The largest freshman class in nearly a decade will pack Pioneer Chapel Saturday to hear President Gregory Hess welcome them as the Wabash College Class of 2022 and ring them in with the Caleb Mills bell.
The time-honored tradition is part of Freshman Saturday, a day that kicks off the 2018-19 school year and is full of anticipation and excitement for the students and their families.
Check-in opens in the Allen Athletics and Recreation Center at 9 a.m. From there, students will be able to move into the residence halls and fraternities. There will also be a reception for parents and guests, open houses throughout campus, and opportunities to meet and interact with the deans and student leaders.
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at 1 p.m. Dean of Students Michael Raters ’85 will welcome everyone in attendance, Director of Admissions Chip Timmons ’96 will discuss the unique attributes of the Class of 2022, and Rob Shook ’83, President of the National Association of Wabash Men, will welcome students and parents on behalf of the alumni.
After Shook’s remarks, President Hess will ring in the Class of 2022, using the same hand bell the College’s first teacher, Caleb Mills, used to ring in the class of 1833.
Overflow seating will be available in Baxter Hall, and the ceremony will be streamed live at www.wabash.edu/live.
After meeting with faculty and tutorial advisors, parents will say their good-byes from 3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. and can join President and Mrs. Hess for a gathering in Trippet Hall from 4-5 p.m.
The day ends for incoming students with an introduction to the Gentleman’s Rule.
Orientation continues through Wednesday with presentations on various areas of academic support, meetings with advisors, workshops, and a picnic hosted by the deans.
On Wednesday, all members of the Class of 2022 will get to know their community by participating in service projects throughout Montgomery County, join Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton ’00 in a community gathering, and take part in a walking tour around the city with faculty and staff. The day will end with the annual President’s Dessert in the Caleb Mills Courtyard.
Classes begin on Thursday, Aug. 23.
The full orientation schedule is available here.