Challenge of Excellence Dinner

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