Wabash welcomed its newest class of students to campus with a challenge and a charge, encouraging them to embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead.
The 272 students who make up the Class of 2029 gathered in Pioneer Chapel to be “rung in” with the same bell that the College’s first professor used to welcome his 12 students 193 years ago.
“In four short years, which feels unimaginable now, we will bookend this, your first day. 365体育博彩_365体育app-彩票*官网 will walk with you beneath the senior arch with this very bell ringing you out, and you and the college changed for the absolute better,” said Scott Brown, Dean of Students. “The wider Wabash community is eager to help you find your way. 365体育博彩_365体育app-彩票*官网 are ready for you. Are you ready to be Wabash students?”
Before ringing the freshmen in as Wabash men, President Scott Feller urged them to live by the College’s motto, “Scientiae et Virtuti"—translated from Latin, “Knowledge and Virtue.”
“No matter what your path through Wabash will be, all of you have the ability – starting right now – to lead wise and virtuous lives. But you must choose to be men of integrity, men who make a difference in our troubled world,” he said. “Virtues like integrity, courage, justice, and wisdom come with no price tag. And I promise you that over the next four years, you will receive all the education you need to pursue them.”
The Class of 2029 traveled from all over to come together for the first time—hailing from 18 U.S. states and 15 countries.
“I flew here from my home in southern Texas because it would have been a 22-hour drive,” said Augusto Alvarez. “It’s so beautiful here and everyone is so friendly. As an extrovert, I already love it.”
It did not take long for some classmates to begin feeling a sense of brotherhood and belonging.
“I always thought I would end up at a big school, but after visiting Wabash and staying overnight at Lambda Chi, I knew this is where I belong,” said Zionsville, Indiana native Jonathan Parr. “I love the culture and that everybody knows everybody’s name.”
Freshman Xavier Vance caught up with his classmates for lunch at Knowling Fieldhouse following his football scrimmage.
“There will definitely be challenges ahead,” said Vance. “The football season was a little rough starting out as a freshman, but now it’s going better. Now I’m looking forward to starting classes, settling into college life, and building those strong relationships I know I'll make here.”