February 24, 2005. The Dallas Association of Wabash Men played host to Professor Bill Placher this evening and also honored long-time association member and organizer Galan "Dutch" Freise.
After a reception and dinner at the beautiful Royal Oaks Country Club in northeast Dallas, Professor Placher led a lively discussion on the concept of vocation and work. The discussion was based upon two readings including in his latest book which will be published this coming summer. The evening drew a large crowd including alumni and family, current parents, and friends of the College.
Near the end of the evening the organizers surprised Dutch Freise with the presentation of a beautiful Wabash chair inscribed with "Dutch Freise ’48 – Some Little Giant!" The group was able to keep the suspense through most of the presentation. The evening’s host, Ray LaDriere ’78, introduced Dan Susie ’68 who gave six clues as to the individual being honored. Finally, with the last clue, Dan announced the award to Dutch. (We have it in good account that this is the first time Dutch has ever been found speechless.) Jay Patterson ’65 then introduced a funny video made by Chris Bird ’67 who had an out-of-town commitment and could not be present.
Many thanks go to Ray LaDriere, Dan Susie and Jay Patterson for organizing the evening, to Anne LaDriere who did a phenomenal job in organizing all of the details for the evening, and to Bill Placher for getting the entire crowd into the discussion.