wittenberg’s interim vice president for advancement, Melanie Norton, expressed gratitude for the supporters’ generosity, noting that the positive response reflects the meaningful impact of Wittenberg’s educational experience. Dana Cummings, interim vice president for annual giving, also commended the efforts of the Advancement and Alumni Relations team. Their dedication helped make the event a success.
Throughout the day, participants had fun competing for bragging rights on leaderboards and engaging in activities at various locations, including events in cities like Columbus, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and New York. New additions like the basketball Shoot-a-Thon added excitement and drew in many participants.
Holly Gersbacher, the executive director of alumni relations, pointed out the crucial role that champions, or ambassadors, played in achieving these results. Their engagement on social media significantly boosted donations and involvement. President Mike Frandsen underscored the strength of the Wittenberg community, saying that each contribution helps the university support current and future students.
If you’re inspired by this community spirit and want to learn more about supporting Wittenberg University, you can explore more on their official website here.
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