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The Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men serves the largest concentration of Wabash College alumni located in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. This constitutes around 2,000 alumni or nearly 20% of all alumni. The IAWM board encompasses a broad generational, geographical, and professional diversity. Annually, we sponsor several diverse and exciting events and services for the Wabash community.

Upcoming Events

JULY 17, 2009            MITCHUM CROCK GOLF OUTING

The annual Florida Scramble in honor of Robert Mitchum H’59 takes place Friday, July 17, 2009, with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Following Golf, stay for cocktails, dinner, and raffle prizes.

Heartland Crossing Golf Links, 6701 S. Heartland Blvd., Camby, IN 46113 - (317) 630-1785 - (For course details, visit www.heartlandcrossinggolf.com.) (map)

Registration Options:

• Golf and Dinner: $125/person
• Golf and Dinner (Classes of 2005-2009): $100/person
• Dinner Only: $25/person
• Hole Sponsor: $250 – Includes golf and dinner for one individual
• Major Sponsor: $600 – Includes golf and dinner for foursome

Deadline to register is July 10, 2009, but don’t be left out, golf is limited to the first 144 PAID registrants (dinner is open to more). Register now by sending a check (payable to IAWM or Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men) to Lee Clark ’73 at Mutual Wealth Retirement Plan Services, Suite 170, 11711 N. Meridian Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

For more information, contact Mike Warren '93 at warrenm@wabash.edu or (765) 361-6053.

AUGUST 7, 2009            WABASH NIGHT AT VICTORY FIELD

Bring your friends and family out the the ballpark to watch the Indianapolis Indians take on the evil Knights of Charlotte in the beautiful confines of Victory Field, the "Best Minor League Ballpark in America." Stick around after the game for a fantastic fireworks show shot from centerfield! The game starts at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are just $13. Discounted admission for current students and young alumni (Classes of '05-'13) is $11. Tickets will be available from the main gate Will Call at the westside Victory Field Box Office on game day.

Spots are limited, so be sure to mail your check by July 27 (payable to IAWM) to:
Hugh Vandivier
c/o Primary Colours
212 W. 10th St., Suite A.380
Indianapolis, IN 46202

For more information, contact Hugh Vandivier '91 at vandy@iquest.net or (317) 627-0068.

OCTOBER 3-4, 2009            WABASH DAY

Details to come. Mark your calendars for this important opportunity to help fulfill the mission of Wabash College. More information here.

OCTOBER 25-28, 2009            MOOT COURT

Details to come. Web Site.

NOVEMBER 12, 2009            MONON BELL STAG

Details to come.

Ad Hoc Committees

Admissions/Recruitment

Chairman: Jon Pactor '71

Career Services

Chairman: Dave Reed '89

Opportunities to Learn about Business (OLAB)

Chairman: Jon Pactor '71

Recent Events

HAPPY HOUR IN BROAD RIPPLE - JULY 17, 2009

More than 45 alumni gathered at BW3 in Broad Ripple for the opportunity to network, reconnect,  meet other alumni in our area, and learn about the IAWM. During the event, the crowd toasted the memory of recently departed Wabash stalwart Dick Ristine '41. From the feedback and the turnout, more events like this are sure to follow.

REDS BUS TRIP - JUNE 6, 2009

A busload of more than 40 baseball fans traveled to Cincinnati to watch the Reds take on the Chicago Cubs at Great America Ball Park on a beautiful June evening. The game went into extra innings with the hapless Cubs going down to defeat 4-3. Big thanks to Seamus Boyce '03 for organizing this year's event.

A Spouse Divided. Seamus Boyce and his wife share opposite loyalties.

Kyle O'Keefe '08 enjoys the game with fellow alumni and friends.

BROCK GRAHAM WINS IAWM SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD - APR. 30, 2009

On April 24, Brian Hilts received the IAWM Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given each year to a senior who has made a significant contribution to athletics at Wabash and who has achieved a respectable grade point average. Brock graduates in just five semesters at Wabash with a GPA of 3.84. On the football field, he was third in receptions in 2008 with 29 catches for 365 yards and five TDs. he made a season-high seven catches for 76 yards and one score in the final game of the year against Wheaton and made three catches (two for TDs) in the season-opener at Denison.

Brock led the team in receptions (67) in 2007, and finished with 607 receiving yards and five TD catches to earn All-NCAC Honorable Mention honors. He had five or more receptions in four games and caught a career-best 12 passes for 121 yards at Millikin. He leaves Wabash 18th in career pass receptions with 107 and 20th in TD receptions (10).

Brock is member of the Wabash Christian Men’s Group and the AMPED program (Wabash Christian athletes) and was featured on the cover of the Summer 2008 issue of the NCAA's Champion magazine.

Brock Graham receives his award from IAWM president Jim Kerr '92 at the annual Awards Chapel.

WABASH GLEE CLUB PERFORMANCE - MAR. 7, 2009

The Wabash College Glee Club kicked off its 2009 Spring Tour in Indianapolis, performing as a joint concert with the Morehouse Glee Club at North United Methodist Church. (story) (pix)

VALENTINE'S DANCE - FEB. 14, 2009

The IAWM honored Mark Miles '76 as Man of the Year at its annual Valentine's Dance. Mark has been a moving force in Indiana since he graduated from Wabash.  From working on and leading several high profile political campaigns to serving as the leader for Eli Lilly's public affairs, Miles was a force for positive change in the state. As the President of the group responsible for bringing the 1987 Pan American Games to Indianapolis, Mark oversaw the most successful Games in history.

Mark went on to serve as President of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). During his 15 years, he increased yearly revenues to over $2 billion, established a highly successful retirement fund for tennis professionals, and generally took the organization to the very top in professional sports.

Currently, Mark serves as the President and CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, described as a powerhouse for economic development, especially in high tech, state of the art industries.

Many thanks to Jim Kerr '92, president of the IAWM and the evening's emcee, and to Scott Quick '88 and his "cupid committee" (the planner's of the evening) for their work to put together an interesting evening for all.  

Dave Shane '70 was simply perfect in his introduction of Mark Miles and his presentation of the IAWM award.

DUCKPIN BOWLING  -  JAN. 12, 2009

It's becoming an annual tradition. The IAWM hosts an unusual event: duckpin bowling at historic Fountain Square. Sunday brought a great turnout of alumni, parents, and prospective students talking about Wabash and trying to get 10 little pins down with one little ball. Thanks to Seamus Boyce '03, Bobby Brandt '08, Aaron Cook '06, Ryan Grand '08, Bryan Roesler, Jacob Pactor '04, Jon Pactor '71, Tim Rickard '08, Bryan Roesler '06, Hugh Vandivier '91, and Keith Veal '92 for helping recruit the next Wabash men. (Story)

A Brownsburg High School senior takes aim down the lane.

BLEED FOR THE BELL  -  OCT. 14-NOV. 13, 2008

Thanks to all who participated in the first blood drive to benefit the Indiana Blood Center (IBC) pitting the Wabash faithful against our DePauw counterparts. We're pleased to announce that we beat the Dannies 254-228! Even thought the blood drive is over, be sure to do your part to contribute. The IBC needs roughly 500 units per day for Indiana residents in need of blood transfusions and life-saving blood products. 

MONON BELL STAG  -  NOV. 13, 2008 

The IAWM and the Men of the DePauw Indianapolis Alumni gathered once at the Annual Monon Bell Stag. This traditional celebration of the Monon Bell Experience celebrated our schools' tradition in the Best Small College Football Rivalry In The Galaxy. 

DePauw President Brian Casey delivered prerecorded greetings and Wabash President Pat White did the same in person. Jim Amidon '87 told the crowd of 150 what to expect from both teams on Saturday, and the "Spirit of the Monon Bell" Awards were presented to a very grateful Chris Braun W'81 and Mark Dinwiddie D'70. Mark Ford D'71 was the roaster for DePauw, and Wabash's roaster was David Timmerman, Professor of Rhetoric.

Chris Braun '81 give a heartfelt acceptance of the Spirit of the Monon Bell Award.

NETWORKING EVENT - NOV. 5, 2008 

The law firm of Barnes & Thornburg hosted 46 Wabash students who me with 32 Indianapolis-area alumni in a formal but laid-back setting to discuss career plans, he job and internship search, and graduate and professional school. Click here for an album from that evening. 

Dr. Todd Vogel '04 talks with a student about his recent experience in medical school.

MOOT COURT - OCT. 28, 2008

Junior Alex Ingram won top honors in the 2008 Wabash College and Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men Moot Court Competition. Ingram, a native from Pendleton, was selected by the distinguished panel of judges as the Top Advocate during the 15th annual competition. Twenty-six students competed, and 40 alumni donated their money and time toward the competition. (Story) (Moot Court page) 

The early round volunteers included Steve Badger '87, Prof. Richard Bowen, Seamus Boyce '03, Chris Braun '81, Prof. Melissa Butler, Steve Creason '79, Dan Dovenbarger '79, Tom Fisher '91, Matt Griffith '89, Tom Hastings '80, Prof. Glen Helman, Jane Ann Himsel, Prof. Scott Himsel '85, Prof. Ethan Hollander, Brad Johnson '71, Prof. Jeff Motter, Prof. Eric Olofson, Prof. Joe O'Rourke, Adam Packer '00, Prof. Jamie Phillips, Prof. Vic Powell, Prof. David Timmerman, Ted Todd '61, Jonathan Warner '03, Monty Woolsey '81.

WABASH DAY - OCT. 11-12, 2008

Wabash Day stands for Wabash Alumni Benefiting And Serving Humanity. It is a national day of community service planned by alumni in local communities and carried out by alumni, family, and friends. For the 4th Annual Wabash Day, Wabash men, living to the core values of the College, joined with families and friends to perform community service projects planned and executed at the grassroots from coast to coast. Locally, the IAWM headed up projects in Avon/Plainfield, Fishers, Greenfield, Greenwood, Indianapolis (including The Villages, Gleaners, and Damar), Noblesville, and Westfield. Thanks to the Wabash men and their families who participated in record numbers!

Mark Lazar '81, Jimmy Owens '06, Dustin DeNeal '04, and Wabash Day founder Jon Pactor '71 talk with one of the refs between games. Fourteen Special Olympics teams--four from Damar and 10 from Indianapolis and seven surrounding counties--played on Saturday, with 15 Wabash alumni and students serving as referees and helping out on the sidelines.

NEW FACULTY RECEPTION - SEPT. 19, 2008

The IAWM joined with the Class Agents for a reception welcoming new faculty. IAWM Vice President Larry Landis '67 presided over the festivities, with comments from President Pat White and Jon Pactor '71. New faculty members introduced themselves and gave their impressions of teaching Wabash students.

Larry Landis has been instrumental in organizing the New Faculty Reception. Here, he converses with Alison Kothe of the Development Office.

BOYS STATE DELEGATE RECEPTION - AUG. 11, 2008

The IAWM assisted Wabash Admissions in hosting a recognition reception for delegates to Boys State at the Governor's Mansion. In addition to recognizing the 63 high school students, each will receive a $1,000 Boys State scholarship (renewable for four years) if they enroll at Wabash. Jon Pactor '71 served as emcee for the program, which also featured Dean Gary Phillips and keynote speaker Cleo Washington '85. (story)

Seamus Boyce '03 talks with a Boys State delegate and his family.

INDIANS GAME - AUG. 1, 2008

The weather was perfect for about 60 people who enjoyed a night of baseball on Wabash Night at Victory Field. Unfortunately, the Toledo Mud Hens shut out the hometown Indianapolis Indians 3-0. But the sting of defeat eased as families and friends enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display after the game.

Brandon '04 and Leslie Peacock drove from Crawfordsville to watch the game.

Rising juniors Pete Hewitt and Craig Vetor watch the game with Tim Hewitt '72.

Eric Verduin '93 and his family sit back and enjoy the fireworks!

MITCHUM CROCK - JULY 18, 2008

About 120 Wabash alumni, staff, students, and friends took part in the annual Mitchum Crock. The weather was hot but beautiful for our first outing at the Heartland Crossing Golf Links in Camby on Indianapolis' south side. The trio of Chip Timmons '96 (Associate Director of Admissions), Dave Orr '92, and freshly minted graduate Tim Rickard '08 shot a net score of 66 and took home the Crock. Afterward, everyone enjoyed smoked ribs and chicken from Dawson's on Main. Before the raffle, Coach Erik Raeburn spoke about the upcoming football season and President Pat White gave the golfers an update from the College. Thanks to everyone for a great day on the links!

Net Winners

1st     66    Timmons, Orr, Rickard
2nd    69    Jones, Galasso, Riggs, and Myers (Birdie on 14)

Gross Winners

1st     57    Lazar, Macke, Tenbarge, Brandshaw
2nd    58    Shelbourne, Pfenning, Bego, Bego

Contest Hole Winners

Closest to Pin (Hole 14)    Tom Briere
Longest Drive (Hole 3)     Troy Buntin
Longest Putt (Hole 18)      Kelly Bego 

Mike Ball '62 drops a birdie putt while playing partners Bill Diehl '64 and Jake German '11 look on.

OLAB - JULY 13-19, 2008

The IAWM continued its long involvement with OLAB (Opportunities to Learn About Business) as alumni participated in mock labor negotiations. Now in its 36th year, OLAB brings rising high school seniors to campus to participate in lectures on marketing, business ethics, group decision making, public speaking, the stock market, and negotiations, all to help build their business acumen. (story1) (story2)(site)

IAWM Board Member John Bridge '72 works with an OLAB camper.

REDS BUS TRIP - JUNE 12, 2008

A busload of baseball fans traveled to Cincinnati to watch the Reds take on the Cardinals at Great America Ball Park on a beautiful June evening. The Reds' four-run seventh inning sealed the win for Cincinnati 6-2. About 45 Wabash alumni, family, and friends attended the game. Big thanks to Seamus Boyce '03 for organizing this year's event.

Pledge brothers and new graduates Bart Bridge and Aaron Springhetti had a great time at the ballpark.

Jon Pactor '71 and political science professor Melissa Butler enjoy some good conversation before the game.

2009 Officers

Jim Kerr '92, President
jkerr@myhealthcaremanager.com

Larry Landis '67, Vice President

Scott Benedict '98, Treasurer

Jon Pactor '71, Secretary

Board Members

College Contact 

Tom Runge '71 - (765) 361-6371
runget@wabash.edu

History

The following records were compiled by "unofficial" IAWM historian Jon Pactor '71. They will be updated once further information is uncovered.

Last updated December 17, 2008.

PRESIDENTS OF THE IAWM
The term Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men probably came into being in the nineteenth century. Records of the IAWM are not the best. Clarence Merrill was president in 1924. Current records do not show a president until 1968. Starting for a few years in 1968, the term of the IAWM president was not a calendar year. At least since 1975, the term has been a calendar year, January through December.

IAWM SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS
The IAWM has long given a scholar-athlete award, sometimes called a student-athlete award, to the senior who has best demonstrated the combination of scholarship and athletics. As typical, the record-keeping of the IAWM has not been the best, and piecing the winners is a work in progress The award is a cash prize and a plaque. The list below starts with 1983, but the award was given for several years before then. This list will be updated.

THE MONON BELL STAG

In 1965, the men of DePauw and Wabash began to gather on the Thursday before the Monon Bell Game to celebrate their friendly and beloved rivalry. They made new friends and solidified old friendships. Over the years, men of both schools anxiously awaited the hilarious wit of Tommy Mont, DePauw's revered football coach, and the wondrous magic tricks of Thad Seymour, Wabash's president. The crowd consisted of trustees, presidents, football coaches, faculty, and alumni, young and old. Each school put forth a roaster to add to the merriment and good will. Roasters have included Andy Paine (DePauw), Bob Bottoms (DePauw), Phil Eskew (DePauw), Steve Goldsmith (Wabash), Dean Ben Rogge (Wabash), Bill Placher (Wabash), Vic Powell (Wabash), and an array of other faculty and alumni. The Stag stopped after 1992. The men of the two schools desired to return to the good old days and revived the stag in 2001.

Wabash Roasters
The following list contains the men who have honored Wabash men by roasting the Dannies since 1965. The list will be updated to fill in for the missing years starting with 1965.

*No Stag was held because DePauw backed out. The IAWM carried on with a Monon Bell celebration and roasted the Dannies in their absence.

In 1981, the schools began to honor a Man of the Year, alternating between schools. Upon restarting the stag in 2001, the schools began to honor distinguished alumni, with Wabash honoring a DePauw alumnus each year and DePauw honoring a Wabash alumnus each year. The award is now called the Spirit of the Monon Bell Award. Generally, the recipient is an alumnus who has done well in his profession and has given back to the community, bringing credit to his alma mater and to the liberal arts.

Spirit of the Monon Bell Award Winners

MAN OF THE YEAR

The IAWM has honored a Man of the Year since 1975. Two women, Lou Ristine and Anne Ford, have also been honored. This award has been presented at the annual Christmas Dance until 1994 when the party was moved to Valentine's Day. The event has morphed from a fancy dinner-dance to a Valentine's Party.