Wittenberg University

Wittenberg University, a venerable private liberal arts college founded in 1845, stands as a beacon of learning guided by its inspiring motto: "Having Light, We Pass It On to Others." This commitment to education and service has been the heartbeat of the university since its inception, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to holistic student development. With an endowment of $0.1 billion, Wittenberg continues to uphold its legacy of preparing students to illuminate the world around them.

The university's rich history began when a group of Lutheran ministers established Wittenberg College, naming it after the historic German city where Martin Luther famously initiated the Reformation. Its foundational mission, championed by first president Rev. Ezra Keller, included the vital task of training clergy and ensuring that Lutheran education was accessible in English. A testament to its progressive spirit, Wittenberg proudly welcomed women to its classrooms in 1874 and admitted its first Black students in 1875, long before many other institutions.

Evolving from a college to a university in 1957, Wittenberg has continually adapted while maintaining its core liberal arts identity. The legacy of the esteemed Hamma Divinity School, which served as its theological department, highlights Wittenberg’s historical academic strengths in profound scholarship and faith-based learning. While Hamma later merged to form Trinity Lutheran Seminary, its foundational principles continue to influence Wittenberg's dedication to intellectual inquiry and ethical leadership, preparing students for impactful lives across diverse fields.