Marc Welch - On Sunday, the Admissions Office in collaboration with the Indianapolis Association of Wabash Men and staff from Boys State hosted its first ever Boys State Recognition Reception. Twenty-three students—all 2007 Hoosier Boys State delegates—braved the rain, chilly temperatures, and holiday traffic to join other Boys State delegates and Wabash alumni at the law offices of Barnes & Thornburg in downtown Indianapolis.

Steve Marcou ’93 and Dr. William Broderick, Hoosier Boys State Representative, provided the welcome. Jon Pactor ’71 played emcee for the event by leading a panel discussion on “Liberal Arts & the Development of Leadership Skills.” Serving on the panel were Mac McNaught ’76, Alonzo Weems ’92, and Mike Shaver ’73.

The alumni filled the discussion with examples of how Wabash and the liberal arts curriculum prepare young men for continued success in all areas of life—well beyond their years at Wabash. While the discussion was intriguing itself, constant banter between Jon Pactor and Mike Shaver illustrated once again the camaraderie that permeates the Wabash Community.

During the awards presentation—each Boys State delegate in attendance received a $1,000 scholarship renewable each year while at Wabash—Jon also demonstrated quite effectively the closeness of the alumni network at Wabash. As students from all corners of the state approached the stage to receive their award, Jon named an alumnus or two from the
student’s respective hometown or county.

As expected, most alumni mentioned were somehow tied to the law profession. As one mother was leaving, she was surprised to learn that we had not provided Jon with those names. He did it so eloquently (typical of a Wabash man) that he appeared plugged with information.

The afternoon served as not only a way for students to learn more about Wabash, but to also re-connect with other 2007 Boys State delegates. And well, each earned $4,000 over four years—not a bad day’s work. Of course, we all know that these students are working each and everyday not only to improve themselves, but their schools and communities as well. Wabash currently features over 103 Boys State delegates from various states.

The caliber of student chosen for Boys State parallels that of a Wabash man—that’s why we chose to sponsor this program. We look forward to welcoming several 2007 Boys State delegates to campus next August.