One of Wabash’s most cherished traditions plays out Saturday when more than 250 young men begin their college journey. President Patrick White will use Caleb Mills’ school bell to ring in the Class of 2014.
The time-honored tradition takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Pioneer Chapel. It’s a big day in so many ways for the newest Wabash men.
The new students will arrive all morning and go through registration and the hard work of moving in. The job has gotten easier in recent years for independent men. Wabash football coach Erik Raeburn started a new tradition his first year here by having upper class football players on hand at the dorms to help carry in the boxes and boxes that accompany each young man.
A parents’ program Saturday morning includes a 10 a.m. introduction to the fraternity system and a reception. The afternoon is a panel with the College deans and student faculty advisors.
Parents are encouraged to do hugs and goodbyes by late afternoon and students are off to see faculty advisors, picnic in the Arboretum, and an evening introduction to the Gentleman’s Rule.
Campus comes alive this weekend as the freshman class arrives. Nearly 200 students are already on campus, mostly football players, but also the cross country team, soccer team, and Bachelor staff. More students will arrive over the weekend to help with Freshman Orientation.
The freshmen have a detailed program that stretches through Thursday. The new Wabash men get their first lesson in “living humanely” Monday afternoon when they’ll spread across the Wabash community to do service projects.
Classes begin for all students Thursday, August. 26.
In photos: Top left, Saturday is a day full of special moments for every parent. On homepage, President White rings in the Class of 2013.
