Photo Albums

Julia Rosenberg, Founding Director of the Wabash Writing Center (right), pictured with current director Zachery Koppelmann, at the Wabash Writing Center's 35th anniversary celebration, Oct. 18, 2018, at the Lilly Library.

One of the hallmarks of the writing center's success, is that it's purely a peer-tutoring center. Here both students and writing center consultants enjoy time together without a looming deadline.

Hugh Vandivier '91, Assistant Director of Engagement, was a writing center consultant during his time on campus.

David Polley, Emeritus Professor of Biology, was one of the event's attendees.

Warren Rosenberg, Emeritus Professor of English, spoke fondly of wife Julia's tireless efforts with the writing center. 'I knew the good she was doing all along and I could see it happening every day – over dinner talking about students – but to see this wonderful ceremony was fantastic.'

Matthew Mosak '20 was all smiles.

Dean of Students Mike Raters '85 chats with writing center consultant Erich Lange '19.

Professor of Religion David Blix '70 always brings a cheerful disposition to any gathering.

Joel Janak '19 chats before the formal program begins.

Dr. Scott Feller, Dean of the College, opened the ceremony by stressing the importance of the Wabash Writing Center within the liberal arts expereince, saying, 'The writing center is central to our work as a liberal arts college. When I speak on the liberal arts as practiced at Wabash College, I emphasize the work to develop foundational skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking, moral reasoning, and the ability to work with others. Not only is written communication first on my list, I think it is clear that the work of the writing center supports each of the other skills as well.'

Wabash Writing Center Director Zachery Koppelmann spoke fondly of succeeding Julia Rosenberg as director. 'No one replaces Julia. I’m simply directing the writing center. What I did inherit when I got here was an extraordinarily strong foundation. For those of you who’ve done any research into this, writing centers have historically have had an enormous problem building credibility and building a support system within the academy... When I walked in, it was ‘no, Julia already did that,’ and I got a foundation that was enviable. From there, I just started taking what she did and said let’s keep pushing and see where we can go.'

Koppelmann continued, 'Building on the foundation that’s been established and working with the gracious faculty and staff here, we’ve been able to take what was already strong institutionally and build it stronger and push it forward.'

Vandivier, who spoke on behalf of the consultants, said, 'Being a part of a cadre of people then called tutors, now called consultants, the word empathy is very much part of our vernacular now. It was not a word I was very familiar with when I was training to become a tutor. Julia explained the difference between sympathy and empathy. That is a lasting legacy in learning that as a tutor and to be able to use that in my own life.'

(from left) Jordan Ogle '19, Erich Lange '19, Dean of the College Scott Feller, and Founding Writing Center Director Julia Rosenberg. Ogle and Lange were named inaugural recipients of the Rosenberg Writing Scholar award. The title of Rosenberg Writing Scholars identifies the writing consultants who most emulate Julia’s dedication to Wabash students. This honor will be bestowed on up to two Writing Center consultants per year in recognition of their contributions to the Wabash Writing Center, to Wabash students, and to the wider writing center community.

Lange, when asked about the growth that happens to the consultants when working as peer tutors, said, 'I don’t think I was ready for the keen, harsh lesson in self-awareness that you get from doing it. The ability to help…helping someone help himself is vastly different than just helping someone.'

Ogle, who recently presented scholarly work at the 2018 International Writing Centers Association conference in Atlanta, GA, said of working as a writing center consultant, 'Trust is absolutely key. When I came to the writing center when I was a freshman, I was terrified. When I noticed it was a welcoming community and to have a conversation with someone about my writing rather than to have my writing judged or scrutinized was mind-blowing to me. Then, I was lucky enough to be selected (as a consultant), and I still try to build that trust with students and faculty who send students to us.'

Rosenberg with the commemorative photo and plaque that will hang in the Writing Center.

Rosenberg, pictured here with Koppelmann, said, 'As an educator, there is nothing better than knowing that you have had an impact.'

Associate Professor of English Crystal Benedicks shares a light moment with Matthew Mosak.

Lange was one of two Writing Center consultans to travel to the U.S. Military Academy last spring to share best practices and work with cadets.

Former writing center consultant Jared Jernagan '03 was one of a handful of alumni who attended the event.

Emeritus Professor of Art Doug Calisch.

Here, Rosenberg and Koppelmann pose with Wabash Writing Center consultants both past and present.

A group photo to close the evening.