I’m an extrovert. I absolutely gather energy and function best when surrounded by people. I can never say enough about the team I am blessed to be surrounded by every day at Wabash. They sustain me.
Wabash Magazine is a group effort—from the initial ideas and themes to gathering photos and placing words on the page. A quick shout-out to each of my team members.
Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Communications Jim Amidon ’87 knows more about and cares more deeply for Wabash than any other person I know. In 2020, he entrusted me as the next editor of Wabash Magazine. A lot of days I question why, but I am grateful for the shot he gave me and for all the ways he has made me better.
For more than a decade, Richard Paige, director of marketing and media relations, has been telling the stories of Wabash. He is the voice of the “Wabash On My Mind” podcast and has more bylines currently on our website than any other person.
Graphic Designer Becky Wendt has leveled up all the publications across the College. She has an incomparable ability to take the words and ideas we throw at her and turn them into something magical. She blows me away with her talent.
Stephanie Cain, editorial assistant, and project manager, juggles the requests and assignments that come through our office each day. She gently reminds me I am behind (always) and jumps in to support whatever anyone needs. She is our Class Notes and In Memory editor and also does the gathering for Moments.
Communications Specialist Anna Barnett is one of the newest members of our team but has quickly become essential. As the older sister of Joe Barnett ’24, she already understands the impact Wabash has on its students. She has wrapped her arms around the place and made it her Wabash too.
Cheri Clark isn’t officially part of our team, but she is our outside proofreader. She is hawkeyed and diligent. If you find a typo in these pages, it’s only because it’s a page I didn’t send her to review.
Adam Phipps ’11, website editor and broadcast engineer, Andrew Day, director of cinematography and digital video, and Brynn Patrick, social media coordinator, don’t work as closely with the printing of Wabash Magazine, but are all important in getting the great stories from Wabash College out in public. Visit our website, go to any of our social media channels, or view a live broadcast to see their work shine.
And finally, my daughter Paige—she’s not employed by Wabash, but she is a big part of my team. She listens as I reflect on interviews and helps me fine-tune stories. She stops by the office most days after school and is happy to sit down on the floor to help me as I literally cut up a story to rearrange it until it’s right.
While this issue is mostly focused on the alumni whose careers are in the energy that powers our devices and in sustaining our valuable resources, I would be remiss if I didn’t share my gratitude with my colleagues who energize my days with their creative sparks.
Who are the people who bring you energy? Take a minute to let them know how they help sustain you. I guarantee it will brighten their days!
Kim Johnson
Editor | johnsonk@wabash.edu