On September 1, 40 alumni, friends, and family joined three Wabash guests -- Political Science professors Melissa Butler and Stephen Dyson, and Wabash Magazine editor Steve Charles -- for a cocktails and hors d'oeuvres reception in downtown Washington, DC. The gathered guests heard an update from Dr. Butler on the new academic year and the ongoing Presidential Search process, and were introduced to Dr. Dyson, the newest member of the Political Science faculty. Drs. Butler and Dyson also distributed a letter from Dr. David Hadley, sharing his regrets at not being able to join the group, but seeking alumni support and participation for his Spring 2006 course in Congress and the Executive, which will include a weeklong trip to Washington. The NCAWM also heard continued positive reactions from campus about the first NCAWM Col. James Graham '65 Externship Program, which was held over Spring Break earlier this year. Steve Charles interviewed several alumni and took numerous photos for forthcoming articles in Wabash Magazine.
The group also heard from NCAWM President Bert Salinas '97, and NCAWM board members Scott Medsker '03 and Rick Strasser '02. Bert reminded the group of the NCAWM's monthly lunches and happy hours, as well as soliciting support for the second Graham Externship Program this coming Spring; Scott and Rick, the co-chairs of the NCAWM's WABASH Day initiative, announced that the NCAWM would participate in two local community activities on October 29 -- the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk from 6:30 a.m. to noon, and the Special Olympics from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rick also announced the location for the joint Wabash/DePauw gathering for the Monon Bell telecast in November.
Coming only five days after the NCAWM day at RFK Stadium, which 35 regional association members and their families attended, the alumni turnout for the September 1 reception was impressive indeed.