Encouraging Engagement

Representing more than 26,000 alumni across the United States and internationally, Wittenberg's Alumni Association Board works to encourage alumni engagement in the life of the institution.

The board recently welcomed three new members in Claire Linkhart, class of 2008; Mary Elizabeth Pratt, class of 2015; and Gene Simone, class of 1977. Wittenberg's Alumni Association Board is committed to serving as a liaison for the University by engaging and connecting the alumni body for the purpose of supporting Wittenberg's mission and goals.

With a degree in political science, Linkhart applied the skills she learned at Wittenberg to a career in government and politics. She began her career in the Ohio Senate, serving in a variety of capacities over a 10-year period, including as a senior policy advisor and director of budget and finance. In these roles, Linkhart advised the Ohio Senate on state policy and economic matters with a particular focus on K-12 education and energy policy. In 2017, she transitioned to the private sector in a government affairs role, and currently serves as associate director for the American Petroleum Institute (API), a national oil and gas trade association. In this position she manages regulatory and legislative issues impacting the industry in Ohio and Michigan. Her duties also include creating and managing programs that educate and influence key stakeholders on oil and gas industry issues while building partnerships with elected officials, allied businesses, industry employees, and other key constituencies.

During her time at Witt, Linkhart was involved Habitat for Humanity, Colleges Against Cancer, and the Delta Gamma sorority. Though originally a native of Northeast Ohio, Claire now calls Springfield home after meeting her husband Rob Linkhart, Wittenberg class of 1999, who is originally from Springfield and a middle school principal. She remains active in the community and serves as the co-chair of Wittenberg's Greater Springfield Alumni Chapter. From 2010 to 2015 she was the public relations chair for the Wittenberg Guild, the school's annual scholarship fundraiser for Springfield students. She also serves on the board of the Women's Energy Network (WEN) of Ohio. The Linkharts have two daughters, Ella and Annie.

Pratt graduated from Wittenberg with a B.A. in history. While at the University, she wrote for student-run newspaper, The Torch, was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority, served as a student assistant in the Office of Admission, and was active with the student-run radio station, WUSO. After graduation, Pratt enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where she served for more than five years. After her active military service ended, she wrote for multiple publications regarding military and veteran issues, including a feature in The New York Times for International Women's Day.

Pratt has worked in non-profit and government positions as a data analyst and administrative assistant, including positions with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (logistics & product support) and the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6, United States Army. She currently works as the assistant to the executive director at Neighborhood Legal Services Program in Washington, D.C., where she is active in Wittenberg's Washington, D.C. Alumni Association and a member of the Chapter Advisory Board of the Alpha Rho chapter of Kappa Delta sorority.

Simone, who was named the Alumni Volunteer of the Year in 2023, graduated from Wittenberg with a bachelor's degree in political science. A member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and the men's lacrosse team during his time at Wittenberg, Simone began his career with Moore Business Forms, where he served for four years as a sales representative before becoming a district manager for Uforma Shelby Business Forms. For 43 years, he has served as vice president of sales for Eatonform Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.

Originally from Pittsford, New York, Simone has resided in Springboro, Ohio, since 1980 and is an active member of his community where he serves on the Springboro Planning Commission. He has also been active with Springboro Schools, including as the distribution chair for the operating levy and bond issue, and as a volunteer assistant coach for the freshman boys basketball team for 17 years. He has been a board member of the Heatherwoode Golf Community HOA for six years.

Dedicated to his alma mater, Simone is active on the Dayton Wittenberg Alumni Committee and the Homecoming Tailgate Committee. He and his spouse, Carrie Oxley Simone, Wittenberg class of 1978, have two sons, Drew and David, and one grandson, Will.

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