As most everyone knows, the Chapel Talk the Thursday of Bell Week is the most attended chapel of the year. It is a chance for the Senior football captains and head coach Eric Raeburn to get the campus fired up for this weekends game. Although we did not have any brothers up on stage giving speeches, it is always a great Wabash tradition to listen in on these speeches. This year the talks were no exception. The captains delivered great pep talks to the campus and everyone left with spirits high looking forward to Saturday's game. Although we did not have any brothers up on stage speaking, there were two brothers who did their part by carrying in the 300lb bell to be rung loud and proud to begin the festivities. Grant McCloskey '12 and myself, Sam Starbuck '12 both Sphinx club Rhynies are pictured below, as is Coach Raeburn and the coveted Monon Bell.
On another note, make sure to stop by the house on Jennison Street on Saturday and pick up some tailgate food. There will be plenty to be had, as the brothers will have hot dogs, hamburgers and brats all prepared for your enjoyment. Hope to see you then.
For those of you who don't know, and those of you who do, it's BELL WEEK here at Wabash. With that being said do you have your parking spot reserved? Your RSVP in for the tailgate? If not you should by now. Spots are filling up quick. RSVP to myself at slstarbu12@wabash.edu.
The coveted tradition of Bell Week is even more special this year with that constant Ding, Ding, Ding going in the background as we sit through class, walk across the mall and practice our sports. The Bell is there as a constant reminder of what this week is all about. For all the upperclassmen it brings back vivid memories of staying up all night with your best friends and guarding campus from the evil empire of the south. For the underclassmen, they look forward to becoming part of the age old tradition. They hear the stories and look forward to making their own. This week is a special one for all here at Wabash. Everyone walks around with that little extra hop in their step, looking forward to arguably the biggest day of the year here at Wabash on Saturday. The bleachers have been installed, the bell is on the chapel steps and the ringing has begun. All that's left to do is take care of business on Saturday.
On Friday night six undergraduate brothers were give the opportunity to attend the Challenge of Excellence Dinner with the trustees of the college. At the dinner Brother Ted Grossnickle concluded the evening with a very exciting announcement pertaining to the 60 million dollar Challenge of Excellence Campaign that was officially kicked off on Friday night. It was a great experience for all six of us. Senior PJ Tyson gave a couple remarks about his experience at the dinner on Friday night.
"On the night of Friday, 0ctober 29, 2010, I was fortunate enough to attend the kickoff dinner for the Challenge of Excellence, Wabash’s newest capital campaign effort to raise $60 million. The dinner was hosted in the KnowlingFieldhouse, where numerous trustees, faculty, alumni, and students were in attendance. The evening represented a celebration and challenge to raise money for providing scholarships, maintaining teaching excellence, encountering the global community, and enriching education for career success. I was truly honored to be in attendance.
This event from a student’s perspective was awe-inspiring. I would describe it as the best display of educational endeavor and Wabash spirit that I have ever witnessed. The evening was marked with an extravagant four-course meal and priceless speeches and film segments by trustees, faculty, and students.At the end of the night, brother Ted Grossnickle ’73, a co-chairman of the Challenge of Excellence Committee, announced that Wabash alumni had already raised over $35 million of the total goal. These selfless gifts by alumni, in what some would deem tough economic times, stuck me to the core. No matter what the cause, Wabash men always seem to answer the call.
The dinner not only announced what great opportunities that these gifts would provide to students, but also gave students like me the opportunity to mingle among our college’s most respected alumni and faculty. I could personally tell how important this campaign is to them, ensuring that Wabash continues to thrive in the future. To see alumni of our house like Ted Grossnickle ’73, Greg Castanias ’87, and Greg Estell ’85 standout in the grand scale of the Wabash family is special to me. I couldn’t be more blessed to be part of such a driven and influential community. It will be great to see our excitement of this campaign turn into excellence that will continue forever."
Below are some photos of the dinner courtesy of Wabash College.
Brother Ted Grossnickle -- Co-Chair of Campaign
Brother Joe Emmick -- Dean of Advancement for Wabash College
