David Kendall '66, prominent Washington attorney and probably the best known attorney to graduate from Wabash, took time out of his busy schedule to return to Wabash for the Wabash Law Reunion over Homecoming.  Kendall took part in the Continuing Legal Education (CLS) segment of the weekend as well as serving as the keynote speaker for the Friday evening dinner.    

It's pretty easy to see how he has been so successful from the time he was a student to today.

The Friday night  dinner was attended by Wabash attorneys, judges, current law school students, and many members of the Wabash Pre-Law Society.  Kendall gave a quick review of the changes he saw coming in the practice of law.  However, he started his talk with a rapid fire listing of several lawyer jokes, and finished with a review of a scholarly piece written on the nine subcategories of lawyer jokes.  In a word, he was phenomenal! 

But he almost had to ad lib.

President White, in his welcoming remarks, threatened to start with several lawyer jokes.  Pat didn't, but David thought he might be using a completely different opening if Pat would have recited several of the jokes.

The reunion was sensational - and, of course, we are going to have to make this one a fairly frequent event.

To watch Kendall's talk at the Law Reunion dinner, click here. 

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Indiana's Secretary of the State, Todd Rokita, Class of 1992, will have to step down in 2010 because of the rules on term limits.  Todd's a Republican.

The news is that another Republican, Charles White, will throw his hat in the ring for the job.  Charles is a three-time town councilman in Fishers, Indiana.  However, the real news is that Todd and Charles were classmates here at Wabash, both graduating in 1992.

That Class of 1992 has some real stars...and it looks like they are aligning!

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's Scott Himsel '85 (l), one of the major forces behind the law reunion, introducing and welcoming the "Supreme Court" panel during the Wabash Law Reunion held at Homecoming.  He's shaking hands with David Kendall, Class of 1966.  Other panel members included (from left), Greg Castanias '87, Tom Fisher '91, and Seamus Boyce '03.

This panel shared their personal experiences on cases heard by the Supreme Court.  The room was absolutely filled to capacity, including an extra row of seats.

The Law Reunion attracted over 70 Wabash attorneys and judges, touching five decades, and drawing alumni from as far away as Texas and Virginia.

Many, many thanks go to the three Wabash alumni who had the idea and came up with a stellar weekend - Jim Dimos, '83, Scott Himsel '85, and Greg Castanias '87.  Extra thanks to Jim Dimos for all hs work in putting together a star-studded afternoon of continuing legal education (CLE). 

Posted by Tom Runge at 07:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Took this at Chapel Sing last week.  Now, the Phi Delts approach Chapel Sing a little differently...they are there but they really aren't there.  OK - you need to be "there" to see what I mean.

The Phi Delt freshmen are the only ones who still wear "pots" (freshman beanies to those not familiar).

But with arms wrapped around each other as if they were holding the chain of life, these guys made sure their pots were secure, and close, as well.

Pots are a tradition.  But it's one that hangs on to its existence by a thread.

Shame...but that's life.

Posted by Tom Runge at 02:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's Sigma Chi senior John Dewart '10 on the left.  He's leading his freshmen to Chapel sing with the bold strut of what is now known as the "Joe Martin walk".  Joe, a member of the Class of 2006, did the same thing many moons ago.  You walk into the fray with such confidence that it ignites the freshmen.

John did a good job of duplicating the move...and his freshmen brothers captured third.  Third is a good place...unless you're expecting first.

Such is life...

For a few more Chapel Sing photos, click here.

Posted by Tom Runge at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

When the rain comes, there's not much you can do about the "floats."  the next best thing for a Wabash freshman?  A nap!

This young man has the right idea...

Posted by Tom Runge at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Posted by Tom Runge at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We've been notified that Bob Siegmann, Class of 1970, has been named Vice President for Healthcare Integration, Employee Assistance Programs and Lean Six Sigma at Advantage Behavioral Health, a company of Centerstone. Based in Columbus, Ind., Bob will oversee physical and behavioral health integration for the Centerstone system throughout Indiana and Tennessee.

Bob graduated from Wabash with majors in History and Far Eastern Studies.  According to his biography, he holds a "Lean Six Sigma Black Belt".  I am not quite sure what that is but it certainly means he understands and can implement Six Sigma.

Congratulations, Bob, well done.

Posted by Tom Runge at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sean Salai, class of 2003, is a Jesuit Scholastic and freelance writer studying for the priesthood at Loyola of Chicago.  Sean recently had his piece on Robert Novak published in Busted Halo Magazine.

It's a good read and I think gives you some insight into the impact a person's presence can have on someone else.  Enjoy!

Posted by Tom Runge at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The team traveled to Chicago the evening before the football game with the University of Chicago.  On their trip, they stopped at the Topaz Cafe in Burr Ridge, IL., a short distance from the team's hotel.  It was a fun evening as several Trustees and their spouses, as well as President and Mrs. White, joined the coaches and players for dinner.

After dinner, all world linebacker and current Trustee Jim Kilbane '84 gave the team a pep talk.  It obviously worked!

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

What do you call a family picnic with 300..or so...of your family?  You call it a Wabash College football tailgate!  It was an absolute blast!

Of course, we had twice as many people as we were expecting but to my knowledge everyone had more than enough to eat.

A lot of the credit goes to three people - Tom Whowell '62 (in the Gordy's shirt), his friend Jessie, and the lovely Carol Runge.  Tom and Jessie brought the "professional grade" tailgating grill and all the extras.  Carol, when the count went higher and higher, made sure we had enough food and a good variety as well.

Many thanks to all who made it work but especially to those three!

For additional tailgate photos by Howard Hewitt, click here.

Posted by Tom Runge at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Reed/Ohmer blog was #930 - this one won't count.  When this started 4 years ago, I couldn't envision getting to 50, let alone 1,000.  In that time, I've received 88 comments on the blog - an average of a little under 2 a month.  So, readership is an open question, to say the least!  I know there are 9 faithful readers (Carol, two sons, and 6 grandchildren - I make them look at it!)

88 comments, of course, does not not include all the offers for all sorts of personal help...

I plan to hit 1,000 entries - probably by Christmas.  As you know, if you read this, I already have written the last one.  It was published a little early - May 17, 2008 - but it'll be the last one as well.

A promise is a promise.

Where this blog goes from there is up to you.  From a reader's perspective, what would you like to see replace this blog?  What Wabash communication takes us to the next level?  More blogging? Twitter?  Facebook?  LinkedIn?  Let me know at runget@wabash.edu.  

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

C. Davies "Dave" Reed '85 (l), Associate Rector at St. Christophers Episcopal Church on the northside of Indianapolis, took a group of high school students on a mission trip to Bay St. Louis, MS this past summer.  During his tour of the camp he happened upon John Ohmer ‘84, the rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Leesbrug, VA.  John was also there with a youth group.  Of course, the two did what any Wallies would do - get those Wabash hats out and take a photo. 

Dave recounted to us that he and John were in several Philosophy and Religon classes together - a special memory is a seminar that met in Bill Placher's office.

When we challenge our young men to go out and change the world, they do...in many, many ways.  This way is extra special.

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Erin Melcher sent me this photo.  It's at the Pre-Denison game tailgate this past Saturday.

That's Jay Fisher '66, Jake Fisher '13, and Jake's Dad (and Jay's brother) Jeff Fisher '76.  I know how much of a Sigma Chi Jay is so I asked about the Phi Psi shirt.  His reply told me that family is what's important - Jake followed in his Dad's footsteps by picking Phi Psi.

Doesn't really matter - they're all Little Giants!

Posted by Tom Runge at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I dropped by the senior bench last Saturday morning - I dropped by the night before but there was NO light for photos - not much better as you can see on Saturday!

Yes, the Phi Delt pledges had painted the bench and were, in some ways, standing (?!?) guard.  I asked them Friday night why they painted it.  Their answer? "Because it is always red before the first game."

Yes it is.

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Collin Lanan, Class of 2006, recently joined the basketball coaching staff of the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds.  Collin made the move from the University of  Southern Illinois along with another assistant coach, Aundrey Wright.

Some of you may recall Collin working for Wabash as an admissions counselor before beginning his coach career in earnest.

You can see the full story here.  Good luck Collin!

Posted by Tom Runge at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Vic thanked me for including the blog entry on him but wanted to make sure I explained to everyone that, in his own words: "My glass at Wabash College has always been overflowing."

 As his daughter Karen commented: "Amen".

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Most flying stories start with the line: "There I was..."  Well, my days of telling flying stories have diminished greatly but that's the first thing I thought of when I took this picture.

"There I was" waiting for Chapel to begin yesterday when I caught sight of a conversation.  That's Wabash President Pat White talking with Vic Powell H'55.  Vic is legend - any adjectives I could throw around here wouldn't be enough.  Vic Powell H'55.  LEGEND.

Vic and Pat were lost in animated conversation.  The rest of the Chapel was busy with other things.  My mind kept thinking - how many times, with how many other Wabash leaders, have the little sidebar talks with Vic Powell happened?  Of our 15 Presidents, not including the acting ones and Vic stands tall as one of those,  Vic has been here during the tenure of 8 of them.  I would bet the two nickels I have in my retirement account that every single one of those Presidents, at one point or another, had at least one similar exchange.

I wouldn't dare begin to guess the subject matter of yesterday's talk or the many that preceded it.  It really doesn't matter.  What matters, in the great scheme of things, is that Vic Powell is.  He has served this college and her many leaders with a steadfast devotion to our young men and their education and his glass has always been at least half full. 

L E G E N D! 

Posted by Tom Runge at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Dean Mike Raters, Class of 1985, spoke in Chapel today.  His title went something like "Life Lessons from the Locker Room".  It was a very interesting talk and certainly focused attention on some of the mentors he has had along the way and the impact the other "teachers" in our lives can and do have.

At one point he donned these blue sunglasses to make a key point.  It was a lesson...well...you better just go watch him for yourself.  You can see his Chapel Talk and many more here: www.youtube.com/WabashCollege

Posted by Tom Runge at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Eric Rowland '86 of Rowland Design, Inc., was awarded a Silver Medal in the September issue of Indianapolis Monthly.  The magazine featured a special supplement of the Indianapolis 2009 Design Awards.

The magazine described Eric's work as a "dramatic yet tranquil bathroom of stone and glass".  

Many will remember Eric is also the chief architect of the Beta House renovation and of Trippet Hall.

Congrats Eric!

Thanks to Nancy Doemel for catching the piece in the Magazine.

Posted by Tom Runge at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's Terrie Hall last Friday - she's at the NCAA in Indianapolis.  Friday was College Day and she proudly wore a Wabash sweatshirt.  Terrie's son, Alex, is a member of the Class of 2012.

Are we ready for some Little Giant football or what!

Posted by Tom Runge at 07:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The starpress.com, the on-line voice of the Indianapolis Star, yesterday ran a piece on Ball State's head football coach Stan Parrish covering this last stage of a long and illustrious football career.  Stan led the Cardinals onto the field last night  as Ball State began their 2009 campaign.

Coach Parrish has a special place in his heart for Wabash, that's pretty easy to see.  In the article, the reports writes: "The place (Wabash) was marvelously special to him.   Parrish says 'in my next life' he may stay there forever."

42-3-1.  No more than 1 loss in any season.  Two years without a loss.  Special isn't a good enough word!

Leaving Wabash, Parrish recalls: "I drove away in tears,".

For the complete article, click here.

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just walked back from our initial Chapel Talk of the year - President White did the speaking.  

The temperature is about  72 degrees, the sun is shining bright, and there aren't any late papers thus far (at this early stage in the semester.)  A great day to just ponder the meaning of it all (what a great day to fly!)

I thought about the messages President White shared today and then about how they certainly aren't limited to the student body at hand.  What if we could easily share those...and more...with the entire Wabash community.

That's when Howard Hewitt and Jim Amidon of our superstar PA staff said: "No problem - we can already do that and easily as well."

Sure enough - it's easy.  Just go to the home page  and click on the icon you see here on the lower left of your computer screen.  You'll be taken to our site full of campus videos - in You Tube. From there, you can select from a group of playlists, in this case Chapel Talks, and you're immediately presented with a host of them.  Just click on the one you want and it's like you are a rhynie sitting in the balcony all over again.

Cool. Thanks Howard.  Thanks Jim.  Wonder who takes attendance at home?

Posted by Tom Runge at 02:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Colorado reporter, Greg Birk '77 (who lives in Texas by the way!) reported recently on a different kind of Bachelor Party.  Jason Brandt '98 (second from right) was married on August 1, 2009 in Manitou Springs, CO.  (Think base of Pikes Peak.)

Jason's "party" was a hike up Mount Antero (over 14,000').  14 guys started the trek - 7 made it, including ALL of the Wabash guys.  In the picture, from right to left - Roger Busch '96, Scott Gall '96, Jason and Greg Birk.  Greg reported that Greg Augsperger '00 was also in the  wedding. 

Thanks Greg....but...I think I should make the trip out there anytime something is happening...

Posted by Tom Runge at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Evan Todd Aveda Salon in West Lafayette was one of the more than 80 local organizations represented at the Community Fair sponsored by the Wabash Career Services Team.  The Fair appeared to be a big hit.

Wally was there as you can see and he took a little time off from his duties to get a chair massage from one of the Evan Todd team members. For the entire time I was at the Fair, there was a line of young men waiting to take their turn.

You'll note that this gentlemen returned the favor, giving the young lady her own hand massage.  I'll bet that after a couple of hours of giving the massages she appreciated the return favor.

Another cool booth was the "Free Money" booth, sponsored by Old National Bank.  Our guys were able to keep everything they could catch in 16 seconds.  Kessler Armbruster, a freshman football player from California, hung onto almost $70 on this effort.  The only catch?  That money went into a bank account at Old National.  Still a neat deal...

 For more on Evan Todd, see their web site at: www.evantoddaveda.com.

For more on Old National Bank, see their web site at www.oldnational.com

Posted by Tom Runge at 06:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I posted a photo of President White and Dean Klein running together but inadvertently left off another runner in that group.  Taking the inside corner as they rounded the bend was Stuart White.  The name may be very familiar because Stuart is the father of sophomore running sensation Donavon White.

You'll recall from the story that Donovan finished second overall, ahead of his Coach and Hall of Famer Roger Busch '96.  (Don't tell Coach I said that or I'll be running laps for all eternity!) 

Posted by Tom Runge at 04:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It was early in the race...about the 1/4 point when I took this shot of President Pat White running with Dean of Admissions Steve Klein.

The word on the street is that Pat "smoked" Steve.  I have no idea of if that is really the case...but if you looked closely at the picture, there's a big hint.  OK...maybe a tiny hint, but a hint, nonetheless.

Look at their watches (I know, only a fighter pilot cares about the size of your watch!)  Pat's wearing a runner's watch...or what looks like a runner's watch.  Steve's sporting the Dean's watch.  Hint...

Pat was, in fact, pleased at his time which put him in at a very respectable finish.  But the real victory is in competing.  Heck, I might even run next year!  I'll wear my Ironman Timex, I promise.

Hopefully someone else will be blogging by that point! 

Posted by Tom Runge at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)