Alumni Chapel Sing Fires Up the Spirit

by Howard Hewitt • May 29, 2013

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<p> Gathering stories from the Wabash community, this years Scarlet Yarns got off to a great start, beginning with stories from Chris White, President Pat White, Professors Emeritus Dick Strawn and Raymond Williams H’68. With a crew of videographers led by Media Center Director Adam Bowen and student interviewers, the Scarlet Yarns team recorded more stories than ever in its first two days at this year's Big Bash.</p> <p> And certainly one of the highlights—our conversation with First Lady Chris White, who discussed not only the vision that led to her unprecedented service to the town of Crawfordsville, but also her opinion of the term 'first lady.'</p>

President White doing what he enjoys most at Wabash—talking with and getting to know the students.

Professor Emeritus of French Dick Strawn shared not only stories from his teaching days—including illuminating vignettes of friends like Professors Vic Powell, Owen Duston, and Harold MacDonald—but also gratitude for his correspondence with former students and conversations with current students.

Professor Emeritus of Religion Raymond Williams H’68 recalled the extraordinary teachers of the Wabash religion department of his time: Eric Dean, Hall Peebles, David Greene, and Bill Placher. He discussed their varied teaching styles, and also articulated the essence of Wabashs mission as a liberal art college and egalitarian community.

Archivist Beth Swifts display in the library included the old Wally Wabash costume.

Jimmy Blaich ’14, David Gunderman ’15, and Media Center Director Adam Bowen practice for the upcoming interviews.

Artist and set designer Scott Hastings ’15 gets the Scarlet Yarns studio looking like it should.

The Grunge, Tom Runge ’71, stopped by to help with a run through.

Austin Myers ’16 is videographer/sound engineer and assistant interviewer for the project.

Jim Williams ’68, whose vocations include oral historian, stopped by to tell his own stories for Scarlet Yarns.

Heres one about chemistry Professor Ed Haenisch

Tim Steele, who served on the committee considering co-education at Wabash, discussed his opinion of the Colleges decision to remain a college for men.

Charles Lytle told stories about his decision to change his major from physics to biology.

Lytle paid tribute to the Wabash who most inspired him: W. Norwood Brigance.

Brenda Lytle listens to her husbands tribute to Brigance.

J. B. Bachmann donated several photos to the Archives today, including this shot of Glee Club Bob Mitchum driving his students to the intercollegiate music conference in Massachusetts.

Interviewer David Gunderman enjoyed the stories.

The Big Bash Alumni Chapel Sing is always one of the weekend's highlights. The rain stayed away and the classes competed on the steps of the Chapel.

The winners will be announced at Sunday morning's award brunch! Here is a video of the Chapel Sing grand finale!

Wabash men come from near and far to join classmates in celebrating the Big Bash Reunion Weekend. Some may have traveled a greater distance but Dick West ’63 probably would win a prize for the most circuitous route.

The 10^th Big Bash reunion weekend kicked off on a damp Friday morning with golfers at Rocky Ridge and alums making their way to Chadwick court for registration. The weekend events run through Sunday brunch.

West '63 West ’63, a retired orthopedic surgeon, made his way to Wabash from his Marshall, NC, home via Arizona, Utah, and then Indianapolis. He spoke of his 4,000-mile journey in rather casual terms.

“I thought I’d just wander slowly, take in the annual meeting and then go home,” he said. “I went south eventually to Springerville, AZ. Then I went to Kanab, Utah and stayed with some friends for a few days. Then Durango, Co., and stayed with a friend a couple days, then across the Midwest to Indianapolis. I stayed with a friend a couple days there and now I’m here.”

He made a splash 10 years ago arriving in a semi-trailer truck. After retiring 15 years ago from the operating room, he decided to be an over-the-road driver for a year!

West got his first motorcycle when he was 14 years old. During his years at Wabash, West was known for sporting about Crawfordsville on his Ducati motorbike. “Then at age 50, I started all over again,” he laughed.

The 2013 weekend gathering features Wabash classes ending in the years three and eight. West's Class of 1963 will take center stage celebrating its 50^th reunion.

Several members of the Class of 1963 gathered early on Thursday evening to begin their 50th reunion. More than 400 alumni and family members are anticipated on campus throughout the weekend from the Class of 2008 through the Class of 1943.

See a detailed weekend schedule here.

Activities wrap up Sunday morning with an 11 a.m. Awards Brunch.