Wittenberg University

For decades, Myers Hall has been the backdrop of class photos as Wittenberg welcomes first-year students and celebrates graduating seniors. In the years between Welcome Week and Commencement, friendships grow and lifelong connections form. Remember your own moment on the Myers steps, and join us as we Restore the Red: https://tinyurl.com/RestoretheRed

As we remember the fallen this Memorial Day, we reflect on the University's own history in times of war. In 1918 during World War I, the Students’ Army Training Corps established a unit of approximately 250 men at Wittenberg, and Myers Hall was turned into an army barracks. Several hundred alumni and former students served in World War I; of these, nine made the supreme sacrifice.

In his convocation address to students on December 15, 1941, just eight days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Rees Tulloss stated, “Wittenberg will support our nation in this hour without limitation. Whatever can be done by Wittenberg to serve our country will be done.”

And so, Myers Hall again became an army barracks during World War II, when 300 cadets were housed there in 1943 as part of the Army Air Force Training School. At least 2,800 men received their training on campus. Myers Hall also housed about 50 women who were studying radar at the army air fields near Dayton.

Sources: A History of Wittenberg College (1845-1945) by Harold H. Lentz and Wittenberg: An American College by William A. Kinnison

Last week Wittenberg honored graduating LGBTQIA+ students during this year’s Lavender Celebration 💜

The evening recognized the persistence, leadership, and impact these students have made throughout their time at Witt. Congratulations, Class of 2026.

View the full photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUdCH

Last week we celebrated the achievements, cultures, resilience, and journeys of our graduating students during the annual Hitimu Multicultural Celebration ❤️

Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and thank you for the impact you’ve made on our campus community.

View the full photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUdkq

Did you know? In 1975, the National Park Service named Myers Hall, the first building on Wittenberg’s campus, to the National Register of Historic Places, confirming its worthiness of preservation. Built by Wittenberg’s founder and first president Ezra Keller and the University’s first students, the building is “a testimony to the American pioneer spirit – the propagation of education and religion amidst the crudeness of early Midwest settlements.”

As time has faded its beloved red color and deteriorated its cupola, Wittenberg invites alumni and friends to join in the effort to “Restore the Red" at https://tinyurl.com/RestoretheRed.

With Wittenberg Baseball going to its first NCAA appearance in 32 years, the seniors on the team had to miss Commencement on Saturday, May 16. To ensure the graduates could celebrate with their families, Wittenberg hosted a special Commencement ceremony today, May 18. See Flickr gallery: https://ow.ly/FAUP50Z1k7j

They stomped the Seal and are ready to pass their light! Congratulations again, Class of 2026. 🎓 Full Commencement photo gallery now available at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTXGh.

Despite the sun not shining outside, there was plenty of passing of light inside Pam Evans Smith Arena as 262 members of the Class of 2026 turned their tassels to become Wittenberg University Alumni. See full story on all the Commencement festivities at https://ow.ly/eXBw50Z0znS. More photos coming!

In light of the inclement weather, today’s Commencement exercises have moved inside to the Pam Evans Smith Arena.
To view the livestream, visit www.wittenberg.edu/live