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In an evening that moved from laughter to tears to gratitude and back to laughter, the Class of 57 gathered to celebrate its 50th Reunion. Here, one of the lighter moments: Fred Wampler, along with Gaylord Smith, admits his role in the reassembling (and repainting) of the infamous "Lincoln and his Dog" statue on the steps of the Chapel the night before the Class's commencement ceremony.

President White a 50th Reunion medallion to a Little Giant who couldn't attend the previous evening's ceremony.

Emcee Bob Allen noted the Class of 57's accomplishments in many endeavors, commenting, that "if this doesn't prove the value and effectiveness of liberal arts, I don't know what does." Then after asking for a moment of silence for class members who have died, he introduced one of the evening's speakers, Professor Emeritus of Speech Vic Powell.

Planned Giving Director David Troutman was given the honor of asking the blessing.

Joe Spangler listens to the stories. This was Dr. Spangler's first time back to campus in 50 years, and he came all the way from Hawaii to be here.

Gil Shoaf recalled his days as a Little Giant, paying particular tribute to his teammate, Bob Allen, who would go on to become CEO of AT & T. "We knew even then that one of us was destined to go on to great things, we knew even then that man would be Bob Allen," Shoaf said. "We're proud of you, Bob."

Joe Krause acknowledged his classmates' success in many fields, but praised them for something else: "You've been successful, but, more importantly, you've been kind."

Tom Milligan won the "most miles traveled" award, coming all the way from South Africa to celebrate this 50th reunion with his classmates.

"You don't realize it, but the honor, respect, kindness, and compassion that you embody—you are the backbone of this country," Mrs. Clark Smith told the Class of 57. "One of the great blessings of my life has been to be married to a Wabash man, a man who lives these values."

Clark Smith expressed his gratitude for the liberal arts education he received at Wabash and the benefits it brought him not only as a doctor, but throughout his life. "So many of the doctors today are trained, not educated," Smith said. "As the years go by, I appreciate my liberal arts education more and more."

Dave Orr (left, talking with Gaylord Smith) was one of many who stayed after the official reunion dinner was over, enjoying the conversation. The "unofficial" reunion had begun at the Orr's home on Thursday night, where the class gathered to practice for Chapel Sing.

"I don't usually tear up, but tonight, hearing you men of Wabash saying how much this place means to you, I'm very moved," emcee Bob Allen said at the close of the evening. "Thank you all for joining us."