Forty-six days and a few hours, and the bell of Caleb Mills will have ushered the class of 2008 from the grace of the College into the post-collegiate world, ringing to announce their victory but also their final farewell. Hands will be shook for the final time, best wishes exchanged, and some might have their last look at the College as they plot their courses to the fast-paced worlds of finance or medicine.
However, two Wabash men will ensure the loyalty of the class of 2008 in years to come: Jesse James and Andy Deig, the two appointed class agents for the class of 2008.
Messrs. James and Deig will have three key responsibilities, said Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Tom Runge: “periodically communicating with their classmates, generating reunion attendance, and supporting the fundraising efforts of the College.”
“Class agents serve as a major communications conduit between the College and the class,” said Runge. “We ask that class agents get involved in getting their classmates back to campus for their class reunions, and we ask that class agents lead the way as they help the College generate participation from their class in the College’s ongoing fundraising activities.”
Messrs. James and Deig were chosen based on research showing the most engaged alumni to be those who served as active student leaders during their time on campus, explained Mr. Runge. “We assembled a list of seniors who we believe met that criteria,” said Runge, “and sought the advice of other members of the Wabash Community. We narrowed our choices seeking a balance that would appeal to the senior class agents get the job done.”
“Tom Runge contacted me and said that I had been identified as a good candidate,” said Deig. “So we had a meeting and discussed the responsibilities and I immediately accepted.”
Asked of his decision to serve as a class agent, Mr. James replied, “Once asked to serve, I decided it would be a great way to stay in touch with my Wabash brothers and the Wabash Community. It’d be a great way for me to give back to the College.”
“A few years down the road,” said James, “I will help encourage guys to return to campus for benefit events and alumni reunions. I will make phone calls, place emails, and send letters to guys encouraging them to come back to campus.”
Mr. Runge noted that, though two agents have been chosen, “selection as a class agent isn’t a forever thing. Class agents can step down at any point when their professional or personal lives preclude performing their class agent duties. That’s why we’re pleased there are so many possible class agents in the Class of 2008.”
The practice of class agents began in 1955; the College celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Society of Wabash College Class Agents in 2005.
Usually, two class agents are selected. Mr. Runge said that, over the years, having more than two class agents has not been as effective as having two “gives the team flexibility to handle the duties when one class agent is simply too busy,” said Runge.
Anticipating the Alumni Relations office to soon begin documenting the information of the College’s newest alumni, Mr. James encourages his peers to submit their email addresses, mailing addresses, and telephone information at the office’s request.
After all, if our alma mater is to ring as true as the soonto- ring bell of Caleb Mills, thy sons must stay loyal.