Student Awards Chapel Goes Virtual

Wabash celebrated its time-honored Student Awards Chapel tradition with a twist. The virtual event was reimagined for the stay-at-home, social distancing world in which we are currently living.

President Gregory D. Hess welcomed the families, friends, and most importantly the students watching from any place other than Pioneer Chapel, “We could not let COVID-19 stand in the way of this great Wabash tradition. COVID-19 has not stopped our young men from learning – pushing themselves to be their very best. It has not kept our faculty from coming up with ingenious ways to provide a ‘high-touch’ personal education. We are here tonight – together virtually – to honor our best and brightest.”

Each division recognized those students who achieved Distinction in comprehensive examinations and each department awarded honors to its top students. Special recognition was also given to students for exemplary work in student publications, community service, athletics and scholarship, and overall merit. More than 60 student received honors.

Associate Professor of Economics Peter Mikek was honored with the McLain-McTurnan-Arnold Excellence in Teaching Award. Mikek is the Lawrence E. DeVore Professor of Economics and current Department Chair. Mikek has been teaching at Wabash since 2004.

Six members of the Class of 2020 were named George Lewes Mackintosh Fellows at the annual Chapel. The latest Fellows are: Joseph Ballard, Nathan Gray, Hunter Jones, Samuel Stephenson, M. Roarke Tollar, and Aaron Webb. George Lewes Mackintosh Memorial Fund was established in memory of the sixth president of the College. The fund provides scholarships to six graduating seniors each year, without regard to need, who will be going on to graduate or professional schools. The recipients of the scholarships are designated as Mackintosh Fellows.

After naming the Mackintosh Fellows, Hess concluded the evening, “Our hearts soar with pride tonight as we celebrate our young men and their teachers – and we are excited to witness the many ways they will change the world over the arc of their lives.

“For now, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home. I promise you, in return, Wabash will stay strong.”

Watch the Student Awards Chapel here. See all award winners here. Download the Student Awards Chapel program here.