April 28, 2006.  Last day of classes for the year.  The only thing standing between the seniors and Commencement is a little thing called finals…and maybe a paper or two for those who like to save the excitement.

I’ve talked to several seniors over the last couple of days…I think it’s all sinking in…their days at Wabash are really counting down…

The underclassmen are already packing up their cars – ready to hit the road when the last final is over. They’re off to internships, summer positions, the football trip to Panama, and a little "sit by the pool" time.

Everything about Center Hall talks to the timeless nature of its existence and for some strange reason, my camera just keeps taking pictures over there.  

In this picture it struck me that the blooms on this plant will last only a few weeks, at best, and be gone forever. In the background stands Center Hall and the plaque honoring the service of our alumni from many, many years ago.

When you’re back for the Big Bash this June, steal a little time away and walk around and through Center Hall.  It will make you feel good…about our College and about its ability, year in and year out, to educate young men to be better men and world changers.

It’s called the Hovey Rock. The reason is simple.  The Class of ’76 presented it to Dr. Hovey.  That was the last year of Dr. Edmund Hovey’s 42 years of service to the College..

For several years it sat, partially buried, on the East side of campus.  At some point, it was "rediscovered" and unearthed.  Today you’ll find it proudly sitting near the East entrance of Center Hall.

And, yes, that was the Class of 1876 that did the presenting.  We’ll celebrate the 130th Anniversary of their Commencement at the Bash this year.  Imagine what they would say as they walked the campus…  

Thirty five years ago, when I was a student, I could have written the following:

"Those Center Hall stairs really creak when used.  They are worn out from countless students moving up and down all day long – deep furrows run through the middle of every step."

Well…the more things change the more they stay the same!

Took this photo last night…from the outside looking in as the sun was setting.  If you look very close, there appears to be something moving up the stairs….hmmm…

Only at Wabash…

"Charles Crowley ’70 was named the Twin Cities Regional Recipient of the Adult Volunteer Excellence Award for his outstanding volunteerism last year.  

The Volunteer Excellence Award program recognizes members who through example and accomplishment during the past year, provided outstanding volunteer service that made a significant impact in the chapter and community."  (Information obtained from press release.)

Congratulations Charlie, you’re Some Little Giant!

For the complete story on Charlie, click here.

Had a chance to visit with Ken Ogorek ’87 while in Pittsburgh – Ken works for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Ken plays a key role in the education provided by the Diocese for all its members.

In the middle of our conversation, Ken mentioned he’s written a few items. After some twisting of his arm, he gave me a copy of one of his latest works – "The Great Life, Essays on Doctrine and Holiness."

Ken will also be playing a key role in the Class of 1987’s reunion next June.

I walked away thinking that if you looked up "All Around Good Guy" in Websters, Ken’s picture would be there.

This is a tough job!  Last night we (Dean Joe Emmick ’92 and Ms. Alison Kothe) had dinner with Chris Passodelis ’55 and his son Chris, Class of 1984.  

This is the view from the restaurant, Isabelas (on Grandview).  The food more than matched the beautiful view!  The treadmill is next this morning…4 hours should do it!!!

If you get to Pittsburgh, you HAVE to go here for a meal!

As you can see, spring is here. Leaves are popping everywhere…in another week I couldn’t take this picture of the clock tower and Center Hall from here. Not sure how the guys do it – I certainly have spring fever.

Headed to Pittsburgh in an hour. Tomorrow night our Dean for Advancement Joe Emmick ’92 will be named their Man of the Year. Nice tribute to the work Joe has done for the College.

Big Bash 2006 – June 2-4, 2006…

What it isn’t.  The Big Bash isn’t Comps.  It isn’t mandatory study tables or 5:00 AM workouts.  It isn’t pledgeship.  It isn’t a green leg or wearing a pot around. It isn’t a "W" haircut. It isn’t another paper or test. The Big Bash isn’t a fund-raising drive or a get-together for the donors of a class.

What it is.  The Big Bash is a weekend to return to campus and relive old memories and rekindle friendships.  It’s a weekend of enough activity to make it interesting but enough free time to make it your weekend, in any way you want.  It is a Chapel Sing – without hair loss consequences.  

Our only goal for the weekend is to have you come back to the campus and enjoy yourself in the company of Wabash family and friends.  

I sure hope I’ll see you here. 

Just imagine.  This white oak was knocked down during last week’s storm. Our guys estimate the tree is over 100 years old.

The tree saw President Kane, our fifth president.  It likely observed a couple of young students, Byron Trippet ’30 and Frank Sparks ’56 walk across campus…and maybe skip class to sit beside it’s trunk thinking of the future.

It stood stately as it watched the Fine Arts Center grown in stages right across the street.  It has also seen the great advances under President Andy Ford H’03.

Can you imagine the article Steve Charles, the Wabash Magazine editor, could write it he could interview this oak?

I must have spring fever…better get back to work on Big Bash 2006.