Steve Klein - I write this blog leaving the Windy City following another enjoyable Scholarship Dinner with the Wabash Club of Chicago.  It’s one of my favorite events of the year despite traveling up and back in the same evening.  No traffic tonight –a plus as was the sumptuous dining at Maggiano’s.

One reason I so enjoy this trip to Chicago is that I often transport students to the event, usually past winners of the Chicago Scholarship.  In the admissions world, we move too quickly from one recruiting class to another.  It seldom allows us to catch up with the young men we recruit once they are rung in.

This year I was accompanied by seniors Charlie Wohlhuter and Jeff Sostak, as well as freshmen Adam Pilli and Tom Norman.  I was amused at the difference in perspectives between the mature and more worldly seniors and the youthful, energetic freshmen who have yet to complete their first year on campus.

I hadn't had the chance to spend any time with Tom Norman, who pitches on the Wabash baseball team.  I was puzzled as to why he was traveling with me to Chicago on a sunny April afternoon when his team was practicing.  The story - the baseball coach needed him more at the scholarship dinner to impress an important prospect expected to attend.

When we boarded the red mini-van to leave Trippet Hall, I noticed that the seniors had suits on while the freshman were clad in khaki’s with red Wabash polos. Both of course are appropriate for Maggiano’s. At first, I suspected the difference in experience may have accounted for the different attire choice. Charlie and Jeff had attended this dinner many times before. But once the alumni started arriving at the restaurant, I came up with a stronger theory. Networking!  These guys are graduating in 6 weeks and need jobs.

In his remarks, President Andy Ford took great pride in reporting how much progress has been made in our career services area.  Perhaps the most convincing examples were seated at the tables in the room.

During the trip to Chicago, the students spent most of their time reading, sleeping and listening to music. I did interrupt them once and asked them to reflect on the Chicago Scholarship dinner.  I share their reflections with you.

"As a senior at Wabash College, I have been very fortunate to receive this celebrated scholarship over the past four years from such esteemed Chicago area alumni.  I am very proud to represent Wabash, share my experiences, and the College's impact on me as both a student and a person to prospective students." - Charlie Wohlhuter '06

"At this dinner last year, I made the official announcement that I was going to attend Wabash College.  I now return in hopes to hear current high school seniors make a similar announcement.  To this day, I am as happy as I possibly could be with my decision.  I hope to be able to share my experiences with the prospective students in Chicago to hopefully show them that Wabash is the right place for them, just as it is for me." - Tom Norman '09

"This trip back to Chicago has not only allowed me to catch up on some sleep, but it has also given me time to reflect on my decision to attend Wabash College. Looking back, this was not only the best decision I have ever made, but it was also the most difficult.  I'm excited to spend time with prospective students and help them make the difficult decision I had to make just a year ago.  The Chicago area alumni helped me make my decision and I hope they can help the prospective students make theirs." - Adam Pilli '09

"In the Spring of 2002,  when I received this award I was not only incredibly honored to be selected for this distinguished award, but also in awe of the men who ranks I would forever join in becoming at Wabash man.  It's bittersweet for me that I will be leaving this institution as a student, but I know that through the help of this alumni group I am better prepared for the working world and I thank you for that priceless gift." - Jeff Sostak '06

It's become a tradition that we make a stop at Dunkin Donuts along the way. They're hard to find in Central Indiana and I love the jelly-filled munchkins.  From left to right, Charlie, Tom, Adam, and Jeff.