In every way, it is a signature Wabash event, which perfectly blends tradition and formality, pride and recognition.
There's something really remarkable about sitting on the Chapel stage and watching the faces of the young men who win the awards. It's pleasing, too, to meet the winners' parents and share with them pride in the accomplishments of their sons.
And, of course, you can tell the seniors from the freshmen award winners by the confidence of their stride up the Chapel's aisle, the smiles on their faces, and the firm handshakes they give to the presenters.
For all, it is a wonderful and celebratory acknowledgement of the fulfilled mission of the College.
After more than 60 awards have been give over the course or well over an hour, the focus purposely changes from student to teacher. One of the final awards presented is the McLain-McTurnan-Arnold Excellence in Teaching Award. It is precisely what it suggests it is—an award by the faculty to a teacher whose excellence shines through.
The listing of the award recipients over the 37-year history of the MMA is a literal who's who of Wabash teaching giants. As Dean of the College Mauri Ditzler pointed out in his presentation of the award this year, three former recipients are also recipients of their field's national teacher of the year award. Good company, indeed.
The tradition of the MMA is to keep the winner secret for as long as possible. Even Dean Ditzler didn't let the cat out of the bag until the very last line of his presentation remarks. But some of us had a clue earlier on when Dean Ditzler said, "For 40 years he has been among the giants who have confidently walked this campus inspiring three generations of Wabash men."
I knew then that the winner could only be Jim Barnes in the history department. When his name was announced, the crowd burst into a spontaneous standing ovation.
I had Professor Barnes as an undergraduate, and I guess I was surprised that he had not previously received the award, which very simply honors excellent teaching. I sure know that during my time at Wabash in the early and mid-1980s that he already had achieved legendary status as teacher and scholar among the students. In 1994, Wabash alumni named him an honorary alumnus.
"Make sure you take a course with Jim Barnes," the upperclassmen told me as a freshman. Those upperclassmen occasionally know a thing or two about good teaching.
So it was nice that last Thursday Professor Barnes was honored with the McLain-McTurnan-Arnold Award. I've always felt that he's very fine teacher, mentor, and colleague. His scholarship, cogent thought, and effectiveness in class are points of excellence.
What I most remember about my time in class with him was how impressed I was with his keen knowledge of the material and his incredible ability to focus the students' attention.
Professor Barnes came to Wabash in 1962.
He's written too many books, articles, and reviews to mention here, but he especially has helped us better understand Wabash's-and Montgomery County's-role in the Civil War. He's also a strong citizen who is involved with St. John's Church, the Indiana and Montgomery County Historical Societies, the American Historical Association, and Ski for Light.
Congratulations to Professor James Barnes, this year's winner of the McLain-McTurnan-Arnold Excellence in Teaching Award and Some Little Giant!