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June 22, 2006
World Scholar Athlete Games
It is Thursday June 22nd and I am leaving tonight for the University of Rhode Island to work as a swim coach at my first ever World Scholar Athlete Games. The concept of the World Scholar-Athlete Games is derived from the tradition of the modern Olympic Games, but seeks to †add a new dimension. Those Games grew out of the belief that international sport could be a driving force for understanding and friendship among world athletes and, indirectly, among nations. These Games uphold that tradition while simultaneously celebrating scholarship, athletics and cultural growth.
Conceived by the Institute for International Sport, the 1993, 1997 and 2001 Games were a tremendous success, proving that academics, athletics and culture can be a uniting force. During the past three Games, over 5,500 young people from 186 different countries and all 50 states joined together to share their talents, their thoughts and their dreams. While they arrived at the University of Rhode Island as strangers, they left as friends with a shared understanding of their role as future world leaders.
 Through experiences on the playing field or in the classroom or studio, in group discussions or informal gatherings, the Games have enabled participants to develop understanding, acceptance and friendship with peers from around the world. Through sport and cultural activities, each participant becomes an ambassador of goodwill and sportsmanship. As representatives of their countries, participants help others understand not only what is unique about their culture, but more importantly what is similar between cultures.
Since the first Games in 1993, students from around the world - young people of today who will serve as tomorrow's world leaders - have joined together to discuss pressing global matters while using sport and culture to establish open and long-lasting relationships. As you can tell, I am looking forward to the 2006 Games and can't wait to represent Wabash College!
June 13, 2006
Tony and Trayton - Ithaca, NY
Tony Caldwell (2007):
Greetings from Ithaca. Making the transition from the Midwest to the East Coast has been a welcome change. I've found plenty of great restaurants, bars (I recommend the Ithaca Duple Ale), and trails to explore. Trayton and I have ventured around the city, as well as to two state parks that are within 15 minutes drive, both providing hours of entertainment and breathtaking views. I've also been able to travel to Ottawa, Ontario, and Washington, D.C., and also made a surprise visit home over Memorial Day to visit family and friends that I hadn't seen in months. Thus far my experiences as an intern at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research have also been great. My work focuses on protein-protein interactions in plant pathogens, using the Yeast Two-Hybrid model system for my work. Though I'm studying plants, all of my work goes on in the test tube, and I've learned a great deal about microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Dr. Taylor has been great about making sure each step of the way we know not only what we're doing but what it ultimately leads to, allowing us to learn from our successes and failures. I'll be here for another 3 weeks and then I head to work with Wabash alum John Clymer '80 as an intern at Partnership for Prevention, a healthcare lobbying firm in downtown DC. Major gifts officer Alison Kothe located living arrangements for me with Wabash alum Thomas Ochsenschlager '66 and his family in Great Falls, VA. That said, it has been one of the best summers of my life and am looking forward to two more months of work and taking the MCAT exams in August before heading back to Wabash
Trayton White (2008):
After my experience working in a Wabash College lab as a research intern last summer, I jumped at the opportunity to come out to Cornell University and work for Dr. Ann Taylor (a Wabash chemistry professor on sabbatical). The project I am working on is based upon new developments in the areas of biochemistry dealing with gene silencing of tomato plants. Given the recent discovery of gene silencing, just about everyday in the lab requires me to learn something not found in textbooks. Some days can be frustrating due to mistakes unkowingly made, but that usually means I will learn a lot more by the end.  This endless pursuit of knowledge is why I enjoy science. Thankfully my Wabash education is helping me develop necessary skills and learn to critically analyze new information. The lab is only a portion of the internship experience, though. Ithaca, New York is the home of Cornell University and is located at the center of about five state parks. In addition to hiking along many of the waterfalls, the environment is well preserved offering many breath-taking views and scenic runs. Along with the running, which is a bit more difficult here due to a massive amount of hills everywhere, the Cornell pools are open for summer swimming which has allowed Tony and I to begin training for next season.
June 05, 2006
Hoosier Appreciation
- Aaron Spolarich, Wabash 2008
Being a native of Northwest Indiana, or “The Region”, as it is affectionately known, I am often criticized as not being a part of the Hoosier State. I am not
 offended by these comments because they are partially true. Back home, we watch Chicago news and fight over the White Sox and Cubs. The Colts? Forget about them. DA BEARS! The first eight weeks of summer I have been given a great opportunity to be a little more of a Hoosier and a little less of a Region Rat. Also, I have been given an opportunity to complete summer employment prior to undergoing shoulder surgery in July.
The Present Indiana Project allows Wabash College students to spend their summer researching and presenting an aspect of Hoosier life. As stated on the project’s website : “The Hoosier state has a historical and cultural history rich in tradition and diversity. Present Indiana is a final step in a three-part effort to familiarize Wabash faculty, staff and students with the Hoosier state.” This project is made available to students through the generosity of the Eli Lilly Endowment; which is not to be confused with Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals.
I am focusing my research around the Vonnegut family influence on Indiana. My primary focus will be on the famous author, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., but the project will encompass his entire family. The Vonnegut family has a deep history in Indiana. Clemens Vonnegut established Vonnegut Hardware in Indianapolis, while Kurt Vonnegut’s father and grandfather were both renowned architects. Once my research is completed, I am creating a video about the family history. I will travel to different places, such as high school English classes, and present the video along with an introduction to the works of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
This project has provided me with valuable experience necessary to succeed in the future (not to mention a nice pay check). The Wabash spirit is truly embraced with this internship.Students are basically let free with their independent topics to create something. Whether the student waits until the last minute and throws a piece of junk together, or spends eight weeks creating a masterpiece is up to them. Wabash allows young men a freedom not available at any other college. Wabash College is an amazing place because of this fact: A st udent has personal responsibility. If my project is to be a success, it is up to me. Wabash College and the Present Indiana Project staff have created a supporting environment for me, but I am personally responsible for my work. By treating students as adults and giving them personal responsibility, Wabash College stays a step ahead.
Aaron Spolarich
June 01, 2006
Boys of Summer...
What do Wabash Swimmers and Divers do over summer break? Well, without a doubt, they stay busy and take advantage of the opportunities that are unique to Wabash. Unquestionably, one of my favorite things about Wabash is how much the institution cares about getting young men the experiences they need to be successful when they leave college. It seems to me, most college kids today begin learning what they want to do - and what they are good at - after they leave college. Although that may also happen here at Wabash, it happens less frequently. All the internships, immersion programs, and, most importantly, close personal relationships students have with professors, coaches, alums, and advisors lead to the necessary opportunities to become more self-aware and, consequently, more intelligent. At Wabash, the truth is, if you want to do it, we will make it happen. In fact, the next couple of entries will be from members of the team who want to share a bit about what they are doing this summer - and more importantly, what they are learning. Simply put, Wabash prepares young men for life after college by immersing them in situations that teach at multiple levels - in multiple ways. Wabash does things differently, and because of that, Wabash is continually a step ahead. That's amazing.
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Kyle Weaver
Kyle is lifeguarding and coaching a summer swim team in Nashville Tennesse. He is also interested in optometry, so he is shadowing at an eye center and taking classes at Vanderbilt or Bellmont College. In the short time Kyle has been in Nashville, he has already made a huge impact on the community... read below for more information!
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT- MAY 2006:
Dear Neighbors,
Kyle, our new Swim Team coach and life guard, rushed to the assistance of a 3 year old child in our pool last week. According to the 24/7 security cameras it took him 9 seconds to reach the child in distress on the other side of the pool from the life guard stand. We would like to congratulate him for a job well done and for maintaining his vigilance at all times. We're fortunate to have a fine Life Guard staff this year.
A picture of Kyle and yours truly is shown below. When you see Kyle, shake his hand.
Thank You!
Whit Simpson, President
Traceside Homeowners Association
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