Ad Hoc Committees

Admissions/Recruitment

Chairman: Jon Pactor '71 (pactorlaw@iquest.net)

Alumni Engagement

Chairman: Josh Nicholson ’04 (nicholsj5@yahoo.com)

Bachelor Liaison

Contact:  Hugh Vandivier ’91 (hugh.vandivier@gmail.com)

Career Services

Chairman: Dave Reed '89 (dreed@leafsoftwaresolutions.com)

Opportunities to Learn about Business (OLAB)

Chairman: Jon Pactor '71 (pactorlaw@iquest.net)

Events

MARCH AFTER-WORK GET-TOGETHER - MARCH 28, 2013

The "Wabash Mafia" reconvened its monthly gatherings to watch the Sweet Sixteen NCAA basketball matchups and do some networking at Moe & Johnny's. Joe Trebley won the business card drawing for a Bookstore gift certificate. Thanks to Josh Nicholson '04 for organizing the event and to owner Chuck Mack '67.

Will Skertic '11 and Kyle Bender '12 catch up over some TWR.

CAREER SERVICES PACERS GAME NETWORKING EVENT - FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Good ideas often lead to great events, especially in this case. Last year, Wabash's Schroeder Center for Career Development came to the IAWM with an idea to combine their spring semester networking event with Pacer game. For the second year, the result yielded a successful outing for more than 90 students who boarded a bus down to Indy and alumni who joined them at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Networking abounded during the dinner on the Pacers' practice court and throughout the game in lower level seats to watch the Pacers blew out their longtime rival Knicks. As a special treat, Voice of the Pacers, Chris Denari '83 stopped by to greet the group. (blog)

Special thanks to Jake Kersey '13 who coordinated the event with Dave Reed '89.

WINTER BASH - FEBRUARY 16, 2013

The IAWM and the NAWM hosted the fourth faculty-staff-alumni symposium, an in-depth look at the various aspects of filmmaking in Wally at the Movies. The afternoon featured sholarly presentations in Hays Hall, ending in a reception and dinner in Detcheon Center. (photos)

• President Pat White - “Have You Ever Been Mistaken for a Man?” What Ripley, Thelma and Louise, Norma Rae, and Jewell Ivy teach us about what it means to be a man (video)
• Michael Bricker '04 - Production Design: Creating a Fake World in the Real World (video)
• Dr. Crystal Benedicks & Dr. Jim Cherry - Screening the Unimaginable: 9/11, Spectatorship & The American Cinema (video)
• Russ Harbaugh '06 - My First Feature: Surveying Cinematic Inspirations (video)
• Dr. Lexie Hoerl - Hollywood Gentlemanliness and Codes of Chivalry in Film (video)
• Dean Will Oprisko - “I’m Batman” How the Dark Knight Inspires Us and Why His Villains Terrify Us (video)
• Keith Nelson '71 - D. W. Griffith’s "Birth of a Nation" [1915] Marketing Racism or Marketing Art? (video)
• Dr. Warren Rosenberg - “Wonder Boys”: (White Male) English Professors in Film (video)
• Steve Badger '87 & Robert Meitus '87 - Technical Difficulties: How Globalization Threatens Intellectual Property & Freedom of Expression (video)
• Aaron Selby '06 - The Use of Film as a Teaching and Analytical Tool in the Modern Game of Football (video)
• Beth Swift, College Archivist - Will Hays '00: More Than a Censor (video)

BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS - FEB. 13, 2013

At its February meeting, the IAWM elected the following new board members to a three-year term: Chris Cotterill '99, Sean Simmons '00, Joe Trebley '01, Tony Unfried '03, and Chuck Whybrew '94. Welcome to the IAWM. 

Steve Badger '87, Scott Benedict '98, John Bridge '72, Lee Clark '73, Jon Pactor '71, Scott Quick '88, David Reed '89, and Josh Tatum '03 were reelected to new three-year terms.

DUCKPIN BOWLING - JAN. 6, 2013

The IAWM hosted its annual atypical recruiting event for high school seniors and their families: duckpin bowling at historic Fountain Square. Sunday brought a great turnout of alumni, parents, and 10 prospective students talking about Wabash and trying to get 10 little pins down with one little ball. Thanks to Jon Pactor ’71, Hugh Vandivier ’91, Keenan Blanchford ’98, Kim King ’99, Jacob Pactor ’04, Kyle McClammer ’08, John Higgins ’09, Jake Kolisek ’11, Will Weber ’11, and Kyle Bender ’12 for helping recruit the next class of Wabash men.           

About 260 men of Wabash and DePauw gathered once again at the Arabian Room at the Murat Shrine for the Annual Monon Bell Stag. Retired DePauw AD Paige Cotton spoke on behalf of DePauw President Brian Casey and Wabash President Pat White welcomed the crowd to the celebration of our schools' tradition in the "Best Small College Football Rivalry In The Galaxy."

John Bridge '72 served as the Wabash emcee. Alex Robbins ’13 told the crowd what to expect from the Little Giants that Saturday.

Daryl Johnson '82 ribbed Alan Hill, DePauw ’94 before presenting him with the Spirit of the Monon Bell Award. Dr. Frank Kolisek, Wabash ‘82 received the award from DePauw. 

Continuing a new tradition started last year, alumni made donations to the tune of $2,052 to honor Kolisek's chosen charity, The Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House.

Then the gloves came off. A decent DePauw roaster started off the skewering, followed by Wabash roaster Jake Knott '03 delivering a humorous verbal assault.

With ever-growing support from DePauw and the dedicated work of the Stag committee--Tim Craft '00, Jake Knott '03, John Bridge '72, Brandon Clifton '05, Aaron Cook '06, Scott Benedict '98, and Greg Estell '85--the great tradition Monon Bell Stag is back and better than ever.

SEPTEMBER 20-23, 2012            MOOT COURT

The Alumni Engagement Committee hosted its last after-work gathering of the year in style: at the elegant Skyline Club atop the OneAmerica Tower. Newly minted and more seasoned alumni alike schmoozed and networked.

Special thanks to Ted Grossnickle '73 for his generosity and assistance in hosting us.

September's edition of the IAWM's monthly informal gatherings addressed two alumni suggestions: Can we do this on a day other than Thursday? and Can we have an event on the south side? Voila! Alumni gathered at the Fireside Brewhouse in Greenwood and commenced with informal networking and fellowship.

Thanks to Josh Nicholson ’04 for setting up this event.

WABASH Day—Wabash Alumni Benefiting And Serving Humanity—is the national day of community service organized by alumni and carried out by alumni, family, and friends in line with the Gentleman’s Rule requirement to be responsible citizens and with the college’s mission statement to think critically, act responsibly, and lead effectively to make our communities more humane places.

Wabash graduates along with their families and friends gathered in small groups in 29 sites across the nation and worked to better their communities as part of the eighth annual WABASH Day. (story)

In Indianapolis metropolitan area, Wabash men and their families contributed to the following projects:

INDIANAPOLIS

• Second Helpings. WABASH Day Leader: Bryan Roesler ‘06.
• Villiages. WABASH Day Leader: Kevin Benefiel ’81. 
• Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood. WABASH Day Leader: Josh Tatum '03.

AVON

• B&O Trail. WABASH Day Leaders: Dave Jackson ’87 and Jim Kerr '92.

GREENFIELD

• Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen. WABASH Day Leader: Kyle McClammer '08.

NOBLESVILLE

• Hague Road Nature Haven. WABASH Day Leaders: Greg Estell '85, Seamus Boyce '03, and Mark Fryman '00.

ZIONSVILLE

• Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding. WABASH Day Leader: Steve Badger ’87.

Thanks to the WABASH Day IAWM Committee for setting up these worthwhile projects in the Indianapolis metropolitan area:  Jon Pactor ’71 (chair), Tim Craft ’00, John Bridge ’72, Greg Estell '85, Josh Tatum '03, Keenan Blanchford ’98, Dave Reed '89, Seamus Boyce '03, Jim Kerr '92, Steve Badger '87, Scott Benedict '98, and Brandon Clifton '05.

The IAWM continued its fine tradition with about 25 alumni welcoming new faculty members to the Wabash family at Detchon International Hall. President White and Jon Pactor made remarks along with the new faculty who introduced themselves.

Thanks to Dustin DeNeal (chair), Keenan Blanchford, Jon Pactor, Keith Veal and Aman Brar for organizing this event.

AUGUST 23, 2012            AFTER-WORK GET-TOGETHER @ BARLEY ISLAND, NOBLESVILLE

JULY 25, 2012            MITCHUM CROCK GOLF OUTING

More than a hundred Wabash alumni, staff, students, and friends braved a hot day to take part in the annual Mitchum Crock, held at Plum Creek in Carmel.

This year's title sponsor was Barnes & Thornburg. Dave Waldman '93 supplied the TWR from Triton Brewing. 

Notable winners were:

Many thanks to co-chairs Steve Badger ‘87 and Tom Welch ‘94 and their committee consisting of Lee Clark ‘73, Dave Reed ‘89, Jeff Dickison ‘85, Kelley House ‘90, Scott Benedict ‘98, Tim Craft ‘00, and Tony Unfried ‘03  for putting on another fun outing.

JULY 19, 2012            AFTER-WORK GET-TOGETHER @ CITYWAY

For the July after-work gathering, the IAWM coordinated with the new CityWay Discovery Center being built downtown just north of Eli Lilly's headquarters. When finished, this newest edition to the city will include residences, retail and offices, an art hotel, and a YMCA. Fellow alumni had a nice sneak peak in addtion to free libations and hors d'ouevres.

JULY 8-14, 2012            OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT BUSINESS (OLAB)

Since 1973, Wabash has hosted rising high school seniors for a week-long summer introduction to business and the market economy. This, the 40th year, hosted 60 students from 12 states came to the Wabash campus to participate in OLAB. Since OLAB’s founding, more than 2,500 students have participated in the program. The IAWM has long been a supporter of this program, and many area alumni are happy to participate in simulated labor contract negotiations. (More)

IAWM Board president Scott Benedict '98 and vice president Tim Craft '00 share a fist bump to show solidarity in their negotiating position.

MEET THE CLASS OF '16 - SUMMER 2012

This summer, soon-to-be rung-in members of the Wabash Class of 2016 receive t-shirts in the mail and are asked to have their picture taken wearing the shirt for the Wabash Class of 2016 Facebook page. This year, incoming frosh could choose among red shirts that say Seriously Confident, Seriously Competitive, or Seriously Creative. The IAWM is proud to help subsidize this wonderful introduction to Wabash College for our future students and alumni. In 2009, Wabash's efforts toward incoming students made the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Nathan Bode '15 of Greenfield is seriously confident.

JUNE 28, 2012            AFTER-WORK GET-TOGETHER @ BLACK SWAN BREWPUB

June's monthly informal gathering moves to Black Swan Brewpub on the west side. Black Swan Brewpub in Plainfield is run by two Wabash grads, brewmaster D.J. McCallister ’97 and chef Nick Carter ’95. The offered discounts on their latest libations and free appetizers. 

WABASH NIGHT @ VICTORY FIELD - JUNE 22, 2012

About 110 alumni, students, family, and friends enjoyed a pleasant evening out at the ballpark to watch the Indianapolis Indians take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in the beautiful confines of Victory Field. The Indians won 4-2, and the group saw a dynamite fireworks show following the game.

Wabash alums sampled some pints and ate some gourmet sliders from the KG’s Slider Station food truck before touring Triton's incredible brewing facility with Dave Waldman ’93, its co-founder and operations manager. 

MLB BUS TRIP TO CUBS @ REDS - MAY 2, 2012 

A busload of baseball fans traveled to Cincinnati to watch the Chicago Cubs defeat their NL Central rival Reds 3-1 at Great America Ballpark, including Cubs first-baseman Bryan LaHair's home run right in front of the group in the second inning.

Hugh Vandivier '91 gave a Wabash Trivia quiz on the busride to the game.

Many thanks to Josh Tatum '03 and his committee for a fun event.

Kevin McCarthy received the IAWM Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given each year to a senior who has combined excellence in both his scholarship and athletics.

Kevin won the a National Championship in the indoor mile this spring at a meet where he was presented with an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. He's Regional Champion in cross country, five-time All-American in the 800-meter run, 1500-meter run, 3,000-meter steeplechase, one-mile run, and cross country. He's also received multiple All-NCAC awards in cross country and indoor/outdoor track and field and was named the NCAC Men's Distance/Middle Distance Performer of the Year.

Academically, Kevin is a biology major with a 3.52 cumulative G.P.A. and minors in both chemistry and Spanish. He's the head resident assistant, President of the Wabash Acts Responsible organization (a group that promotes sportsmanship and responsible student behavior), and Manager of the College's NCAA Choices Grant.

Kevin also served as a medical volunteer with both the Frontier Nursing Service in the Appalachian Mountain range in addition to service in South America.

AFTER-WORK GET-TOGETHER & WABASH TRIVIA CHALLENGE - APRIL 19, 2012

April's after-work networking took on a new twist after alumni gathered at the Ripple Inn in Broad Ripple. In addition to the usual informal networking and hobnobbing, teams competed in The Wabash Trivia Challenge, a 20-queston quiz devised by Hugh Vandivier '91.

If you missed the quiz, you can still take it here. How many questions can you answer?

• Round 1: The Monon Bell Game
• Round 2: Dear Old Wabash (From the Archives)
• Round 3: ...Both on and off Campus...
• Round 4: Know Thine Enemy (DePauw)
• Round 5: TWR

ALUMNI NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR - MARCH 22, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART RECEPTION - SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

The IAWM hosted a unique reception to celebrate the accomplishments of Wabash Assistant Professor of Art History Elizabeth Morton and her students who curated the exhibition Dynasty & Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria, which opened at the Indianapolis Museum of Art July 8.

The event brought together more than 120 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and families for a reception that included Nigerian food and a free tour of this important exhibit. For more info, click for the story of the reception, a photo album and another, and a behind-the-scenes blog by the students who worked on the exhibit.

Elizabeth Justice, Clay Robbins ’79, Professor Morton, and Amy Robbins.

Bob Einterz '77 and his daughter, Abby.

WABASH ALUMNI AFTER HOURS EVENT - SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

WABASH AFTER HOURS GATHERING - APRIL 28, 2011

by Tom Runge

A good group gathered on a rainy Thursday evening at the Broad Ripple location of the Barley Island Restaurant & Brewhouse for some food, beverage, and a chance to catch up with each other.  Barley Island is owned by Jeff Eaton ’85.

So, if you’re wondering if the time is worth it, let me assure you it is.  Here’s what I heard:

• One alumnus, from my generation, gets together with his brother twice a week to play basketball.
• One alumnus is mulling over his next move as a politician.
• One alumnus is thinking of going to Law School after leaving Wabash almost 2 decades ago.
• One alumnus has taken over a new role in overseeing the operations of a new consulting service.
• One alumnus is moving to New York City for a new opportunity.
• One alumnus is in the search for a new career opportunity.
• One alumnus will be honored shortly for his work performance.
• One spouse helps her sorority as a alumna advisor – she’s excited about her new university president.  

That’s in about 90 minutes while enjoying the appetizers at Barley Island (excellent by the way) and sampling a TWR from Sun King Brewery.

The best part is these events are pure and simple friendship about a shared experience.  No programs, no agendas, just what’s up. 

See you at the next one!

BOYS STATE RECEPTION - AUGUST 15, 2010

The IAWM joined Wabash Admissions in welcoming 90 Boys State Delegates and their families to campus. Reception attendees will receive a Wabash College Boys State Scholarship with an annual value of $7,500 ($30,000 over four years) upon admission to the College. (story)

IAWM board member Keith Veal ’92 told attendees during a panel discussion, “Wabash taught me how to ‘Walk TALL’ and that’s what I tell them. I say, ‘think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely — think, act, lead, live,’” the acronym for which is TALL. “Wabash taught me the power of critical thinking. If you get that part right — thinking critically — everything else falls into place.”

IAWM Board

2013 Officers

Tim Craft, President

Steve Badger, Vice President

Dustin DeNeal, Treasurer

Keenan Blanchford, Secretary

Scott Benedict, Immediate Past President

Board Member

College Contact 

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