Commit to Witt 2025
Department & Program Support
Challenges
Don't miss the chance to multiply your impact, thanks to gift matching opportunities from some of our most generous donors.
Upcoming Events
Early Giving Challenge
Janet E. Jackson '75 knows that Wittenberg needs dedicated champions to give back as part of #Commit2Witt. That's why she will donate $2,500 to the Witt Fund when early gifts from fellow Tigers total the same amount!
$2,500
Goal
Shaping Generations Through Education!
Steve '75 and Mary Alice '75 Neely are generously offering a $2,500 challenge to honor Wittenberg’s incredible Education Department professors—those who have shaped generations of students, just as Dr. Virginia Lucas did for Mary Alice. Once we receive 750 gifts during #Commit2Witt, their challenge will be unlocked, amplifying the impact of every gift. Pass your light, give like a Tiger, and support the legacy of excellence in education.
750 Gift
Goal
100 Donor Challenge
Steven '79 and Catherine Jefferis are issuing a 100 Donor Challenge! When we receive gifts from 100 unique donors, they will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Let’s come together and make an impact! Pass your light and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt!
100 Donor
Goal
250 Donor Challenge
When we reach 250 donors during #Commit2Witt, Kyleen '75 and George Hale will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Pass your light, give like a Tiger, and help us make this challenge a success!
Starts after Bonus: Next 100 Donor Challenge
Bonus 100 Gift Challenge
Dan Elsass '73 and Gail Anderson Elsass are stepping up with a challenge to encourage Tigers nationwide to give during #Commit2Witt! To keep the momentum going, they will unlock $1,000 to The Wittenberg Fund once we receive the next 100 gifts to any fund. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger!
100 Gift
Goal
#WittWed Challenge
#WittWed couple Beth ’85 and Steven ’85 Rizzi LOVE to share the LOVE about all things Wittenberg. To celebrate Commit to Witt, they will donate $2,000 to the Witt Fund when 100 #WittWed couples give a gift!
100 Gift
Goal
Snack Time Power Hour
It’s time for the Snack Time Challenge! Chuck '71 and Mimi '71 Bush are fueling your afternoon with a special offer. They will unlock $50 for The Wittenberg Fund for each of the next 20 gifts made, 2 - 5 p.m., up to $1,000. Take a snack break, make an impact, and give like a Tiger!
20 Gift
Goal
Dessert Challenge
Indulge in the Dessert Challenge! Anonymous alumni from the classes of '72 and '73 are sweetening the deal by unlocking $40 for The Wittenberg Fund for each of the first 50 gifts made between 8 and 9 p.m. Once 50 gifts are reached, they will unlock a total of $2,000. Pass your light and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt!
50 Gift
Goal
Frandsen Presidency Class Years Challenge
President Frandsen and his wife, Sharon, joined the Wittenberg community in July 2017. Throughout his presidency, they have made a lasting impact on Wittenberg students in the classes of 2018 through 2025. Now, they’re challenging alumni from those classes to do the same. When 100 alumni from the classes of 2018 through 2025 make a gift of any size during Commit to Witt, the Frandsens will unlock an additional $2,018.25 for Wittenberg in honor of our founding year. Your gift, no matter the size, helps unlock this generous donation and strengthens the future of Wittenberg.
100 Donor
Goal
90s Grads Challenge
Dave Huml '91 is challenging all 1990s grads to step up during #Commit2Witt! After we receive the next 25 gifts from 1990s graduates, he will unlock $5,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger!
25 Gift
Goal
1980s Grad Challenge
George '84 and Judy '82 Huntley are leading the 1980s challenge! They will unlock $10,000 for The Wittenberg Fund when we receive 100 gifts from 1980s grads during #Commit2Witt. Let’s make an impact. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger!
100 Gift
Goal
1970s Grad Challenge
The class of 1971 is stepping up with a bold challenge! Anonymous #WittWed alumni from the 1970s are calling on their fellow Tigers from the decade to pass their light and give like a Tiger. When 100 gifts are made to any fund by 1970s grads during #Commit2Witt, they will unlock $10,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Let’s unite as a decade and make an impact!
100 Gift
Goal
Bonus Unlock: 1960s Grads
An anonymous grad from the Class of 1964 is ready to unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund — but we need you! When we receive 20 additional gifts from our 1960s grads during #Commit2Witt, their generous gift will be released. Let’s make it happen together!
Starts after 1960s Grad Challenge
Impact Witt Students
Julie '80 and Charles Britton understand the incredible impact Wittenberg has on its students. They will release $1,000 to The Wittenberg Fund once we receive an additional 100 gifts during #Commit2Witt!
Starts after Bonus Unlock: Light the Way!
Funk Family Challenge
Jim '71 and Sherree Funk are issuing a challenge to make a difference! They will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund after the next 50 gifts are received to any fund during #Commit2Witt.
Starts after Bonus 100 Gift Challenge
Alumni Board First-time Donor Challenge
The Alumni Association Board is challenging the Witt community to help 250 alumni and friends who have never made a gift to Wittenberg make their first gift today in celebration of Commit to Witt. When 250 first time donors make their gift, the Alumni Association will unlock $1,845!
250 Donor
Goal
Psychology Department Challenge
Brad Motter '72 is inviting all psychology alumni to show their support for the department! Once 20 gifts are made in support of the Department of Psychology, $1,000 will be unlocked. Pass your light and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt!
20 Gift
Goal
Political Science Challenge
Emeritus professor Dr. Richard Flickinger and his wife, Marie, are issuing a challenge in support of the Department of Political Science! When 20 gifts are made to the department, they will unlock $1,000 in support. Pass your light, give like a Tiger, and make an impact during #Commit2Witt!
20 Gift
Goal
West Coast Late Night Challenge
Our annual day of giving is still ticking, so Board of Director and California alumnus Bill Boggs ’68 is issuing a late-night challenge. He will donate $10,000 to the Wittenberg Fund when 50 gifts are made in the late hours of #Commit2Witt!
50 Gift
Goal
Theatre and Dance Department
A generous alumnus from the Class of 1975 is challenging you to support the Department of Theatre and Dance! Once 25 gifts are made to the department, he will unlock $1,500 in support. Pass your light, give like a Tiger, and make an impact today during #Commit2Witt!
25 Gift
Goal
Where's Ezry Challenge
Where's Ezry the Tiger? Cheryl '78 and Howard Petty are challenging Wittenberg students to find Ezry the Tiger during Commit to Witt! When students find a stress Ezry or a plush Ezry on campus they will unlock a portion of this new and exciting competitive $4,000 challenge! This challenge benefits The Wittenberg Fund. The winner will snap a picture and tag Wittenberg University on Instagram or X and share where they found Ezry. The victor keeps Ezry and is entered to win a prize from a local business.
Alumni Chapter Leaderboard
Pass your light and give like a Tiger! Show your alumni pride and see where your chapter stacks up in the leaderboard.
Greek Life Leaderboard - Active Chapters
Fraternity & Sorority Life at Wittenberg is dedicated to creating a co-curricular living and learning experience that enhances the educational mission of the university. Give a gift to any fund and see your chapter move up in the ranks.
Make Your Commitment on Commit to Witt Day
When 50 alumni commit to any recurring gift, monthly or quarterly, the Alumni Association Board will unlock $1,845. Pass your light and give like a Tiger!
1000 Donor Challenge
1,000 Donor Challenge: An anonymous '78 alumnus is challenging the Wittenberg community! When we receive gifts from 1,000 donors during #Commit2Witt, they will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference! Pass Your Light! Give like a Tiger and help us reach this milestone!
Starts after 750 Donor Challenge
1,500 Donor Challenge
Mark Ehlers '81 is challenging us to reach 1,500 donors during #Commit2Witt! Once we hit this milestone, he will unlock $1,500 for The Wittenberg Fund. Let’s rally together and make a lasting impact. Pass your light, give like a Tiger, and help us reach 1,500 donors!
1,500 Donor
Goal
Give Like a Tiger - Power Hour
Give like a Tiger during a Power Hour! When we receive 50 gifts between 2-3 p.m. EST, Betsy (Vanlier) '98 and Peter '99 Georgiton will pass their light and generously give $1,845 to the Witt Fund. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger!
50 Gift
Goal
Sunrise Challenge
Rise and shine, Tigers! The Sunrise Challenge is here. Nancy Matthews '66 will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund when we receive 40 gifts to any fund, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m., during #Commit2Witt. Start the day strong and pass your light. Give like a Tiger to make an impact!
40 Gift
Goal
Bonus: Next 100 Donor Challenge
Stacey ’73 and Julia Pavlatos knows the impact Wittenberg has on its students. They will release $1,000 to The Wittenberg Fund when we receive an additional 100 gifts during #Commit2Witt!
Starts after 100 Donor Challenge
Next 100 Gifts
Don '61 and Marty '95 (H) Hillerich are issuing a challenge to support The Wittenberg Fund! When 100 gifts are made to any fund, they will unlock $2,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Pass your light, give like a Tiger, and make an impact during #Commit2Witt!
Starts after Bonus 100 Gift Challenge
Give like the Frandsens - Donor Challenge 500 Donors
$1,500 from the 15th President! President Frandsen and his wife, Sharon, will release a $1,500 gift when we celebrate the first 500 donors.
Starts after 250 Donor Challenge
Lunchtime Challenge
It’s time for the Lunchtime Challenge! Beverly Whited ’63 and Gary McBride are ready to make an impact. They will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund after we receive 100 gifts to any fund, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Take your lunch break and make an impact during #Commit2Witt!
100 Gift
Goal
Dinner Time Challenge
Get ready for the Dinner Time Challenge! John '73 and Mary Pelander are offering a generous match. They will unlock $1,500 for The Wittenberg Fund once 100 gifts are made to any fund, from 5 - 8 p.m. Pass your light and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt and make an impact!
100 Gift
Goal
Class of 2025 - President's Challenge
President Frandsen and his wife, Sharon, love engaging with students. They are so proud of the Class of 2025 for their senior class giving efforts this year. They will donate $25 to the class gift. When 25 class members make a gift, the Frandsens will donate $250. If 100 members of the senior class make a gift during #Commit to Witt, the Frandsens will donate $2,025.
25 Donor
Goal
2000-2009 Grad Year Challenge
Julian ’01 and Brianne Barclay ’04 Gilbert are calling on Wittenberg graduates from the classes of 2000 to 2009 to Give Like a Tiger! Once we receive 50 gifts from graduates of this decade, they will unlock their generous $1,750 gift to the Witt Fund.
50 Gift
Goal
Bonus 90s Grads Challenge!
Karen Larson '96 is challenging all 1990s grads to make a difference during #Commit2Witt! After we receive the next 25 gifts from 1990s graduates, she will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger! Make an impact on Wittenberg today!
Starts after 90s Grads Challenge
1980s Grad Bonus Challenge
BONUS UNLOCK: Richard '80 and Patricia Dove are challenging all 1980s grads to Tiger Up! They will donate an additional $3,000 to The Wittenberg Fund once 25 more classmates from the 1980s pass their light during #Commit2Witt. Give like a Tiger and make an impact!
Starts after 1980s Grad Challenge
1960s Grad Challenge
A special challenge just for 1960s grads! Witt Wed alumni from the era are stepping up to unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund once 60 gifts are made to any fund. Let’s join together to make an impact. Pass your light and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt!
60 Gift
Goal
Give Like a Friend
Melanie Norton, a Wittenberg friend and current member of the President's senior team, is challenging other friends of Wittenberg during #Commit2Witt. She will generously donate $2,025 to the Witt Fund, when we receive 50 gifts from friends of Wittenberg University.
50 Gift
Goal
Physics Department Challenge
Join Stacey ’73 and Julia Pavlatos in supporting Wittenberg’s Physics Department! During #Commit2Witt, their generous $1,000 gift to the department will be unlocked once 10 gifts are made to the Physics Department.
10 Gift
Goal
Late Night Challenge
Take on the Late-Night Challenge! Richard Vieritz '70 is unlocking $25 for The Wittenberg Fund for each of the first 40 gifts made between 9 and 11:59 p.m. Once 40 gifts are reached, he will unlock a total of $1,000. Keep the momentum going, pass your light, and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt!
40 Gift
Goal
Local Alumni Challenge
Calling all local alumni from Springfield and the surrounding areas! An anonymous alumnus from the class of 1983 is challenging you to make an impact. They will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund once we receive 50 gifts from local Tigers during #Commit2Witt. Pass your light and give like a Tiger!
50 Gift
Goal
Springfield Alumni Challenge
Karen Duncan '67 is calling on Springfield alumni to support Wittenberg and its strong connection to the community! When 20 gifts are made by Springfield alumni, she will unlock $1,000 in support. Pass your light and give like a Tiger during #Commit2Witt!
20 Gift
Goal
Bonus Unlock: Light the Way!
Jan Schwiebert Wade '62 is challenging all Tigers to step up and make an impact! After we receive the next 50 gifts, she will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund. Pass your light and give like a Tiger. Let’s unlock this bonus together. Your support helps light the way for Wittenberg’s future!
Starts after Funk Family Challenge
Prinz Power Challenge!
Robin Skinner Prinz '73 and Rev. Thomas Prinz are lighting the way with a generous challenge! They will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund when we receive the next 100 gifts of any size made to any fund. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger! Let’s unlock this gift together during #Commit2Witt!
Starts after Impact Witt Students
50 States Challenge
Let's put all 50 states on the map! To celebrate #Commit2Witt, anonymous alumni couple from Arkansas will donate $22,500 to The Wittenberg Fund when we receive gifts from all 50 states. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger!
Decades Challenge
Give like a Tiger and see which decade has the most Tiger Pride on #Commit2Witt.
Department & Program Leaderboard
Show your department pride and help your favorite Academic Program BEAT THEIR BEST #COMMIT2WITT GIFT RECORD with a gift to the program-specific fund.
Fund Designation
(26)
Greek Life Leaderboard - Inactive Chapters
Greek Life is an important part of the campus experience for so many alumni - and even if your chapter isn't currently active, the memories don't go away! Give a gift to any fund and see your chapter move up in the ranks.
Ohio Tigers Challenge
Attention Ohio Tigers! A generous anonymous donor is ready to unlock $2,000 for The Wittenberg Fund after we receive the next 50 gifts from donors in Ohio. Show your support during #Commit2Witt as we unlock this amazing challenge together. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger!
750 Donor Challenge
Derek '84 and Jennifer McKelvey will unlock $1,000 for The Wittenberg Fund once we receive gifts from 750 donors during #Commit2Witt. Pass your light and give like a Tiger to help us reach this milestone!
Starts after Give like the Frandsens - Donor Challenge 500 Donors
1200 Donor Challenge!
Anonymous alumni are stepping up with a powerful challenge! They will unlock $1,200 for The Wittenberg Fund when we receive gifts from 1,200 donors. Pass Your Light! Give Like a Tiger! Help us reach this milestone to make an even bigger impact during #Commit2Witt!
Starts after 1000 Donor Challenge
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