Wabash College Holds 164th Commencement Exercises and Reunion Weekend

Wabash College awarded the bachelor of arts degree to 147 graduating seniors on Sunday, May 12. Donald V. Fites, Frank Galati, and David William Tracy received honorary degrees. Douglas Finn and Usman Tahir, both members of the senior class, presented speeches. Finn presented his speech “Thoughts on Places” and Tahir’s talk was titled, “Critically Thinking About Wabash: My Struggles and Lessons Learned From a Liberal Arts Education.”

Receiving special College awards during the weekend were Eric Shreve, receiving the Senior Award of Merit; Richard Strasser, receiving the Frank Hugh Sparks Award; and Douglas Finn, receiving the John Maurice Butler Prize. Also honored during the weekend was long-time Wabash professor of history James J. Barnes who recieved the McLain McTurnan-Arnold Excellence in Teaching and Research Award. Barnes was also honored with a 40-year service award along with Robin Pebworth, Director of Career Services with a 35-year award.

The weekend also served as a time for alumni to rekindle friendships with class runions and festivities held during the weekend. Classes of 1942-43, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, and 1977 celebrated the weekend with receptions, dinners, awards luncheons, and colloquiums. Over 175 alumni and their spouses revisited the campus again for a weekend of friendship and fellowship.