2018 David W. Peck Awards, 4/16/2018
Judge Diane S. Sykes, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, enjoys a laugh before her lecture on April 16 as part of Wabash College's 45th annual David W. Peck awards program. She was the 2018 recipient of the Senior Peck Medal for Eminence in the Law.
Associate Professor of Political Science and director of Wabash's pre-law program Scott Himsel (center) prior to the Peck Lecture. Himsel said of the evening, 'This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about the law from the people who practice it.'
Said Judge Sykes, 'I began my judicial career as a state judge in my home state of Wisconsin. I served for 12 years in that court system, seven years on the trial bench in Milwaukee County and five years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. I came to the federal bench with a deep appreciation for the distinct and autonomous role of the state courts, especially the state supreme court. Sometimes, however, the two courts come into coonflict.'
Tom Fisher '91, Indiana Solicitor General, introduces Judge Sykes, saying, 'No matter how the case comes out, it is always a good day in court when I get to argue in front of Judge Sykes.'
Fisher lauded Sykes on her understanding of a critical judicial role: 'One’s preferred policy views need not be one’s judicial views, and indeed, should not inform one’s judicial analysis. She has put these views into practice in the federal judiciary, of course, and in doing so has become a national luminary guiding other judges with her dedication to legal principles rather than preferred outcomes.'
The Senior Peck Medal recognizes eminence in the law, but allows Wabash to recognize role models, like Judge Sykes, who show how to live out our mission statement values of critical thinking and humane action.
Judge Sykes chats with Stephen Lucey '18.
David Thomas '19 (right) talks with Simon Hacker '21.
Jake German '11 holds court prior to dinner.
Daniel Thompson '17 (left), a co-winner of the James E. Bingham Award last year, returned to campus for his first Peck Dinner as an alumnus.
Matt Griffith '89 converses with a colleague.
Christopher Braun '81 (center) listens intently.
Will Amberger '19 engages with a colleague.
Josh Bleich '16 engages with Joseph Reilly '18 (left) and Nathan Gray '20 (foreground).
Professor Himsel shares a laugh with Ben Wade '17 (left), the 2017 Peck Junior Medal recipient, and Zac Maciejewski '17, the 2017 co-winner of the James E. Bingham Award.
Judge John Daniel Tinder (left), the 2015 Peck Senior Medalist, shares a moment with Brady Quackenbush '18.
Jacob Roehm '18 presents the Richard O. Ristine Award. Roehm also was awarded the William Nelson White Scholarship Award.
Robert '55 (left) and William '52 Reinke were co-recipients of the Richard O. Ristine Law Award, which is given to individuals in recognition of their contributions to Wabash and the practice of the Law.
Nathan Gray '20 (left) receives the Joseph J. Daniels Award in Constitutional Law from Andrew McCoy '05.
Professor Himsel with Michael Lumpkin '18 (left) and Brady Quackenbush '18, co-winners of the James E. Bingham Award.
Professor Himsel with Jack Kellerman '18, winner of the Junior Peck Medal.
Wabash President Gregory D. Hess (left) presents the Senior Peck Medal to Judge Diane S. Sykes.
Prof. Scott Himsel with his pre-law seniors. Front row (l to r): Jack Kellerman, Joseph Reilly, Himsel, Michael Lumpkin, and Noah Newcomb. Back row: Stephen Lucey, Brady Quackenbush, Joey Dierdorf, Jacob Roehm, Luke Doughty, and Adam Kashin.
The undergraduate award winners (from left): Brady Quackenbush, Jack Kellerman, Nathan Gray, Michael Lumpkin, and Jacob Roehm.