Chip Timmons - Things have finally started to thaw around campus. With so much snow on the ground, it's going to get a little sloppy in C'ville.  Nothing sloppy about Monday's Top Twenty Visit Day.

The Top Twenty Visit Day was a debut of sorts for our newest staff member Jamie Watson. Jamie coordinates all aspects of the visit program and managed to get over 200 guests around campus in an orderly fashion.  Everything went smoothly despite our placing parking lot guru Mike Reidy on the disabled list with a severe cold.  Rudy Cope and Hovey volunteer Kyle Luth '08 did a fine job is Mike's stead. Several alumni stepped up on Monday as well.  

Chris Denari '83 delivered the keynote address.  Chris is the play-by-play voice of the Indiana Pacers and among his accomplishments at Wabash is his being a member of the 1982 NCAA Division III Champion basketball team. Chris drew parallels between John Wooden's Pyramid of Success and the liberal arts at Wabash College.  Chris is another example of how you can go anywhere with a degree from Wabash.

Several local alumni joined us for lunch as well.  I'd like to thank the following alumni who came to campus on Monday: Pete Allen '73, Aus Brooks '60,  Roger Busch '96, Rick Cavanaugh '76, Joe Emmick '92, Jack Foos '73, Steve Golliher '67, Craig Green '59, Herm Haffner '77, Steve Hoffman '95, Joe Klen '97, Tom Lutz '91, Jon Pactor '71, Mike Raters '85, Tom Runge '71, Mark Shreve '04, Bob Snodgrass '77, Brian Tucker '98, Stan Walker '66, Mike Warren '93, and Brad Weaver '91.

At the end of the day, two families approached me to say how much they enjoyed sharing a table with our alumni and how easy it was to see the genuine love and respect they all have for their alma mater.  Our alumni continue to impress not only our guests, but the members of our office.  We really couldn't do it without them.  

Steve Golliher '67 (pictured above) did more than just dine with our guests this weekend.  Steve and his wife, Cindy, own a local bed and breakfast and hosted the father of one of our guests this weekend.  Unfortunately, the student felt ill on Sunday and went to stay with his father on Sunday evening. Steve and Cindy whipped up some chicken soup and nursed the young man back to health.  I don't know if the young man is back to 100%, but I'm sure he appreciated Steve and Cindy's care and hospitality.  

We might need a little rest, but we really don't have the time.  The Fine Arts Scholarship Celebration and Honor Scholarship Weekend will be here in 22 days.  

Photos from the Top Twenty Visit Day