Click here for a few more.

The Newest Member of the Ron Recinto ’87 Family

Ron sent me this photo earlier in the month via Facebook.  A new son for Ron and his bride Teresa – I think the college search his already over, if Dad has anything to do with it.

There are 50 legacies in the Class of 2016…almost 20% of the class.  Nice in several ways – says Wabash is relevant and strong.

Thumbs Up!

It went something like this.  I was scanning for a crowd photo during a break in the action.  These two Wabash men gave me the silent, “here’s a shot” signal.  I took it, along with another 600 or so that day.

Working through some photos bright and early a couple of mornings ago, I came across it again.  The photo just wasn’t good…I was too close, they were backlite, the camera settings were all wrong…basically 100 different reasons why the shot might end up in the digital wastebasket.

But it isn’t the photo that counts here, I told myself.  It’s the friendship.  It says, no yells, “we’re friends…at Wabash…and for all time.”

I’ll bet you can relate to that, right?

We’re serious about all of it!

This is the cover of the new Admissions piece on Athletics.   You’re right – I didn’t show it all to you.  Stay tuned for more.

For those who worry about sports “over exposure”…don’t.  All of the Admissions pieces are just as good…serious, edgy pieces.

Second, 0ver 70% of this year’s freshman class had a sports affiliation during recruitment.  They all won’t play but many will turn into great docs, attorneys, businessmen, etc.  They are, by nature, competitive.  Exactly what we want.

As it says: We usually win.

Monon Bell Tickets

I have my tickets for the Bell game.  Do you?

If not, get all the right information on the Wabash web site.  It’s right here.

Can’t make it back to Hollett Little Giant Stadium?  No sweat – the list of Monon Bell telecast sites is growing daily so check right here.

WAF!

The Bench by the Independent Men

I promised you a return trip to see the Senior Bench after the Independent Men camped out there.  Took this early Saturday (Homecoming) morning – they did a great job!

The Phi Psi “Float”

The Phi Psis won Homecoming…I’ll bet their “float” did the trick.  Their variety of Wallies was spot on for a 100th Celebration and garnered a lot of great comments.

Dear Alma Mater

The Homecoming Chapel included Glee Club current members and alumni all signing the Alma Mater together.   The group represented seven decades of Wabash men.

It was a fun-filled Homecoming and one that many will remember for a long, long time.

Alison Kothe

The college had a lot to celebrate over Homecoming.  A big item was the completion of the Challenge of Excellence almost a year early and at over $68,000,000 – $8,000,000 above the goal for June 2013!!!

A lot of people were praised over the weekend for this great result.  From the Grunge’s perspective though, we didn’t acknowledge and thank one of the main drivers – Alison Kothe – nearly enough.

Here are the numbers:

• October 2010 – Campaign announced and quiet phase had generated a total of over $36,000,000.
• Fall 2011 – the college decided to accelerate the completion of the campaign looking at the upcoming elections and fears of their impact on the economy.
• October 2011 – The COE stood at $44,700,000.
• December 2011 – Alison took over the staff leadership of the COE and agreed to delay her retirement to lead the effort.
• September 2012 – COE at over $68,000,000 – up over $23,000,000 in less than a year.  Well over 95% of the increase was the result of the staff’s efforts.
• And “oh, by the way”:  Largest gift to the college in that timeframe was cultivated by…Alison Kothe.

It was Alison’s vision, leadership, drive, and personal dedication that motivated the staff to achieve.  She modeled dedicated, over-the-top performance.

Thanks, Alison.  Those of us who have the pleasure of working beside you know how hard you’ve worked and how much you have done.

Chip Timmons ’96 and David Wagner ’05

David Wagner will be honored as an Alumni Admissions Fellow tomorrow at the annual Alumni Chapel.  David is a teacher and coach in the Rio Grand Valley area of Texas.  He’s receiving the award because of his efforts in linking young men of promise with Wabash.

As you can imagine, this isn’t the time of year that David could take time off from school and travel to C’ville.  We were able to do the next best thing.  Chip Timmons, Associate Director of Admissions, was scheduled to be in the area this week AND David’s school was holding a convocation.  Chip was able to present the award to David in front of many faculty and students.  I think that’s a win-win-win.

Thanks David for all you do for Wabash!  You’re Some Little Giant!

The Independents At The Ready

I stopped by the Senior Bench yesterday afternoon.  Thought I had seen some activity.  These guys are independents and they are staking out the bench for a painting tonight.  They were all working on computers or reading books.  Looked serious enough to me.  Didn’t see the paint cans so not quite sure what the paint scheme will be.

Man, Is He Popular

Another one is in the books.  It’s always fun…but it reminds me that they walk in Wabash Freshmen and they walk away Wabash Men.

That’s the critical part – the rite of passage.

Took a few photos – click here and here.