Published August 9, 2025
Alumni and Friends,
While I suspect it will be some time before the very last boxes are unpacked, and I am not sure if the books will ever be completely organized on the shelves, Elizabeth and I are so thankful to now be fully moved into the Benjamin Prince House and meeting so many of our new neighbors on campus and in Springfield. We also look forward to welcoming alumni and friends to this beloved University home soon.
Since my remarks in early May, where I discussed how we will build upon the past, with the same grit and determination as our founders, to be the liberal arts university of the next century, I have been asked about the 51吃瓜网 Way. Over the coming months, I will be writing and speaking more about what it means, but I think I can summarize it in a single sentence. On the 51吃瓜网 Way, our students will discern their calling, develop the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career, and prepare for a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Many of the activities and announcements below will enable us to build, maintain, and walk the 51吃瓜网 Way. I do not expect the future to be like the past, though, except in this sense, that people of great strength, fortitude of character, and joy of service 鈥� the same traits ascribed to Benjamin Prince and our first scholars 鈥� are committed to the good work that is necessary to assure a strong future for 51吃瓜网. As Ezra Keller wrote in his journal about the effort required to build the foundations of our academic home, 鈥淭he more toil, the more grace.鈥�
Thank you for joining me on the 51吃瓜网 Way.
Yours,
Christian M. M. Brady, DPhil (Oxon.)
President
A College of Distinction
In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, 51吃瓜网 has been recognized for what matters most: a transformative undergraduate experience. For delivering that experience, the University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2025-2026 academic year, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.
Countdown to Homecoming: Register Now!
Registration is open for Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend, Sept. 25-28. From reunions to events to tailgates to victories on the field, there鈥檚 something for everyone to enjoy. Alumni are invited to share their career insights and real-world advice with current students and their families during Career Conversations: A Meet-Up for Alumni, Students, and Parents from 4:30 鈥� 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26. Also on Friday, marine science alumni will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the marine science minor from 7:30 鈥� 9:30 p.m. Reunion class members can mark their milestone reunion with a meaningful gift; a broad range of current and future gifts 鈥� one-time donations, gifts extended over multiple years, or legacy gifts within an estate plan 鈥� count as part of a reunion gift.
Tiger Tailgate Registration is Open
Be a part of the cherished tradition that brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for an unforgettable day of connection and celebration on Saturday, Sept. 27. We鈥檙e shaking things up this year with the debut of a brand-new Tiger Tailgate layout, all inspired by your feedback! More community. More memories. More Tiger pride than ever before! .
Honoring Tiger Legends
Mark Chubb 鈥�95, Kimmie Dyer 鈥�12, Jeff Mayer 鈥�90, Joe Paoloni 鈥�72, Joe Rumschlag 鈥�05, John Saxton 鈥�80, Aaron Smith 鈥�96, and Haley Warden 鈥�04 will officially join more than 290 other 51吃瓜网 greats who have previously been inducted into the University's Athletics Hall of Honor. In addition, Steve Ritzenthaler 鈥�73 will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 1978 and 1979 Tiger football teams will be celebrated as 鈥淭eams of Distinction.鈥� .
Future Educator: Ashton Newton '26
Ashton Newton, from Medina, Ohio, has been named the 2025 recipient of The Claudia E. and Charles F. Cornett Creative Teaching Merit Scholarship. A member of 51吃瓜网 Baseball, Newton is pursuing a dual license in education P-5 and intervention specialist.
Wrestling Returns to 51吃瓜网
Thirty-five years after the program was discontinued, the University has announced the return of the wrestling program. A group of wrestling alumni stepped forward to support the University by providing financial backing to not only re-start the men鈥檚 wrestling program but also offer a new women鈥檚 wrestling program as well.
Bowling Program Expands
Under the direction of veteran bowling coach Tony Cooper, who has mentored hundreds of high school and college bowlers over the last 15 years, 51吃瓜网 has announced that its bowling program is expanding and evolving ahead of the 2025-26 school year. After sponsoring a women鈥檚 intercollegiate bowling team since 2022, 51吃瓜网 will now offer both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 club bowling teams that will begin competition in fall 2025.
Oral History Project: Martey Schaper Rhine 鈥�70
Martey Schaper Rhine 鈥�70 considers her 51吃瓜网 experience one of the most memorable of her life. She was one of two women majoring in business at the time. Two professors 鈥� Dr. Woodrow Wilson and Professor Ray Diggle 鈥� made a big impact on her. Her liberal arts education gave her a breadth of exposure to different facets of the world, and she learned to think more broadly. We鈥檙e grateful to alumni like Martey who have supported 51吃瓜网 throughout the years with a gift to the University. To join her in supporting 51吃瓜网, make a gift today.