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Exploring the Gentleman's Rule

a man in a red shirt

On Sunday night, freshman met in small groups across campus to discuss with alumni, administrators, and current students the implications of the Gentleman's Rule, the College's single rule of conduct: 'The student is expected to conduct himself at all times, both on and off campus, as a gentleman and a responsible citizen.' Here Kim King ’99 listens as a freshman talks about his first impression of the rule—'laying down the law.'

a man in a red shirt

King began the session more lightheartedly, asking each freshman to share something unique about himself.

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Those unique skills and experiences ranged from being stung by a jellyfish to juggling to being able to do a front and back flip on skis. The exchange between King and Nike Kazahaya had the whole group laughing.

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Nike Kazahaya, from Crawfordsville

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After the lighthearted introduction, King got down to business. 'The power of Wabash rests in the relationships we create here,' King said. 'They shape who we are as an institution.'

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It was a time for listening…

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…sharing opinions…

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…and listening some more. The sort of open conversation that characterizes the Wabash classroom.

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Dean of Students Mike Raters ’85 led the discussion in Center 216. 'The Gentleman's Rule is the best way to educate young men,' Raters said. 'We are called to be better than who we are every day.'

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Freshmen wanted to know what Raters and the orientation leaders had found to be their most difficult year at Wabash.

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Justin Miller ’17 shared his most difficult moment, adding that 'the Gentleman's Rule is a goal that is unattainable. But it is something we work toward. We are aspiring to a greater good.'

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Raters talked about his difficult sophomore year at Wabash.

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Josh Bleisch ’16 spoke about his most difficult time at Wabash.

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'Some guys here make fun of the College's 'seriously' campaign, and I get that,' Raters said. 'But I think it captures well what we do here. We do take you seriously. We are 'all-in' people.'

a man in a red shirt

Sam Vaught ’16 led the Gentleman's Rule discussion for his group along with Andrew Dettmer ’15 and Jacob Burmett ’15.

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