Commencement
The 177 seniors graduating today each have a laundry list of accolades and experiences culminating in 177 unique stories that Wabash has never seen before.
We found ways to make life more bearable by understanding that if nothing good lasts forever, then nothing bad does either.
During our moments of crisis, we found strength and optimism in each other when there was none to be found in ourselves. We took the initiative to label those times of crisis “moments of resilience” instead.
We have been combating political polarization, mental instability, and environmental devastation well before any stay-at-home orders were issued. And now we have a pandemic.
We have accepted that these issues are and will continue to be present in our world. But rather than submitting to their horrifying complexity, we can make living in this ugly reality more bearable. And maybe if we continue to embrace uncertainty, control our attitude, recognize others, or even lead by example, we might be able to make living easier for everyone.
—Artie Equihua ’20
Men in the Class of 2020, it has been my sincere honor to share these last four years with you, to witness your joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, victories and defeats, and most important, your shared lives with one another.
Be strong and seek strength from each other, not just now but for the rest of your lives. Remember, each of us is little. It is only together that we are giants.
—16th President Gregory Hess
Wabash College Class of 2020 Day Proclamation
“The Wabash College Class of 2020 is comprised of outstanding young men who have contributed to our community in many positive ways,” said Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton ’00. “It was important to recognize not only their accomplishments and contributions, but also the perseverance and fortitude with which they faced the challenges of their final semester in the midst of a pandemic.
“BE IT PROCLAIMED that I hereby declare that in the City of Crawfordsville, Sunday, May 17, 2020, shall be proudly observed and celebrated as WABASH COLLEGE CLASS OF 2020 DAY.”