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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

FEBRUARY 13, 2010            VALENTINE'S DINNER/DANCE

You and your guests are invited to the IAWM Valentine's Dinner/Dance, honoring our Man of the Year, Dr. Robert M. Einterz '77.

Featuring Good Food, Friends, & Fun - Party Favors & Raffle Prizes - DJ & Dancing

Cocktails (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m. - Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
Cost - $65.00 per person
$50.00 - Alumni of the Classes of 2005-2009 & their guests
Attire – Coat and tie

Indianapolis Downtown Marriott - 350 W. Maryland St. (map)

Please RSVP by February 9, 2010

To respond, simply call Heather Bazzani at 765-361-6360, email her at bazzanih@wabash.edu, or mail a check (payable to IAWM) to the Alumni and Parent Relations Office.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Address:  Wabash College, PO Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933

Dr. Robert “Bob” Einterz ’77 is this year's Honoree: Chemistry major at Wabash; graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine; Professor of Clinical Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine; Associate Dean for International Programs at IUPUI

MARCH 26, 2010            ALUMNI-FACULTY BASEBALL SYMPOSIUM

The IAWM sponsors a symposium on America's Pastime to develop and strengthen ties between alumni, faculty, and staff. Hear presentations by Wabash alumni and professors, attend a banquet, and participate in other fun activities. Full schedule and details to come, so mark your calendars.

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

Events

DUCKPIN BOWLING  -  JAN. 10, 2010

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, prospective students, and their parents talking about Wabash and trying to get 10 little pins down with one little ball. Thanks to Kyle Coffey '06, Aaron Cook '06, Greg Estell '85, Chris Greisl '07, Brad Johnson '71, Charlie Lopez '05, Kyle McClammer '08, Josh Tatum '03, and Keith Veal '92 for helping recruit the next Wabash men.

MONON BELL STAG - NOVEMBER 12, 2009

The IAWM and the Men of the DePauw Indianapolis Alumni gathered once again at the downtown Mariott for the Annual Monon Bell Stag. For the first time since 1992, both presidents were present at the festivities. DePauw President Brian Casey and Wabash President Pat White traded good-natured barbs as they celebrated our schools' tradition in the Best Small College Football Rivalry In The Galaxy. 

Tom Mont and Jim Kerr '92 served as the night's emcees. Jim Amidon '87 told the crowd of 250 what to expect from both teams on Saturday after presenting the "Spirit of the Monon Bell" Awards to his DePauw counterpart, Ken Owen D'82. Mark Dinwiddie D'70 presented the award to his high school classmate and great friend Jon Pactor '70.

The the gloves came off. DePauw roaster Gerry Dick took shots at Wabash, and Wabash Hall of Fame QB Jake Knott '03 brought down the house with his rebuttal.

With ever-growing support from DePauw and the hard work of the Stag committee (Greg Estell '85, Kelley House '90, Jake Knott '03, Scott Benedict '98, and Paul Jefferson '92), the great tradition Monon Bell Stag is back and better than ever.

STUDENT/ALUMNI NETWORKING EVENT - NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Alumni members of the IAWM gathered to provide a “speed” networking opportunity for several Wabash students.  The 5th annual event was held at the offices of the law firm Barnes and Thornburg in downtown Indianapolis.  Many thanks to Bob Grand ’78, Mark Stuaan ‘78, and Paul Jefferson ’92 and Scott Crawford's Career Services team for setting up this successful event. (Story)

MOOT COURT - OCTOBER 25-28, 2009

More than 30 Wabash students participated in the 16th Annual Wabash College Moot Court Competition, one of the fiercest undergraduate competitions of its kind in higher education. Alex Ingram ‘10 was named Top Advocate for the second straight year but reached several other milestones. He is just the third-two time winner and second to win two in a row in the event’s 15-year history. The judges panel selected Ingram over Steve Maynard ‘11, Riley Floyd ‘13, and Zack Lanning ‘10. Judges included Hon. Carr L. Darden, presiding judge of the Court of Appeals Fourth District; Hon. Theodore R. Boehm, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court; Hon. Thomas Milligan ‘63, who acted as a judge for the second time in the program’s history; and Dr. David Hadley, who acted as the faculty representative.

Moot court competitions are typically done in the second year of law school and typically involve appeals cases where the facts of the case are not in question. The Wabash competition forces petitioners and respondents to argue the interpretation of the law in a given case. The annual event is a collaboration between Wabash alumni lawyers, the Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men, and the Wabash College Rhetoric Department.

This year's problem involved a case concerning whether or not the placement of a Latin cross on a small parcel of privately held land in the Mojave National Preserve is a violation of the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. The cross was initially erected as a war memorial. Oral arguments for the case were heard by the U. S. Supreme Court earlier this month.

Semifinal judges included alumni Scott Himsel ’85, Matt Griffith ’89, and State Solicitor General Tom Fisher ’91, and Rhetoric Professor David Timmerman. (more) Past cases & judges. Moot Court Web Site.

WABASH DAY - OCTOBER 3-4, 2009           

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. Approximately 300 Wabash graduates along with their families and friends gathered in small groups across the nation October 3-4 and worked to better their communities as part of the fifth annual W.A.B.A.S.H. Day. (story)

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

• Second Helpings
• Gleaners
• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
• Damar
• Mapleton-Fall Creek
• Partners In Housing
• Villages

In surrounding counties, projects also took place in Westfield, Shelbyville, Greenwood, and Noblesville.

Thanks to the WABASH Day IAWM Committee for setting up these worthwhile projects in the Indianapolis metropolitan area:  Jon Pactor ’71, chair, Kevin Benefiel ’81, John Bridge ’72, Kip Chase ’03, Aaron Cook ’06,Tim Craft ’00, Dustin DeNeal ’04, Chris Griesl ’07, James Hamstra ’00, Paul Jefferson ’92, Daryl Johnson ’82, David Johnson ’04, Kyle McCLammer ’08, Roger Neal ’04, Tim Rickard ’08, Bryan Roesler ’06, Josh Tatum ’03, Mark Shreve ’04, Keith Veal ’92, and David Waldman ’93.

Young alumni helped the Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation prepare to install new, donated carpet at its office at 30th and Meridian. The volunteers included Josh Tatum '03, Mark Sherer '03, Brent Kent '09, Adam Packer '00, Roger Neal '04, David Waldman '93, Adam Berry '03, Derek Nutty '04, Chris Greisl '07, Dustin DeNeal '04, David Johnson '04, Jeramie Frazier (friend), James Hamstra '00, Ron Tatum (Josh's Dad), Kyle Coffey '06, and Joseph Hawkins '09.

BOYS STATE DELEGATE PROGRAM - AUG. 9, 2009

The IAWM assisted Wabash Admissions in hosting a recognition program for delegates to Boys State on campus in Ball Theatre. In addition to recognizing the 90 high school students, each will receive a $7,500 Boys State scholarship ($30,000 over four years) if they enroll at Wabash. An alumni panel featured Brian Flanigan ’96, Alex Miller ‘71, Cleo Washington ‘85, and Donald Shelbourne ‘72. (story)

North Central senior Mitchell Breese receives recognition from Professor of Political Science Melissa Butler.

WABASH NIGHT AT VICTORY FIELD - AUGUST 7, 2009

Early rain at game time cleared up as about 40 Wabash, students, and friends enjoyed a beautiful night of baseball on Wabash Night at Victory Field, in addition to a spectacular fireworks display after the game. The crowd was treated to an 8-run second inning as the pink-jerseyed Indians cruised to a 10-3 victory over the Charlotte Knights.

Incoming freshmen were invited to attend this year's outing. Representing the Class of 2013, Jordan Surenkamp (front), Colten Craigin, and Michael Carper interact with alumni and families while enjoying the game.

'Daddy, when do the fireworks start?' Eric Verduin '93 enjoys a night out with his boys, Jacob and Max, while Tim '72 and Karen Hewitt do the same with two of theirs (Michael '07 and Pete '10, not pictured).

Event organizer Hugh Vandivier '91 catches up with Blaine Cooper-Surma '09 and Ryan Stephens '10.

MITCHUM CROCK GOLF OUTING - JULY 17, 2009           

One hundred five Wabash alumni, staff, students, and friends took part in the annual Mitchum Crock. The mild and sunny conditions made for a perfect day for golf at the Heartland Crossing Golf Links in Camby on Indianapolis' south side. When the round was over, two teams tied at 57, 15 under par. By the time-honored quirks of  Crock scoring, Jerry Shonkwiler '77, Lu Hamilton '76, and their sons were awarded the traveling trophy.

After dinner, IAWM president Jim Kerr '92 thanked Lee Clark '73 and his committee for all their efforts to make the outing a success.  Jim also introduced Wabash President Pat White, who spoke about where the current Wabash graduates had scattered as well as introducing the Class of 2013. (photos).

 MEET THE CLASS OF '13 - SUMMER 2009

This summer, soon-to-be rung-in members of the Wabash Class of 2013 receive gray t-shirts in the mail and are asked to have their picture taken wearing the shirt for online photo albums on the Wabash Web site. The IAWM is proud to help subsidize this wonderful introduction to Wabash College for our future students and alumni. Wabash's efforts toward incoming students made the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Jonathan Zuchristian of Cicero sports his Wabash College Class of 2013 t-shirt.

OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT BUSINESS - JULY 12-18, 2009

Since 1973, Wabash has hosted rising high school seniors for a week-long summer introduction to business and the market economy. This year, nearly 50 young men and women participated in OLAB, which included labor contract negotiations involving area alumni. The IAWM has long been a supporter of this program,and many area alumni are happy to participate. (More)

HAPPY HOUR IN BROAD RIPPLE - JUNE 23, 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.

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.

2009 Officers

Larry Landis '67, Presiden
lslandis@worldnet.att.net

Jon Pactor '71, Vice President

Scott Benedict '98, Treasurer

Tim Craft '00, 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 January 13, 2010.

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.