Challenge of Excellence Kickoff
President Pat White said, “I know you all will rise to the challenge, and when you do, you will show your commitment to excellence at Wabash and you will change the lives of Wabash students forever.”
Trustee Allan Anderson ’65 is the co-chair of the Challenge of Excellence.
Trustee Ted Grossnickle ’73, co-chair of the Challenge of Excellence, had the honor to announce that $35,625,000 has been raised toward a goal of $60 million.
Trustee Kevin Clifford told an audience of about 400 that his Wabash education changed his life, saying, "I would not be here if not for Wabash." Mr. Clifford also announced that Trustees already had pledged over $20 million to the Challenge of Excellence.
Senior Jake German said that the student body already had given $10,000 to the Challenge of Excellence, and he called on his fellow students and young alumni to help reach a goal of $25,000 for scholarships.
Stephen Bowen ’68, chairman of the Board of Trustees, talked about why he and his wife, Joan, are supporting the faculty development initiative of the Challenge of Excellence.
Political Science Professor Melissa Butler introduced a video segment on Immersion Learning Courses and Study Abroad programs. "Encountering the Global Community" is one of the four Challenge of Excellence initiatives.
Trustee Mike Dill ’71 has been an advocate for summer internships for students for a long time. Already he has established the Dill Internship and Small Business Internship funds, and he called on his fellow alumni to continue to support career development opportunities for students.
Chemistry Professor and Division One Chair Scott Feller told guests about the difficulties of recruiting, retaining, and developing faculty in the current economic environment. He said, "I spend my day in a building where the legacy of Ed Haenisch and Elliot Williams, among others, is honored by new faculty who have not only met the high standards they set, but have taken our programs to even greater levels."
Trustee David Shane ’70 shared the reasons why he and his wife, Anne, support international learning opportunities like Immersion Learning Courses and study abroad programs.
Dean for Advancement Joe Emmick ’92, who is an ex officio member of the Challenge of Excellence steering committee, kicked off the final video segment of the evening — a piece on the long tradition of scholarships and financial aid at Wabash.
Dean of Students Mike Raters ’85 talked about how necessary it is to fully fund the programs of the Schroeder Center for Career Development. “Our last campaign was the catalyst for a transformation in the programs, funding, and opportunities the Schroeder Center provides our students.“We cannot, though, rest on our laurels, as we have current and future students still to serve. Resources are necessary to sustain, make permanent, and create more of these opportunities for our bright and eager young men."