Jim Roper ’68 sent this update to let us know that he and his family are safe. 

“We’re good. We live on the far NE corner of C/Springs, near Pine Creek HS.  We should be okay for this.  The Feds came in yesterday and set up “Strong points” and such. Not swagger, but way too much confidence, considering the altitude and the steep steep terrain.

Then this afternoon at about four, flames spilled over the front edge of the Rampart Range.  The press conference was interrupted by evacuation notices for the NW suburbs, and now the AFA.  Here are some shots I took from my street of the fire pouring into town:”

Keep safe, Jim.

Bill Diener ’64 has been named as the new chairman of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, which  ensures that pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is conducted with the highest of standards and the greatest level of integrity.

Bill is a former attorney at Ice Miller, LLC where he focused on representing regulated industries before administrative agencies, primarily horse racing, riverboat gaming, utility regulation, and energy law and zoning matters. After Wabash, he  earned his master’s degree from Butler University and his law degree from George Washington University.  Congratulations, Bill!

Yesterday we reported on Kelly Pfledderer ’96 and his Apparatus as one of Indianapolis’ fastest growing private companies.  In addition to being busy growing its own company, Apparatus is a proud and active supporter the Indianapolis Arts Community. 

When Apparatus renovated and moved to its downtown office location, space was included for creation and exhibition of art, which allows employees and visitors to be surrounded by art throughout its building.

The Apparatus Artist in Residence is Gregory Huebner, who was Chair of the Art Department at Wabash College from 1974-1991, and 2002-2008, and who held the rank of Professor of Art since 1990.  Click here to read about Greg’s exhibits at Apparatus, see him at work in the studio, and view a portfolio of his art. 

IT technology and art in creation — a true blend of Liberal Arts on a daily basis, thanks to Kelly and Apparatus!

Apparatus, the advanced IT consulting and managed service company founded by Kelly Pfledderer ’96, is part of the Indianapolis-area’s fastest growing private companies, per the Indianapolis Business Journal’s annual ranking released this week.  Companies that made the list were ranked by percentage of revenue growth from fiscal years 2009 – 2011, revenue increase each year, and must be an independent, privately held corporation, proprietorship, or partnership.  

Apparatus’ revenue growth increased by 85% and the number of employees grew from 66 to 120 full time employees from 2009 – 2011.  Kelly, who is President and CEO, founded Apparatus in 1999 with $10K in personal funds. 

Kelly grew up in Montgomery County, was a German major at Wabash, and is a current Wabash College Trustee.  Congratulations, Kelly and Apparatus!

Chris W. Cotterill ’99 joined Faegre Baker Daniels LLP Indianapolis office as a partner on its government team, announced in May.  Chris is the former chief of staff and corporation counsel for the City of Indianapolis.  He will use his experience managing and advising state and city government to assist businesses, nonprofits and government clients in their interactions with the same.  Chris’ local honors include Indianapolis Business Journal — Who’s Who in Law, 2011; Indianapolis Business Journal — Forty Under 40, 2009; Indy’s Best & Brightest — Finalist, Government Category, 2009, 2006; and Wabash College — 39 Under 39, 2008.

Dr. Edward O. Cox ’68 was recently awarded the Distinguished Physician Society Award at Spectrum Health Medical Group in the Grand Rapids, MI area.  The award, which honors physicians who have made contributions to the quality of care provided to Spectrum and its patients and families, is presented to retired and active physicians who have 20 or more years of service with Spectrum Health.  

Ed, whose special interests are medical education and newborn nursery, is a Pediatrician at DeVos Children Clinic.  A Biology major at Wabash, he received his MD at Indiana University School of Medicine.  Congratulations, Ed!

Greg Castanias ’87 was one of six alumni volunteers honored at Indiana University’s Cream & Crimson Alumni Weekend on June 15-16.  The annual weekend honors alumni leaders and scholarship recipients.  Greg received the IUAA President’s Award, which pays tribute to its most dedicated alumni volunteers.

The IUAA President’s Award is the highest award given by the IU Alumni Association to a volunteer leader. The criteria include distinguished leadership in the IUAA’s chapters, constituent societies or affiliate groups; service to the Alumni Association; and loyalty to the ideals of Indiana University. Honoring individuals who help provide opportunities for their fellow alumni and friends to stay connected with their alma mater, this award is given annually and remains the IUAA’s premier alumni honor.

Greg, IU-JD ’90, lives in Oakton, VA. He is head of Federal Circuit practice group, Jones Day, Washington, D.C., and is also an adjunct professor of law, Maurer School of Law, Indiana University Bloomington campus. 

Since graduation, Greg has also been an active volunteer with the National Capital Association of Wabash men in the Washington DC area, and has hosted students and faculty during professional immersion trips to DC.  Currently, he serves as the NAWM National President.  Congratulations, Greg!

Kevin Pazour ’07 graduated just five years ago, but he has been “making” history since 2008 in his position as Executive Director for the Porter County Museum of History, and president and CEO of the governing board of the Historical Society of Porter County, in Valparaiso, IN.  Kevin grew up Porter County, so he has a personal interest in preserving and sharing its history.  During his years at Wabash, the art major was exposed to museum life through internships at the Indiana State Museum and The Field Museum of Chicago; as an officer/volunteer/board member and Chairman and CEO at The Historical Society of Porter County, Inc.; before being named Executive Director of the Porter County Museum, where they are making history — one day at a time.  Click here to read a recent news article about Kevin and the Porter County Museum.

Paul A. Jansen ’05 is an Associate Attorney at Schuckit & Associates PC in Zionsville, where his area practice will be Federal Civil Litigation; Business, Commercial, and Fair Credit Reporting Act Litigation. Paul earned his J.D. at Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2011, where he was Executive Production Editor, Indiana Health Law Review, 2010-2011; and Dean’s Tutorial Society Fellow, 2009-2010.

Barry Waddell ’85, professional racer and private racing coach, supports open wheel racing drivers – he calls it “driver development.”  He also works for IndyCar team Panther Racing on the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Barry was a Biology major at Wabash, never expecting his career would end up a world away in high speed racing.  Click here to find out what else Barry is up to in the racing world, and click here to read a 2005 interview with Wabash Magazine.