Name and Class year: Jacob Burnett, 2015
Living unit: Cole Hall
Major: Political Science
Campus organizations: Currently, I am involved in: Wabash College Democrats, Sons of Wabash, Psi Chi, Lambda Pi Eta, and I just ended my last term on Student Senate. I have previously been involved in: all organizations listed below, College Mentors for Kids, the Teacher/Friend program, and I’ve participated in the Moot Court program.
Leadership positions held on campus: I was: the president of Best Buddies, the president of Wabash College Democrats, student senate class representative for three years, secretary of the student senate, president pro tempore of the student senate, treasurer of parliamentary union, treasurer of the political science society, opinion editor of The Bachelor, news editor of The Bachelor, and an at-large member of the Senior Council.
Currently serving as (student leadership position): I continue to be an Orientation leader and mentor to the members of the freshman class that I have had in my freshman tutorial group. Because I am entering my last semester of senior year, I am not leading any student organizations.
What made you decide to attend Wabash: I decided to attend Wabash after I sat down and reflected on my experiences I had with Wabash before I was even a student. I received a Christmas card from admissions, an admissions officer drove all the way to Mishawaka, IN to have dinner with me and answer questions, I heard from a professor before I even applied, and I came for Honor Scholar’s Weekend. Finally, I received a Lilly Endowment, Inc. county scholarship, which ensured my enrollment.
Favorite course thus far and why: I have two courses that I would say tie for my favorite class at Wabash: Psychology 222, Social Psychology, taught by Dr. Robert Horton and PSC 374, the International Political Economy of Crime, taught by Dr. Michael Burch. These two courses fundamentally changed the way I viewed myself, the world, and my place in it. The professors beautifully balanced challenging course material with deeply interesting topics and passionate teaching.
Favorite Wabash moment: There are many of course. However, I will never forget the moment when I was on the student senate, and we passed a resolution supporting President Hess’ decision to join Freedom Indiana – the organization that aimed to encourage members of the Indiana General Assembly to vote down an amendment banning same-sex marriage. More generally, my favorite Wabash moments stem from the well spent hours laughing with faculty, staff, and friends.
Favorite place on campus: The first floor of the Lilly Library.
Plans after Wabash: I plan to pursue a graduate program in criminology and criminal justice and a separate program in forced migration and refugee studies at Oxford University. I will then attend law school back in the United States.
Tell us something very few people know about you: I broke my collar bone in 8th grade while practicing with the wrestling team. Needless to say, I did not pursue a career in man-to-man combat.