Most of our staff left campus Sunday feeling great about A.A.H.L. weekend. Our guests were having great experiences and making the most of their time on campus despite the chilly temperatures. I left wondering could Top 20 be even better.  

The Top 20 visit day brought over 120 students and their families to campus.  Once again, members of the Wabash community stepped forward to lend a hand.

President Ford and Tom Runge '71 gave remarks at the welcome session to set the tone for the day.

Dr. Ford spoke about how the world needs more young men educated in the liberal arts and Tom Runge shared stories on a handful of alumni whose careers paths demonstrate the versatility of a Wabash degree.  

Wabash students did their part by helping with registration, leading campus tours, and hosting students for lunch.  

While the students went to lunch at various living units, Wabash alumni hosted the parents in Knowling Fieldhouse.  The following alumni made a trip to campus to spend time with our guests: Rick Cavanaugh '76, Doug Coy '82, Joe Emmick '92, Scott Fendley '88, Mike Gaby '93, Jake Gilbert '98, Grant Goshorn '02, Herm Haffner '77, Jeremy Hartnett '96, Ben Hewitt '05, Brad Johnson '71, Jim Kerr' 92, Jon Pactor '71, Rex Ryker '97, Brian Tucker '98, and Brad Weaver '91.

Wabash faculty and staff led discussions prior to and immediately following lunch. In the morning, Professors Michael Abbott and Rick Warner spoke with everyone about our immersion learning opportunities. Associate Dean of Students Mike Raters introduced our guests to The Gentleman's Rule.  

After lunch, Charlie Blaich, Director of Inquiries for the Center of Inquiry in the Liberal Arts, moderated a panel entitled "Life Preparation vs. Work Preparation" and included Wabash staff members Jim Amidon, Director of Public Affairs and Marketing, Associate Professor of Spanish Dan Rogers, and Director of Operations for the Center of Inquiry Bill Doemel.

The day ended with a presentation led by Scott Crawford and his staff in the Schroeder Career Center. After covering topics ranging from internships to medical school acceptance rates, Scott and his team fielded a few questions from the audience.

As you can see, making a visit day a success requires contributions from every corner campus. The willingness of Wabash students, faculty, staff, and alumni to volunteer to participate in our programs is a luxury that every member of the Admissions staff appreciates and I know our guests appreciate it as well.