One of the defining strengths of a Wabash education is that it extends far beyond the classroom. Wabash men are shaped not only by what they study, but also by who invests in them. The College is defined by its culture of mentorship. Faculty, staff, coaches, and alumni form a quiet but powerful network of mentors who guide, challenge, and balance students during some of the most formative (and hardest) years of their lives.
That culture of mentorship can be seen clearly in individuals who have left lasting marks on generations of students, and they all have their own styles. For me, Professor C.P. Bankart exemplified the faculty mentor who opens minds while shaping futures, helping students wrestle with complex ideas while learning how to take ownership of their direction. Professor Brenda Bankart shared that same commitment, using wisdom, steadiness, and genuine care in supporting countless Wabash men, and even entire fraternities, during difficult seasons. Professor John Fischer represented a different but equally important style of mentorship: direct, demanding, with brutal honesty and high standards as forms of respect.
Now, in addition to so many outstanding faculty, staff members like Heather Thrush and Buck Waddell demonstrate daily how mentorship often happens quietly, through noticing, listening, advocating, and providing stability when students need it most. Our coaches also play an essential role, teaching discipline, accountability, teamwork, and resilience that extend far beyond athletics. Mentorship at Wabash is not limited to alumni, faculty, or staff, though.
David Miller H’05, who did not attend Wabash (his son did), started a mentorship program for the wrestling team, showing that such commitments to Wabash begin in many ways.
Today, the National Association of Wabash Men is working to strengthen this tradition, deliberately and sustainably.
We are launching a new formal initiative to expand alumni mentorship within the fraternity system by increasing the number of engaged advisors in every house. Fraternities remain a cornerstone of student life at Wabash. Sustaining strong chapters requires continuity, perspective, and experienced guidance. Alumni provide that bridge.
At the same time, NAWM is investing in stronger regional alumni networks—not only as social connections, but as active mentoring communities. These groups create opportunities for students and young alumni to connect with Wabash men for career guidance, internships, professional advice, and the reassurance that they are not navigating adulthood alone.
This work is not about nostalgia, it’s about responsibility. The mentors who once shaped us built the foundation that allows Wabash to thrive today. At a time when many institutions struggle to sustain themselves, this culture of mentorship is one of Wabash’s greatest strengths.
If you are not yet involved, we need you. Join your regional group. Serve as an ambassador. Become a fraternity advisor. Volunteer to mentor a student. You don’t need to have all the answers. You simply need to show up and care. That is what mentors do, and that is what defines our College as the best.
Tony Unfried ’03
President | NAWM