Fran Hollett and Ginny Hays

I remember vividly walking into the Homecoming Alumni Chapel several years ago when the Wabash “Golden Girls” were quietly conversing – Fran Hollett and Ginny Hays.  Two of the greatest of Great Dames if ever there were.  Two of the most Honorary of Honorary alumnae…

Their Wabash husbands – legendary leaders – had helped make Wabash special.  If there was any unfinished business – and there always is – Ginny and Fran were here to do their share and more.  They touched the lives of generations of Wabash men…and their families.

In the Fall of 2008 we lost Ginny.  She simply went to bed one evening and woke up in heaven.  It was a tough Fall…made even tougher with her loss.

Last night we lost Fran.  No details yet…no details needed.  I have this vision of Barney Hollett and Ginny Hays standing next to St. Peter.  Ginny says “Just get your work done, St. Pete, we’ve got catching up to do.”

Wabash, the Sigma Chi house, football, Wabash men, their families…they meant the world to Fran.  And she meant the world to us.  We’ll miss her…

Thank Goodness for the Students Who Helped

Well, maybe not all of us.  But several members of the Advancement team have moved.

All of the major giving staff – Alison Kothe, David Troutman, Lu Hamilton, Steve Hoffman, and Alecia Franklin – have relocated into Kane House.  They’ll be collocated with the New Dean.  Deb Woods, our grant writer, and Marilyn Smith, our researcher (and Alumni Blog author), are also in Kane.  The rest of us will be housed in Hays Alumni Center with some reorganization planned.

If you’re looking for Jim Amidon and his crew in Communications and Marketing, they are now located in Hovey Cottage, right next to Caleb Mills House.  Jim is now a permanent member of the President’s staff and working directly for President White.  Communications and Marketing are both critical components of our collective work, as you know.

Trippet Hall

Took this on Tuesday morning.  Tuesday’s high was to be 84 degrees.  Have to keep reminding myself that it is March.  As in March Madness.  As in high’s in the 50s.  As in snow, not sunburn.

Don’t want to even begin to think about August!!!!!

You've Gotta Love Banners

We’ve got some decorations in the outfield at the Wabash Ballpark.  It’s nice to loo out there and see last year’s team celebrated for being th eNCAC Champions and also for their selection to pay in the Division III playoffs.

Of course, the logistics type in me says that in another 30 to 40 years we’ll need more room on the outfield fence.  I am OK with that – a nice problem to have.

Meanwhile we’ll keep in mind down the road that the 2011 team is the one who started it all.

Phi Psis Ready for Honors

Took this last Friday – first day of Honors.  Notice the guys are playing catch. That’s because before 2:00 PM it was already 75 degrees.  A lot of the trees on campus have already decided that spring is definitely here.

The Bachelor - A Must Read

Biut not everyone was playing ball.  Some guys were catching up on all the latest campus news…via the Bachelor.

Sound of mind and body.

Nicholas Hobson

Nicholas Hobson is the grandson of Bob Hobson ’57.  That’s Nicholas motoring down the slopes at Squaw Valley.  As you can tell, it’s a competitive setting…

The kicker?  Nicholas is 5 years old.  That’s right, 5!  Now, the Grunge couldn’t a stand up on skis without falling over and here’s young Nicholas flying down the slopes.  Beauty of it all is he’s too young to be missing first grade!

SCC director Scott Crawford outlines program

The Schroeder Center for Career Development kicked off a new program last Thursday evening.  Through the generosity of the Schroeder Family, the Center will be offering micro-grants to students to start their entrepreneurial careers.

Joe Trebley '01

Joe Trebley ’01, Head of Startup Support and Promotion at Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, was the featured speaker at the kickoff.  Joe explained the basics of starting a new enterprise.  He explained that every idea evolves and the key ingredients to success are hard work and selling your ideas.

Betsy Knott also talked about the opportunities available to our students in the Business Immersion Program this coming summer.

A good evening.  A bunch of guys attended who had some interesting ideas with a boatload of possibility.  Stay tuned for greatness!

Kevin McCarthy '12

What a Spring Break!!!

Blogged last week about Kevin McCarthy ’12 as the reigning National Champion for Div III in the indoor mile.  Remember, he just missed the National record for the mile.Kevin has been a star in Track and in Cross Country at Wabash.

Kevin also garnered another NCAA honor – NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship! These scholarships are great honors and the competition is just as keen as a National Meet – heck, it IS a National Meet!  Kevin plans to go on to Medical or Nursing School.

See the story here.

Congrats, Kevin!

Wes Chamblee '12

Wes Chamblee worked out for NFL scouts recently at the Ball State Pro Day.  His dream is to play football at the next level and he’s love to go to the NFL but will also take a look at the Arena league and other opportunities.

Wes is a great young man – we’d love to see him catch on somewhere.  With Pierre Garcon leaving the Colts, I think Wes would fit right in!

Read the story here.

Good luck Wes – you’re Some Little Giant.

Reed Manges '34

This is the 3rd report we’ve had on a new member of the Class of 2034.  Keep this up and we can scale back Admissions!

That’s Reed Manges ’34, son of Marcus ’10 and Jesika Manges.  Born on March 11, 2012.   John Dewart ’10, who sent me the photo, reports that he think Marcus already has begun making tuition payments to Wabash so young Reed may have limited choices!

Mother and son doing fine.  Congrats!