CHANGE IS ALWAYS GOOD. That rolls off the tongue of an old fighter pilot just like “flexibility is the key to airpower.” Just like “if you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
In my case, I do believe change will be good. I’ve been in this saddle for more than 15 years. In my first and chosen career in the Air Force, I would probably have had seven to eight jobs in that time. This saddle is close to worn out, and the Runge bits that go into the saddle are way past that!
Steve Hoffman ’85 will do a great job as the director of the team at Alumni and Parent Programs. He’s a well-known alumnus who was a scholar and an athlete at Wabash. He’s a Wabash Dad. Finally, he was a coach at Wabash. A lot of alumni already know and trust “Hoff.”
But this will be a big change for Steve, because he’s not so much changing jobs as he is picking up another one. He’ll still be doing a lot of fundraising work in addition to his new duties. All I can ask is that you give Steve and his lovely wife Dawn the same friendship and support you have given Carol and me.
For me, the future is unclear. My health is good, my mental capacity is still at the same low level it always was, and a part of me is excited about taking a step back to being Joe alumnus.
I HAVE SO MANY people to thank, but I think time and space mean that list stays with me. I absolutely want to mention the one who has done the most—my lovely bride, Carol, call sign “CINCGrunge.” Just as in our Air Force days, only this time for Wabash, she rolled up her sleeves and jumped in the deep end. She’s already planning our road trips for the away football games of 2016! She, more than anyone or anything, kept me motivated. She loves this good place.
In 1997, I said farewell to my passion/career— Air Force aviator. Nobody gets to do that “work” forever, and those of us who have done that work realize that, at the end of the fun, you must grow up. Well, I’ve grown up. I’m grateful for my time at Wabash providing that transition, for the new friends I’ve made, for the good place and good people I rediscovered.
Rest assured, wherever life takes the Grunge, you’ll be there in my heart. And, just as with our National Anthem, I won’t be able to sing “Old Wabash” or “Alma Mater” without just a little instant allergy attack to my eyeballs.
Fly safe, Check 6, and keep the pointy end forward.
—GRUNGE
Tom Runge ’71, former director, Alumni and Parent Programs, runget@wabash.edu