Class Notes

1961

Dave Bohlin is no longer professionally active, but he presented three talks at his retirement village in Denver. He reports, “They have a ‘science club’ consisting of about two dozen members. Several of them worked on NASA programs and knew of me from my position at NASA HQ.”

1969

Brad and Sue Mullendore celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 6. They have two children, Nathan ’07 and Amber, and four grandchildren.

1971

Our condolences to Phil Rifner on the death of his wife, Norma, on March 16. They were married for more than 52 years. He writes, “Her smile and laugh are greatly missed. While we were at Wabash, she worked briefly in the Admissions Office.” Stephen Covey retired as director of research and development for Deep Space Industries Inc. in 2018. Jon Pactor has written a book, Becoming Gentlemen and Responsible Citizens in Times of Turmoil: A History of Student Life at Wabash College, 1967–1971. The book covers the Vietnam War, the military draft, racial tensions, integration of fraternities, the founding of the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies, controversy over coeducation, a student strike, challenges to the curriculum, President Thaddeus Seymour, Dean Norman Moore, many professors, campaigns by two presidential candidates in Crawfordsville, a police raid of Martindale, sports, the Glee Club, new buildings on campus, and more.

1972

Tom Pulver is the library director of the Fairfax Public Law Library. He writes, “After graduation, I spent a few years as a Roman Catholic seminarian (sponsored through Wabash Newman Center). I was then sent to Catholic University in Washington, DC, to complete training. In short, I dropped out and finally completed a joint law/library science degree in 1980. I never practiced law or took the bar. I spent my career in libraries in various courthouses, law firms, and academic institutions in the DC area. I blessedly stayed single.” Larry Zommick has been retired for five years. He writes, “Still living in the Seattle area. I really enjoyed the Hemingway book club put on by the College.”

1974

Jim McDaniel retired on September 10 after 35 years with Interstate Batteries. He writes, “Celebrating with my wife on a three-week driving trip across west Texas, New Mexico, and the canyonlands of southern Utah.”

1977

Ed Menso writes, “I finally learned to swim two years ago (the only one in the family that didn’t swim) and completed my first half Ironman the same year. I completed the Chicago Marathon in 2019. My wife, Becky, is a swim official at the national level and has been competing in Ironman races for several years. We met in Indianapolis when we both worked for the Navy. We moved to Barrington, IL, in the mid-’90s, somewhat reluctantly, to take new jobs. I’m an assistant scoutmaster and took my son to both Florida Sea Base and Philmont Scout Ranch. I have a couple of master’s degrees now and have been working as a principal network architect for AT&T for over 20 years.” His middle child is a Division III All-American swimmer. Gary Reamey announces his new album, Things She Did To Me, dedicated to his wife, Joanne. He writes, “I had fun co-writing all the songs on the album with some great Nashville songwriters. My buddy, Wabash man Dan Couch ’89, has three songs on the album with me.”

1978

Bob and Melody Grand were presented with the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award. The Grands were recognized for having loyally supported Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Bob is a member of the law school’s board of visitors. Frank Sellke received the 2021 Brown University Distinguished Research Award in Medicine and Biologic Sciences. He is only the second physician at Brown to receive this award. A few years ago, he received the Indiana University School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award. He is the Karl Karlson and Gloria Karlson Professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Brown Medical School.

1979

Robert “Big Bob” Klee and his wife, Cindi, hiked the historic Camino Frances this fall. The route is 500 miles long. The two hiked 35 days and averaged 12 to 15 miles per day. This is the fourth Camino for Bob and Cindi. Alan McLaughlin was appointed as regional office managing shareholder at Littler’s in Indianapolis and San Diego. Fred Neuhouser was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He holds a chair in German and philosophy at Barnard College.

1982

Chris Carr is in his second year as the director of performance psychology and the team behavioral health clinician for the Green Bay Packers. He started consulting with the Packers in 2018 and began in his full-time role in May 2020. Chris and his wife, Kelli, live in Suamico, WI.

1989

Brian Campbell reports, “After a long year of the pandemic, I celebrated my survival on May 18, 2021, by marrying Heather Hester-Campbell in Las Vegas! We live in Crawfordsville, as I am working for the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security in Montgomery County.” Kurt Snyder received the 2019–20 Stanford University School of Medicine Inspiring Change Leadership Award. Kurt is the executive director of the Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education. 1991

John Cheek moved to Bloomfield Hills, MI. He writes, “After 20 years at Caterpillar in Illinois and overseas, we moved to Ann Arbor in 2017 when I became Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for Tenneco, a global Tier 1 and aftermarket auto parts supplier. Any Wabash men out there that need legal advice on innovation or brand protection, give me a shout. Happy to say that I’ve been back playing jazz music again for about 11 years now after taking a long time away from the horn after graduation 30 years ago.” Jeff Grabill joined University of Leeds in England as its new deputy vice-chancellor: student education. Michael Langford joined The Mediation Group LLC, an Indianapolisbased law firm, as a mediator and arbitrator.

1992

Kenyatta Brame was promoted to executive vice president at Cascade Engineering. Alonzo Weems was named Eli Lilly and Company’s new senior vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer.

1993

Rob Reimondo was named a 2021 Indiana Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters in alternative dispute resolution (mediation). Rob is an attorney in Crawfordsville.

1995

Steven Pfanstiel was hired as the chief financial officer for Marinus Pharmaceuticals Inc., a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders. Our condolences to Roy Sexton on the death of his mother, Susie Sexton, on August 6.

1997

John Cole qualified for The Million Dollar Round Table in 2021. The Million Dollar Round Table is a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 70 nations and territories. Marcus Doshi writes, “In August, I designed the lighting for Pass Over at the August Wilson Theatre, which was the first new play to open on Broadway post-pandemic. It was my first show in 18 months, and what a way to get back at it! In October, I designed the lighting for the Wagner opera Tannhäuser at Los Angeles Opera. In the meantime, I continue as associate chair of the theatre department at Northwestern University, where I teach in the MFA programs. And I scuba dive whenever I get the chance!” [Photo from technical rehearsals for Pass Over] Mark Grossenbacher was named principal at Woodland Middle School in North Port, FL.

1998

Jason Bridges was named executive director at Fairwinds Counseling Center in Nantucket, MA. Peter Prengaman was a co-author on a published book of the 2016 impeachment of then Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. He reports, “Tim Padgett ’84, who was a mentor early in my career, read an initial draft and gave really good insights that we incorporated.”

1999

Jacob Isaacs was selected by University of Minnesota at Crookston as its new student success and academic advising director. Jacob will be working with programs in student success, academic advising, tutoring, multicultural education, career services, and first-year experience. Along with Marianne and Lucy, Jacob transitioned to the Crookston area this summer. John Sowers is pastor at the First Christian Church in Leavenworth, KS. He writes, “It would be fair to say that the last year has not been without its challenges, but all things considered, things are going well. We had in-person worship on March 15, 2020, and then on March 22, we worshiped on Zoom. The first worship service was a little rocky, but we have continually improved our digital ability.”

2001

Doug Kowalski was named an associate at Kroger Gardis & Regas in Indianapolis.

2002

Theodore Kieffer joined Blood Assurance as regional medical director, based in Nashville, TN.

2003

Todd Bertrand was hired by Franciscan Physician Network as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic oncology. Kip Chase was named vice president of H.R. for all Pharma Business Units and Lilly USA. Peter DeYoung was selected to the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation fellowship program. The goal of the program is to drive positive change in Indiana.

2004

Joe Heller joined coreVISION, a financial consulting firm in Shelbyville, IN, as advisor support assistant. Jacob Pactor and his wife, Stevie, first-time parents, welcomed their daughter, Orly, in November 2020. Jacob is an assistant principal at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. While becoming parents, they made Andrea and Jon Pactor ’71 firsttime grandparents. 2005

Rob Love was named Michigan City Area Schools’ new diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator. Jacob Rump was awarded tenure and promotion to associate professor of philosophy at Creighton University in Omaha, where he resides with his wife, Dr. Lisa Chinn, and their cats, Ella and Nina.

2006

Last May, Marty Brown ran the OneAmerica Indy 500 Festival Virtual MiniMarathon dressed as James Whitcomb Riley, the Hoosier poet. Marty wrote the children’s book ABCs of Indianapolis, which features the Indy Mini on the “M” page, “Mini-Marathoners Moving.” Aaron Cook is an attorney with Allstate Insurance. Last fall, he was placed with another attorney for joint national leadership over Allstate staff counsel in the subrogation department. Aaron and his wife, Audra, live with their two children in Brownsburg, IN. Leo Priemer was named one of this year’s Michiana Forty Under 40 honorees. Leo opened his Edward Jones office in 2008 in South Bend, IN. Tamarco White completed coursework for a master’s degree in organizational leadership from York College. He will graduate in December 2021.

2009

Travis Janeway was hired as a strength and conditioning coach at La Porte (TX) High School in the greater Houston area. Konnor and Kate Hayes— children of Dr. Kyle M. Hayes ’09 and Erika Hayes. Michael A. Venezia ’16 (Grey shirt)— Cooke Medical Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Konnor M. Hayes future class of 2043, and Dr. Kyle M. Hayes ’09— Anesthesiologist Community Health Network 2010

Jacob Cole Jeffries was named to the family law firm of Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson in the Frisco, TX, office.

2011

After years of pushing out thousands of witty one-liner T-shirts from his basement, Joe Johnson expanded his Obvious Shirts with the launch of a storefront in late July, a block from Wrigley Field. Joe’s new moves with the business, which he started four years ago, were highlighted in a recent article by the Chicago Tribune.

Congratulations to Michael and Maggie Myers on the birth of their daughter, Norah Ann Myers, born May 14. At birth, she weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. She was welcomed home by a brother, Joseph (2). Maternal grandparents are Charlie and Louisa Blaich.

2012

Zach Rohrback was the November 2020 WISH-TV (Indianapolis) Golden Apple winner. The award is presented to a teacher for making a crucial difference in the lives of students. Zach has been teaching physics at Avon High School since graduating from Wabash. (Photo from WISH TV) Kelvin Burzon’s art exhibition titled Noli Me Tangere was displayed from August 30 to December 10 at Syracuse University’s Point of Contact Gallery. Noli Me Tangere, meaning “touch me not” or “don’t tread on me” (Latin), is a series of photographs that examines an internal conflict of homosexuality and Catholicism.

2013

Daniel Allen has joined The Kids’ Dentist in Crawfordsville as a pediatric dentist.

2014

Sam Bennett finished his Ph.D. in ancient philosophy from Purdue University in July 2020. He writes, “Since then, I have been fortunate to have the chance to teach for Purdue’s Cornerstone Program as a visiting assistant professor.” Its goal is to replace the old model of introduction to the liberal arts (a composition course and an elective, usually) with a more effective and inspirational approach that combines diving through foundational texts with intensive writing instruction. I teach four sections of this course a semester and began last August. I’ve also had the good fortune of teaching ancient philosophy. I’m instructing and grading for five courses this semester on my own—the workload is tough, but the joy is immeasurable.” He is also a caretaker for a 70-acre property just outside of Lafayette for a family. His duties involve landscaping, keeping various plant species alive, and tending to a pumpkin patch. Scott Campbell has joined Ambassador Enterprises as corporate counsel. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Ambassador Enterprises is a private equity firm engaging with leaders and organizations committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on people and communities. 2015

Will Folsom was hired with Swanson Russell. Will is a public relations associate and works in the Lincoln, NE, office. Austin Jarrett was named the new head coach of Indiana University’s men’s lacrosse program. Jia (Alex) Qi continues his Ph.D. astronomy graduate research on galaxy formation and evolution at University of Florida. The pandemic prevented him from going to Harvard to work with his collaborators, but his computational work on cosmological simulations can be conducted at home.

2016

Graham Redweik graduated from Iowa State University in May, earning his doctorate in microbiology and a minor in immunology. While at ISU, Redweik was awarded the ISU Presidential Assistantship, the National Institute of Health Graduate Research Fellowship, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Predoctoral Fellowship, and the American Association of Immunologists Young Investigator Award. He served as president of the local American Society for Microbiology chapter. Graham will be starting his postdoctoral studies at University of ColoradoBoulder, where he will be investigating the role of genetics and the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s Disease. 2017

Riley Lefever was hired as an assistant wrestling coach at Indiana University. Buddy Lobermann graduated from Indiana University Robert H. Maurer School of Law in May and plans to take the Indiana bar examination soon. Jared Staudenmeier graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and passed the Indiana bar examination in 2020. He is working as an administrative law judge for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. He and his partner, Kellyann Glenndenning, live in downtown Indianapolis. Rory Willats is in California working toward a master’s in fine arts at University of California, Santa Cruz. He writes, “It’s a strange program—and a perfect fit for me. The Digital Arts and New Media Lab has three branches: ‘experimental play’ (focused on new forms of video game design), the ‘Isaac Julien’ wing (focused on art film and moving images), and the ‘future stages’ wing (focused on developing new modes of crossmedia theater). While I’m one of the two students in the ‘future stages’ cohort, the different wings of the lab have lots of cross-over. It's also only two years and fully funded! I plan to get in there, grab as many tools and insights as possible, and get back to work!" 2018

Zach Campbell writes, “The next few months, I’m doing away with rotations! Currently, I am in Dayton, OH, at Wright State University. Then I’ll be back at Indiana University. After that, I’ll be in Texas. I was fortunate to be selected for a medical clerkship at NASA, and I am looking forward to working with astronauts and medical personnel there!” Tim Riley accepted a physics teacher position at Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis.

2019

Austin Hoover has joined The Farmers Bank in Frankfort, IN, as a trust investment officer.

Congratulations to Dalton Vachon and Lacey Garret on their engagement on July 3 in Austin, TX.

2020

Nick Grujanac started his first year of law school at Northern Illinois University. CJ Ramsey is serving as assistant football coach at Wabash. Ramsey works with the linebackers and special teams. Spencer Shank is a software engineer in the aircraft simulation division of FAAC, Inc., in Ann Arbor, MI.

2021

Jackson Albrecht has joined R.T. Insurance in Crawfordsville as a licensed insurance specialist. Wade Ripple was hired as assistant wrestling coach at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans.

2005 Football Team at the 2021 Hall of Fame Induction.

1945

David A. Feemster, 98, died August 23 in Cambridge City, IN.

Born June 21, 1923, in Crawfordsville, IN, he was the son of Elizabeth and Allison “Max” Feemster 1915.

Feemster was a 1941 graduate of Lincoln High School. While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Glee Club and Sigma Chi.

In 1943, he left college to serve in U.S. Army Air Corp in World War II. After the war ended, he enrolled at the Indiana University Law School in Bloomington and graduated in 1950.

Upon graduation, he returned to Cambridge City and began practicing law at Feemster & Feemster.

Feemster was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren; and cousins, David Gerard ’31 and Franklin Davidson ’41.

He is survived by his children, Deborah Gettinger, and David Mark Feemster ’73.

1948

John Lewis “Jack” Naylor Jr., 93, died May 23 in Chapel Hill, NC.

Born November 16, 1927, he was the son of Margaret and John Naylor.

After graduating from Western Reserve Academy, he continued his education at Wabash and the University of Michigan Law School.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

Naylor served in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General's Corps at the Pentagon. He returned a year later to Cleveland, where he joined the Falsgraf, Reidy, and Shoup law firm and then Calfee, Halter, and Griswold, where he was a partner. He retired from Calfee in 1992. Naylor was predeceased by his wife, Margaret “Twink;” and an uncle, William Naylor ’31.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura, Sandra, and Gwenn; six grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

Charles C. Petty, 96, died May 1 in Peabody, MA.

Born November 26, 1924, he was the son of Mary and McKendree Petty.

While attending Wabash, he was an independent and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

He interrupted his studies to join the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in combat as an infantryman with the 12th Armored Division in France and Germany during the winter of 1944–45 in support of the Battle of the Bulge. For bravery in combat, he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal.

He was recently honored with a plaque and citation by the 12th Armored Division Association for his wartime service and his vivid published account of that experience.

After the war, he continued his education, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Wabash, and then earned a master’s degree from the California Institute of Technology in 1950. He was employed by the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, during which time he participated in the first test of an H-bomb at Eniwetok in the Pacific.

Petty earned a Ph.D. in physics from Johns Hopkins University. After completing his doctorate in 1956, he accepted a position with Avco-Everett Research Laboratory. During this period of the Cold War, a U.S. concern was to develop defenses against incoming missiles, and Petty's career centered on this area. When Avco extended its missile monitoring activities, Petty served as technical director of the field station in Maui, HI, from 1969–70.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie; sons, David, Alan, and Wayne; and two grandchildren.

1951

Daniel E. McLaren, 92, died April 1 in Indianapolis, IN.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and was the captain and quarterback for the football team.

McLaren began his medical career as a family doctor and enjoyed a private practice. He retired at the age of 80.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corp and also volunteered his medical services in Vietnam.

McLaren was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; and son, John.

He is survived by his son, Jim; five grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

photo by Anna Tiplick

1952

David Thomas Austin “Tom” Vernon, 90, died August 9 in Columbia, MO.

Born October 1, 1930, in Chicago, he was a member of the Sphinx Club and Lambda Chi Alpha while attending Wabash.

After service in the U.S. Army, he completed his education at the University of Chicago, receiving his Ph.D.

Vernon moved to Boulder, where he joined the psychology faculty at University of Colorado, and then to Columbia, where he served on the faculty at University of Missouri School of Medicine from 1972-86.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn.

He is survived by his children, Sarah and Paul; and three grandchildren.

1954

Stuart K. Jacobs, 91, died June 8 in Miami, FL.

Born December 21, 1929, in Cleveland, OH, he was the son of Jan and Stanley Jacobs.

He served as student body president at Miami Beach Senior High.

While at Wabash, he was a member of the tennis team and was an independent.

Jacobs was an agent with Mass Mutual and was a member of Pi Lambda Phi at the University of Miami.

He is survived by his wife, June; children, Doug, Suzy, and Stan; nine grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. John Henry Lehman, 98, died March 5 in Frederick, MD.

Born June 26, 1922, Lehman joined the U.S. Navy, serving as the first radar operator on the Medal of Honor submarine, the USS Barb. He was the last known survivor of the World War II crew.

He attended Wabash but was called out for the Korean Conflict. While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Glee Club, Concert Band, and Sigma Chi.

Lehman worked for the C&P Telephone Co. for 43 years.

He sailed across the Atlantic from the Chesapeake to Bermuda, then the Azores and Ireland in 1983. Four years later, he brought the boat home from Gibraltar by way of the Canaries to Grenada, later to the Chesapeake Bay.

He is survived by his wife, Anne; children, Michael, Judith, and Bill; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Joseph B. Matuga, 89, died July 6 in Highland, IN.

Born July 3, 1932, he was the son of Irene and Andrew Matuga.

While at Wabash, he was a standout baseball and basketball player and captain of the basketball team. He was also senior class secretary and a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

He earned his law degree from Indiana University.

Matuga was a longtime attorney with offices in East Chicago, Griffith, and Highland and served as a Lake County Probate Commissioner with over 30 years of service.

He is survived by his children, Kathy, Matthew, and Janis; and two grandchildren.

John David Proffitt, 88, died June 30 in Carmel, IN.

Born August 10, 1932, he attended Kentucky Military Institute in Louisville. He played basketball and swam.

While attending Wabash, he served as president of Phi Gamma Delta.

He then joined the U.S. Army for two years.

Upon discharge from the Army, Proffitt went to University of Chicago Law School and received his law degree in 1959. He was an honorary member of Phi Alpha Delta and associate editor of The University of Chicago Law Journal.

His first legal job was with Stinson Morrison and Heckler, Kansas City, MO.

After he moved to Indiana, he practiced the rest of his 50-plusyear legal career at Campbell, Kyle, and Proffitt, the firm he cofounded, and served as managing partner for over 35 years.

Proffitt was listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Indianapolis Monthly Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Indiana each year since their first publication. In 2007, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recognized him as a Distinguished Hoosier, and in 2017, Governor Eric Holcomb appointed him a Sagamore of the Wabash. That same year he was recognized by the Indiana Bar Foundation as a Legendary Lawyer.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Michelle and Melissa; and five grandchildren.

1955

Wayne C. Broshar, 88, died July 1 in Saint Paul, MN.

Born May 3, 1933, he was an independent and graduated Phi Beta Kappa while attending Wabash.

Broshar was professor emeritus at Ripon and Macalester colleges.

He is survived by his sons, Mark and Kenneth.

1956

Donald Hugh Dinwiddie, 86, died October 5, 2020, in Gainesville, FL. Born August 29, 1934, in Crawfordsville, IN, he was the son of Ernest Dinwiddie ’27.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Glee Club, French Club, and Phi Gamma Delta, and performed in Scarlet Masque.

Dinwiddie served in the U.S. Marine Corps 1956–1968. His last assignment was 14 months in Chu Lai, Vietnam.

He attended the Southeast Episcopal seminary, where he graduated with a master’s degree in divinity and was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. He began his profession as an Episcopal priest in Ardmore, OK.

In 1973, he moved to Managua where he was assigned as vicar of San Francisco de Managua and El Buen Pastor de Puerto Somoza. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1975, he served St. Matthew’s, Sand Springs, OK, and St. Martin’s in Pryor, OK.

In 1986, he moved to Fort Worth, TX, where he served at Christ the King. In 1995, he moved to Greenville, TX, where he was vicar at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. While in Greenville, he earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of North Texas.

He retired in 2001 to Jacksonville, FL. He served part-time at the Church of Holy Comforter in Crescent City, FL. In 2010, he moved to Federal Point, FL, where he was assigned to St. Paul’s Church. A couple of years later, he moved back to the Jacksonville area to Atlantic Beach, where he celebrated at Fleet Landing Retirement Community, St. Paul’s, and several other parishes throughout the diocese of Florida.

Dinwiddie was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann, in 2010; father; grandfather, Charles Whittington 1894; and brother, Ernest Dinwiddie ’51.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; children, Jacqueline, Nancy, Lee, Ann, and Donald; six grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Ronald Ray Grimes, 86, died April 24 in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI.

Born December 14, 1934, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Helen and Raymond Grimes.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the football team, Sphinx Club, and Delta Tau Delta.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and had a 32-year career at Uniroyal Tire Co.

Grimes was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, in 2018.

He is survived by his son, Randy; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. James Kevin Zachary, 86, died May 29 in Warsaw, IN.

Born July 26, 1934, in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Elsa and Jesse Zachary.

He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1952.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Concert Band and was an independent.

Zachary worked for R.R. Donnelley & Sons for many years. He later worked for Bertsch Vending in Warsaw.

Zachary was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; and fatherin-law, George Stoker ’54.

He is survived by his children, Lisa, Dan, and Cathy; eight grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

1957

William Burchard “Burch” Day, 89, died March 6 in Arlington Heights, IL.

Born September 5, 1931, he was the son of Hazel and Edward Day.

While attending Wabash, he wrote for The Bachelor and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi.

He had a long career in sales at Handy Button Machine Company and retired in 1996.

Day was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Donna.

He is survived by his sons, Edward and Scott; and four grandchildren.

Edward Preston Elliott, 89, died May 2 in Sister Bay, WI.

Born November 28, 1931, in Crawfordville, IN, he was the son of Geneva and B. Esmond Elliott.

Elliott attended high school in Terre Haute, IN, and worked at a local funeral home, helping clean and maintain the funeral vehicles and drive the hearse.

Upon graduation, he attended Indiana State University for one year. But Elliott’s childhood dream was to attend Wabash, and he transferred for his sophomore year. While attending Wabash, he was employed as an estimator for printing jobs at R.R. Donnelley & Sons during the night shift. He also lived in Mud Hollow and received the John N. Mills Prize in Religion.

He went on to earn his master’s degree in education from Harvard University.

Elliott went to teach American history at New Trier (IL) High School. He also served as sophomore boys advisor/ chairman, but his true passion was in teaching.

He retired in 1987 and moved to Door County, WI. Elliott was a substitute history teacher at Gibraltar High School and occasionally taught at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College in Sturgeon Bay.

Elliott was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, in 2016.

He is survived by his children, Peggy, Marjorie, and Jeffrey; four grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

Robert L. Hobson, 85, died March 8 in Lafayette, CA.

Born July 10, 1935, in Gary, IN, he was raised in Crown Point, IN.

He graduated from Crown Point High School in 1953.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the football and baseball teams and Beta Theta Pi.

Hobson joined the U.S. Navy and attended Officer Candidacy School in Newport, RI. He spent two years in active duty, first in Coos Bay, OR, and later in Point Sur, CA.

After his active duty, Hobson continued to serve in the Naval Reserves for 30 years, primarily at the Treasure Island Base, ultimately earning the rank of captain. He was honored to be appointed to the Naval Reserve Policy Board by the Secretary of the Navy.

Hobson attended UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco 1961–64.

He worked for the Internal Revenue Service in the estate tax division for a few years before leaving to create and lead the Charitable Trust Services division of Bank of America’s trust department.

In 1986, Hobson began a private practice, focusing on planning and administration of charitable trusts and estate planning.

Hobson was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 2010.

He is survived by his sons, Steven and Michael; and three grandchildren.

1958

Thomas G. Reetz, 84, died July 1 in Atlanta, GA.

Born May 28, 1937, in Barrington, IL, he was the son of Helen and Wilfred Reetz.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Sphinx Club, baseball and basketball teams, and Sigma Chi.

He attended Cornell University’s graduate school of business and public administration, where he received his MBA in 1960.

Reetz worked for IBM for 27 years, last as director of business practices in Atlanta, until his retirement in 1987. That year, he helped begin to grow the small retailer Custom Signs Today into a 26-location, 12-state enterprise. The franchise part of the business was sold in 1992. Reetz then joined the Spectrum Research Group in Atlanta as its CEO, retiring in 1997.

In 2000, he launched his creation, Four Furlongs, Inc., designing and creating PC-based software. His first product, now widely known in the racing community as TicketMaker, was acquired and launched by the Daily Racing Form in 2005 and was followed by more than 10 companion products that endure today.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; and daughter, Karen.

1959

David L. Bechtold, 83, died June 1 in Mishawaka, IN.

Born February 25, 1937, he was the son of Dorothy and Samuel Bechtold.

He grew up in South Bend, IN, and graduated from WashingtonClay High School in 1955.

While attending Wabash, he was active in plays and a member of the Glee Club and Phi Gamma Delta.

He attended University of Notre Dame before going to Indiana University School of Medicine, graduating in 1966. After medical school, Bechtold served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp until 1969.

Residency and internship took Bechtold to San Francisco for a few years before he returned to South Bend, where he established his medical practice.

He is survived by his daughters, Amy and Heidi; and three grandchildren. Arturo “Art” Fontanes died October 10.

Arturo came to Wabash as a freshman from Caguas, Puerto Rico, in September 1955. He had a warm personality and an easy smile. It was amusing to see his amazement as he frolicked in his first snowfall. Art sang in the Glee Club and perhaps is best remembered as the featured soloist in the humorous song “Marry a Woman Uglier Than You.” He was a studious and dedicated pre-med and was grateful that his Wabash education enabled him to be admitted to Indiana University School of Medicine in 1959. Initially he roomed with Sherm Franz and Dick Jack. He graduated in 1963. He then served a two-year residency in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in cardiology. Uncle Sam interrupted his career by drafting him into the army. He spent two years giving physical exams to men he called “draft dodgers.”

Moving to Southern California, he joined Kaiser Permanente but left to start his own practice in 1971 after being dissatisfied with their type of practice and politics. Art was board-certified in both internal medicine and cardiology. His practice was immediately successful as the only local cardiologist, attracting referrals from the Laguna Beach medical community. He later moved to San Clemente when the community hospital opened. There he served as director of the ICU and cardiology department until his retirement in 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda; and five children by three previous marriages, Arturo lll, SuAnn, Juan, Brian, and Marissa.

In remembrance he asks that you go to a local Puerto Rican or Cuban restaurant and lift a glass in his memory.

Ray H. Riddle, 82, died September 27, 2020, in Saint Charles, MO.

Born November 22, 1937, he was a member of the Glee Club and Phi Gamma Delta while attending Wabash.

Riddle owned Alegria International Holdings.

He is survived by his sons, James ’86 and John ’90. Robert K. Wild, 83, died September 9, 2020, in West Carrollton, OH.

Born August 8, 1937, he was an independent and a member of the Glee Club and performed in Scarlet Masque while attending Wabash.

Wild had retired as vice president from Merkel Composite Inc.

He is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, Jonathan ’92, Robert, and Matthew; and two grandchildren.

1960

Brian N. “Mike” Blackmore, 82, died September 4, 2020, in Worthington, IN.

Born May 30, 1938, in Bloomfield, IN, he was the son of Rosanna and Charles Blackmore.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams and Beta Theta Pi.

Blackmore was a school teacher, farmer, and coached basketball at Shakamak, Switz City, and White River Valley (IN) high schools. He also taught at North Daviess (IN) High School, where he was athletic director.

Blackmore was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene, in 2018.

He is survived by his children, Janell and David; and two grandchildren.

1961

John David Currier Sr., 81, died May 17 in Plainfield, IN.

Born December 9, 1939, in Rockford, IL, he was the son of Ruth and Laurence Currier.

Currier was a graduate of Rockford West High and Rockford College.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the golf team and Phi Delta Theta and wrote for The Bachelor.

He worked as an administrator in two retirement communities, Wesley Willows in Rockford and The Holmstad in Batavia, IL.

Currier served as a moderator, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and basketball coach at Second Congregational Church in Rockford.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, John Jr. and Mary; and five grandchildren. Stephen Jackson Dysert, 80, died June 15 in South Bend, IN.

Born July 25, 1940, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Freda and Robert Dysert.

He grew up in Johnson (IN) County and attended Pine Village High School.

While attending Wabash, he was an independent.

He transferred to Butler University, where he earned a B.S. in pharmacy.

Over the years, Dysert held management positions with many pharmacies.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl; children, Diane, Renee, and Robert; and five grandchildren.

1963

John H. La Bounty, 79, died on May 4 in Westville, IN.

Born July 19, 1941, he was the son of Lilly Pierce and Hamel Goodin.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Glee Club and was an independent.

La Bounty retired as a teacher from Hobart (IN) Twp. Schools and Portage (IN) Adult Education.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Martha, Richard, and Michael; and four grandchildren.

James Terence “Terry” Quinn, 79, died June 25 in Rancho Murieta, CA.

Born December 23, 1941, in Pittsburgh, PA, Quinn served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during Vietnam. He attended Wabash for two semesters.

He received his degree at Sacramento State University. He worked for the State of California for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Alison, Terry, Danny, Elizabeth, Loren, Phil, and Ali; and eight grandchildren.

WHERE DO I START?

i’ve written about a dozen pieces for WM the past five years, but this has been the toughest one to write yet.

It’s not because I struggled to come up with something to put on paper about gratitude, but rather because too many people come to mind. My brain has flooded with memories of the people who have made my Wabash history rich and helped develop me into the person I am today. So the problem hasn’t been, “Oh no, where do I start?” The problem has been, “Wow, where do I start?”

The event-filled fall of 2021 brought several moments for me to witness overwhelming gratitude. One of my favorite Wabash events, the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, occurred on the Friday evening of Homecoming Weekend after a year’s postponement.

The inductees always provide such honest and heartfelt remarks as they share their appreciation for coaches, teammates, and others who helped them succeed at Wabash and beyond. This year, roughly half of the inductees expressed their gratitude to one person in attendance: Rem Johnston ’55, the Big Cookie.

I could write pages on how important Rem has been for decades of Wabash men, and that includes yours truly in a huge way. Rem makes a great effort in getting to know Wabash students and provides wise counsel, even when he doesn’t realize he’s doing it. And he hasn’t let up. Just this past summer, I introduced Rem to a Wabash student at the Big Cookie golf outing in Fort Wayne. Rem asked how things were going, and the student-athlete talked in detail about getting ready for his sports season. Rem cocked his head, looked up toward him with a look I’ve seen countless times, and said, “And how about your classes?”

The message was loud and clear— student-athlete.

With the Athletics Hall of Fame, the Little Giant Stadium and Navarro Field Dedication, and the Inauguration, this fall has been somewhat of a who’s who in Wabash history, and I am so indebted to many of them. I am fortunate to provide color commentary during football games in the Dimos Broadcast Booth, named in memory of my fraternity brother, Jim Dimos ’83. I was able to see Laura and Greg Carlson, who coached me as a player and mentored me as a young coach. Cal Black ’66 helped lead his 55th reunion effort, which raised $3.3 million that led to the dedication of the Class of 1966 Lodge. I ran into John Goodrich ’68, who has recruited more than 100 students to Wabash. He is still recruiting. He and his son, J.B., had two more prospective students with them that day. Legendary coaches Mac Petty H’82, Rob Johnson H’77, and Gail Pebworth H’91 not only appear on pillars in the Hall of Giants at Little Giant Stadium, but all attended the Inauguration Dinner. Think about the lives they touched over their combined nine decades of coaching.

These words are inadequate in both description and thoroughness. I know they can’t express my deep thanks, and I’m certainly leaving out so many teammates, fraternity brothers, coaches, colleagues, and former players I coached.

Having all these relationships for which to be grateful is the norm here. When you get the chance, thank the Wabash people who’ve been important in your life.

Be ready, you’ll likely find many more to thank than you expect!

Rem Johnston ’55

Steve Hoffman ’85 | Director, Alumni and Parent Relations hoffmans@wabash.edu

In Memory | FALL 2021 1964

Val Edward Harris, 79, died August 5 in The Villages, FL.

Born February 14, 1942, in Marion, IN, he was the son of Hazel and Charles Harris 1923.

Harris graduated from Marion High School.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Concert Band and Tau Kappa Epsilon. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

He earned his master’s degree in divinity at Perkins School of Theology and returned to Indiana to serve in the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church for 23 years.

He served Grace UMC in Anderson, Stull UMC and Immanuel UMC in South Bend, Forest Park UMC in Fort Wayne, Daleville UMC, and Grace UMC in Kokomo, IN.

Harris later worked in the financial investment industry. After retiring to The Villages, Harris was active with New Covenant United Methodist Church. He also led a genealogy interest group and was an active member of Friendship Force, a group dedicated to encouraging peace through international personal connections with travel and hosting.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; children, Dawn and Diane; and five grandchildren.

Harold Eugene “Hal” Miller Jr., 79, died May 30 in Captiva, FL.

Miller was born April 26, 1942, in Lakeville, IN.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

In 1967, he moved to St. Louis, MO, where he was the owner of Binder Design Inc.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Brady and Emil; six grandchildren; brother, Kirk Miller ’81; and nephew Miles Miller ’91. David Alexander Scott, 78, died July 28 in Philadelphia, PA. Born November 16, 1942, he was the son of Jack Scott ’26.

While attending Wabash, he wrote for the Wabash Review and was an independent.

He was president of Ecopagui Finance Ltd. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Scott was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Scott ’53, and cousin, Eugene Wilder ’37.

He is survived by his daughter, Evelyn.

1965

Harrison W. Parker, 77, died May 10 in Mequon, WI.

Born November 10, 1943, in Knightstown, IN, he was the son of Onabelle and Dwight Parker.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Sphinx Club, track and baseball teams, and Delta Tau Delta. He won the Norman E. Treves Science Award.

He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine.

In 1969, Parker moved to Milwaukee, where he had been offered a one-year rotating internship at Milwaukee County General Hospital.

A year later, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a General Medical Officer stationed in Rantoul, IL. He then returned to Milwaukee in 1972, completing the Internal Medicine program and a two-year gastroenterology fellowship program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

He entered private practice and was a founding partner of Milwaukee G.I. Specialists.

Parker was proceeded in death by his parents; and brother, Ossie Parker ’51.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Christa, Mary, Lisa, Janice, and David; and 10 grandchildren. 1966

Stephen G. Hildebrand, 77, died August 1 in Knoxville, TN.

Born April 14, 1944, he was a member of the Sphinx Club, football team, and Beta Theta Pi while attending Wabash.

Hildebrand was retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; and children, Jessica and Eric.

James L. “Cody” Roeder, 77, died August 31 in Auburn, CA.

Born April 23, 1944, he was a member of the Sphinx Club, football team, and Beta Theta Pi while attending Wabash.

Roeder had served as a federal court judge in Auburn. He was also the owner of Roeder Cattle Co.

He is survived by his wife, Babs; and children, Lisa and Brad.

1967

Phillip T. Deamer, 76, died July 24 in Louisville, KY.

Born January 19, 1945, he was the son of Doris and George Deamer.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta.

He was the founder and CEO of Mission Critical Systems and was at the forefront of computer technology. He developed a data management system which was recognized in 1992 by Computerworld’s Smithsonian Awards competition. This technology was the basis for Sweden’s national retirement system and General Electric’s consumer appliance processing.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; and brother, Robert Deamer ’62.

Steven P. Hopper, 75, died February 7 in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Born June 14, 1945, he was a member of the Glee Club and Delta Tau Delta while attending Wabash. He graduated cum laude and with Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Hopper had been a professor at Benedictine University and retired as a consultant at SafePool Inc.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; and children, Heather and Colin. 1969

Verne Elliott Dentino, 73, died March 24 in Peoria, IL.

Born August 12, 1947, in Peoria, he was the son of Arnita and Michael Dentino.

Dentino graduated from Spalding Institute.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the soccer team and was an independent.

Dentino graduated from DePaul University College of Law.

His legal career began with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, and he later worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Peoria (IL) County. He then spent over 30 years as a solo practitioner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Caesare.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughter, Andrea; and two grandchildren.

1971

David R. Schreiber, 71, died July 20 in Elkhart, IN.

Born September 23, 1949, in Madison, WI, he was the son of Kathryn and Edgar Schreiber. He grew up in Evansville, IN.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Student Senate, the wrestling team, and Phi Kappa Psi.

After graduation, he and a fraternity brother spent three months hitchhiking through Europe.

Schreiber began his newspaper career as a reporter and editor for the Mount Vernon Democrat (IN). In 1978, he started working for The Elkhart Truth as a courts and crime reporter and later as a business reporter. In 2000, he became a public relations specialist for TaigMarks Agency in Elkhart until his retirement in 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra.

photo by Kim Johnson

70 photo by Anna Tiplick

In Memory | FALL 2021 1977

William A. Salo, 65, died June 11 in Red Creek, NY.

Born June 16, 1955, in Jersey City, NJ, Salo graduated from Sullivan (IN) High School, where he played baseball and football and earned the distinction of All-American.

While attending Wabash, he played football and baseball and was a member of the Glee Club and Sigma Chi.

Following graduation, he served as a database administrator in the Upstate area for four decades.

Salo was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Carrie, Christopher, Cole, Kyle, and Kailey; and eight grandchildren.

1978

Thomas Rhea Hamilton, 65, died April 24 in South Bend, IN.

Born December 17, 1955, in Muncie, IN, he was the son of Jacqueline and William Hamilton.

He graduated from Monroe Central High School in 1974.

While attending Wabash, he wrote for The Bachelor and was a member of Concert Band, Student Senate, and Delta Tau Delta.

He graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Hamilton worked in Muncie, IN, and eventually moved to South Bend and continued practicing law for Daniels, Sanders and Pianowski; Kalamaros and Associates; and Hunt, Suedhoff, and Kalamaros law offices. In June of 2014, he opened his own practice.

Hamilton was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Emmy.

He is survived by his wife, Edie; children, Matt, Tammy, Courtney, and Mark; stepchildren, Bryan and Justin Palmer; and five grandchildren.

Gary Wayne Simmons, 65, died August 3 in Indianapolis following a short battle with COVID-19.

Born July 8, 1956, in Elwood, IN, he was the son of Marjorie and Phillip Simmons.

He was a 1974 graduate of Frankton High School.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Speakers Bureau, Pre-Law Society, and WNDY Radio Station, and was an independent.

He received his law degree from the University of Tulsa School of Law.

Simmons worked as the county extension director for Madison (IN) County through the Purdue Extension Office for 19 years. He was devoted to the Madison County 4-H program and recently worked in the 2021 fair activities just weeks ago before his illness.

Simmons served as the pastor of Shiloh Friends Church for over 20 years. He formerly practiced law in Elwood at Simmons and VanBriggle law office and worked as a deputy prosecutor for Madison County early in his career.

He raised livestock all of his life on his family’s farm. Simmons also worked as an auctioneer for many years, both independently and with Maurice Wittkamper Auctions. He was a former board member and past president of the Frankton-Lapel School Board.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Brittany; and twin granddaughters.

1979

John Martin Wile, 63, died January 31 in Smyrna, GA.

Born December 30, 1957, in Ossining, NY, he was the son of Carol and Wayne Wile.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the soccer team, Glee Club, and Lambda Chi Alpha.

His career of 35 years was with Delta Airlines, Worldspan, and Travelport, eventually retiring as a senior software developer.

He is survived by his wife, Danette; and children, Nicholas and Elizabeth.

1981

Douglas Ward Haywood, 62, died July 11 in Indianapolis, IN.

Born May 1, 1959, in Tell City, IN, he was a son of Joyce and David Haywood ’49.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi.

Haywood was an accountant for the Edgewater Tax Group.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Rebecca; and brother, John Haywood ’75. Douglas Arnold Wieneke, 59, died August 16 in Sedona, AZ.

Born September 27, 1959, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi, while attending Wabash.

He was the owner of Lark Art Gallery in Sedona.

Wieneke was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine, in 2017.

He is survived by his children, Kate and Elizabeth.

1989

Daniel Patrick Flynn, 54, died August 25 in Bloomington, IL.

Born December 2, 1966, in Davenport, IA, he was the son of Jerrilyn and Michael Flynn.

Flynn was a 1984 graduate of Central Catholic High School. While attending Wabash, Flynn studied for one semester at American University in Washington, D.C.

He began his career under U.S. Representative Edward Madigan (IL), and concluded his career with U.S. Representative Tom Delay (TX).

He is survived by his parents; sister, Jennie Hoekstra; and brothers, Brian, Jeff, and Kevin Flynn.

David Michael Relue, 53, died March 12 in Fort Wayne, IN.

Born May 12, 1967, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Marilyn and Ralph Relue.

He graduated from Homestead High School in 1985. While attending Wabash, he was a member of the football team and Sigma Chi.

Relue served as managing partner of DeHayes Insurance since 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; and children, Caleb, Jack, and Phoebe.

GRATITUDE IN THE WABASH COUNTRY

in thinking on the theme of this issue, I was taken back to our college’s very first occasion for gratitude—which even preexists the “kneeling in the snow” event with which we are all so familiar.

Often, while giving a presentation or speaking to a group, I am asked why we are Wabash College. We are not on the Wabash River, nor are we located in the town of Wabash, so why then Wabash College? The simplest answer is that we are located in an area of the Midwest that in pioneer times was known as the Wabash Country, as all of our streams drain to that river.

The longer answer is that a generous offer of 15 acres here in Crawfordsville was made by Williamson Dunn.

Dunn is a name familiar to those with an interest in higher education in Indiana. Williamson Dunn also donated the land that became Hanover College. The Dunn family is still honored on the Indiana University campus with a small stone chapel and a little cemetery. As the desire to found a college dedicated to creating teachers and preachers became an idea, Dunn wrote to John Thomson with the offer of a piece of land here, along with an option to buy more at a cut-rate price.

By January of 1833, the tiny group of founders had raised $1,000, which was to be used to construct a frame building— they could not afford bricks. That building we now call Forest Hall. That they were able to get that much started is largely due to the gift of land at the founding. This was indeed a cause for gratitude, a cause for celebration, even. Yet they did not pause to celebrate; they put forth all the more effort.

By December of that year, our fledgling college opened to students with Caleb Mills ringing a humble bell to call the first class to order. We still call our young men as they start here with this little bell. Then when they have finished their work here, we also ring them out.

Gratitude is such a fitting topic for Wabash—gratitude for the gifts of those like Williamson Dunn, or to the city of Crawfordsville for their donations in 1838 when it looked like all was lost due to a fire in the new college building. Gratitude for the gifts of our alumni who support this little college, and perhaps a little extra gratitude for those like Williamson Dunn, who, though not an alum, was a good friend to Wabash. Gratitude for all those members of the faculty who taught here over the course of the last 189 years. And gratitude for the often-unsung work of the staff and all who serve Wabash. It’s true that without all of these pieces, Wabash College would cease to function. So, to all, past and present, who have given of time, treasure, or talent, may we say a hearty thank-you!

Beth Swift | Archivist for the College

Artist’s depiction of Forest Hall in its original location. Watercolor by Richard E. Banta, 1932.

2012

Wesley Dewayne Williams-Ray, 32, died May 17 in Atlanta, GA.

Born August 22, 1988, in Indianapolis, IN, he was the son of Yvonne Williams and Wendell Ray.

Williams-Ray was a member of the first graduating class of Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School in Indianapolis.

While attending Wabash, he was a Malcolm X Institute Student Merit Award recipient. WilliamsRay was the men’s basketball team manager and a letterman in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He was a member of a student group that toured Japan and Kappa Alpha Psi (Xi Rho Chapter). He was instrumental in bringing the chapter back to Wabash in 2011.

Williams-Ray furthered his education in 2017 by receiving a mini-MBA in digital marketing from Rutgers University School of Business.

While living in New Jersey, Williams-Ray was employed by Rakuten Inc. and later Adobe Inc. In 2018, Williams-Ray moved to Atlanta, GA. He became a PPC strategist for Thomson Reuters, a multinational media conglomerate, and was pursuing an MBA at Georgia State University when he died from cerebral hemorrhages.

He was a member of a charitable organization that started in late 2019 known as “The Brotherhood.” Through The Brotherhood, WilliamsRay volunteered at retirement communities and adopted families during the holidays.

Williams-Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne, in 2012.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Falisa; stepbrother, Aaron; and grandmothers, Lucinda Carson and Geraldine Griffin.

2014

Kevin James Clendening, 28, died November 23, 2020, in Joliet, IL.

Born June 4, 1992, in Hinsdale, IL, he was a son of Lynette and James Clendening.

Clendening graduated in 2010 from Neuqua Valley High School.

After he attended Wabash, he received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lewis University. He served with the Joliet Police Department and received the 2019 officer of the year award for his dedicated service.

He is survived by his wife, Kristina; parents; and brother, Michael.

2016

Shariff Anthony Harrison, 27, died May 19 in Philadelphia, PA, from a hit-and-run accident.

Born September 14, 1993, he was the son of Renee Evans. He graduated from the Charter High School for Architecture and Design.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the track and tennis teams and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

He is survived by his mother; sister, Nadiah Evans; and brother, Zahir Rawls.

2023

Tyler Jordan Scheidt, 21, died August 18 in Highland, IN, due to a traffic accident.

Born June 9, 2000, he was the son of Donna and Damon Scheidt.

Scheidt was a 2019 graduate of Highland High School. While in high school, Scheidt played basketball and tennis and was a high jumper on the track team. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the German National Honor Society.

While attending Wabash, he was set to begin his junior year as a history major and German minor. He was also a member of Delta Tau Delta. This past spring, Scheidt put his German-speaking skills on display at a comedy night on campus, where he took home the prize for best joke. His trophy was a pair of crazy socks, which he wore proudly and often.

Scheidt was preceded in death by his grandmother, Kay Bossung.

He is survived by his parents; brother, Camden ’25; grandparents, Gene and Judy Scheidt; and grandfather, Ed Bossung.

Kyle Jeffrey Suico, 20, died May 21 in Zionsville, IN.

Born June 4, 2000, in Indianapolis, IN, he was the son of Carol and Jeffrey Suico.

Suico was a graduate of University High School.

He rode horses for 12 years at Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding in Zionsville.

He is survived by his parents; maternal grandmother; and sister, Ginelle. H1965

Joseph O’Rourke Jr., 93, died August 18 in Des Moines, IA.

Affectionately nicknamed “Papa Joe” by his adoring students, O’Rourke joined the Wabash faculty in 1960 and taught continuously until his retirement in 1997. Together with Vic Powell H’55, they produced generations of articulate communicators and brilliant lawyers, as well as state and national debate champs. O’Rourke chaired the speech department (now rhetoric) for 20 years.

Born May 11, 1928, in Davenport, IA, he was the son of Adell and Joseph O’Rourke Sr.

O’Rourke was raised in St. Louis, MO, and graduated from Southwest High School in May 1946, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as part of the General HQ staff during the occupation of Japan.

After his service, O’Rourke returned to attend University of Missouri for undergraduate studies and enlisted in the ROTC program. Upon graduation in 1952, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served as an information and education officer with multiple assignments stateside.

O’Rourke began his career teaching speech and theater at University of Hawaii, Hilo, 1954–56. He returned to University of Missouri to teach and finish his graduate-level courses, earning a master’s degree and ultimately a doctorate in philosophy.

Joe and his wife, Bev, moved to Crawfordsville in 1960 for what Joe described as “a temporary assignment.” But the two of them fell in love with West Central Indiana and would spend the rest of their lives at Wabash.

O’Rourke was preceded in death by his wife, Bev, in 2018.

He is survived by his son, Jerry; and three grandsons.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Joseph O’Rourke Jr. Award in Rhetoric, which is presented to the graduating senior with the best senior project in the rhetoric department. Gifts may be made through the Wabash Advancement Office, 301 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, IN 47933, online at wabash.edu/give, or by phone at 877-743-4545.

A celebration of Papa Joe’s life will be held in Spring 2022. Fred L. Granger

Former Fishers, IN, resident Fred Lee Granger, 78, died November 9, 2020, in Hudsonville, MI.

The son of Lee and Patricia (Lynch) Granger, he was born March 14, 1942, in Hammond, IN. He was raised in Munster, IN. In 1956 he attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America.

He graduated from Hammond High School in 1960 and Wabash College in 1965.

His early careers were in retail management and small business ownership. He was in his 50s when he became a public school teacher. He spent 16 years teaching A.P. U.S. history, psychology, sociology, geography, and economics at Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville, IN. He retired from teaching in 2015.

He said teaching was the most important and rewarding career he’d ever had.

He also assisted his wife Elizabeth, a travel writer, by taking photos “and carrying the suitcases.”

In 1964 he married Suzann Saville. Together they had four children. They divorced in 1990.

In 1993 he married Elizabeth Jacobson.

Mr. Granger is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his four children, Suzann, Patricia, Fred Jr., and Charles; two stepchildren; 10 grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; a brother; a sister; a niece; and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a niece, and his former wife.

WM apologizes for our error. We inadvertently printed an incomplete obituary for Mr. Granger in our last issue.

Sherman G. Franz ’59

Sherman G. Franz, 83, died June 19 in Columbus, IN.

Born August 6, 1937, in Newton, KS, he was the son of Martha and Peter Franz.

He graduated from Scottsburg (IN) High School.

While attending Wabash, he was a member of the Glee Club, basketball team, Sphinx Club, and Sigma Chi. He received the Dorman Hughes Award in 2009 and the Alumni Award of Merit in 2001.

He received his MD from Indiana University, followed by a master’s in medical management from Tulane University. He served as a major in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1970.

Franz practiced psychiatry in Columbus for over 50 years. An avid traveler, he also lived and practiced medicine in Libya, Australia, and New Zealand.

He served as vice president and chief medical officer at Columbus Regional Hospital and as medical director of behavioral health at SIHO and at the Stress Center of Columbus Regional Hospital. For several years, he served as clinical professor of psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine and taught family medicine residents at Methodist Hospital. He was a past president of the Indiana Psychiatric Society.

A co-founder of the first halfway house for the mentally ill in Columbus, Franz also helped found Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and Volunteers in Medicine of Columbus.

Franz was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Loren ’55 and John.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; sons, Sherman, Stephen, and Michael; six grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

A Remembrance I don’t recall exactly when I first met Sherm Franz, but I’m sure it was at a Wabash function. Though we didn’t spend a lot of time together, it turned out he would play no small part in the trajectory of my life.

The uninsured kids in Montgomery County had historically received medical care from volunteers at the Christian Nursing Service “Well Baby Clinic.” Keith Baird ’56 was the last volunteer physician to staff that clinic, and there were no local physicians willing or able to fill Keith’s NASA flight surgeon shoes. Wabash biology professor Bill Doemel H’74 was the president of Christian Nursing Service when Doc Baird retired. The board was considering dissolution of the clinic and Bill was on the prowl for a solution.

Bill recruited me to brainstorm after he and I attended a lecture at my 25th Big Bash reunion titled “How Philanthropy Can Rescue the Health Professions,” delivered by my classmate Dr. Richard Gunderman. We decided to attempt to reinvent the Christian Nursing Service Clinic, but where to begin; were there any other Wabash people who might be able to assist us?

Bill knew Sherm was involved with a Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Columbus, IN. Bill gave him a call and he invited us to take a road trip for a visit that would be the start of our five-year journey. While Sherm did not set up a Wabash tailgate in the clinic parking lot, he maximized our time in Columbus, making sure we met all the key players, including Dr. Charles Rau, Jackie Franz, and the clinic pharmacist. We also met with Keith Weedman, who had been the director of Medicaid in Montgomery County. Sherm also used his psychiatric superpowers to implant the VIM spirit into our subconscious minds. We came away from that visit ready to slay the world.

Sherm remained in contact with our steering committee as we worked through the nuts and bolts of clinic design and fundraising over the winter of 2008–09. He remained a valued sounding board through the years until Montgomery County Free Clinic Inc., d/b/a the Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic, opened its doors in the spring of 2013. It was only fitting that Sherm took time out of his busy life to come to our open house, where he was able to meet many of the lives he indirectly touched.

Sherm had a long and illustrious career in both psychiatry and philanthropy. Our team was blessed to have been able to tap into his knowledge, allowing us to serve the patients of the Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic. Sherm was Some Little Giant! —John Roberts ’83

Franz at the MCFC open house in 2013.

photo by Anna Tiplick

SOME WABASH STUFF

it has been an exceptional fall marked with momentous occasions despite out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. We rang in a freshman class recruited almost exclusively virtually. We welcomed two 50th-reunion classes. We hosted our first football game in the new Little Giant Stadium. We celebrated an accomplished group of athletes at the Hall of Fame Induction. We recognized the outstanding career, service, and personal achievements of several alumni at our Homecoming Awards Chapel. And we inaugurated Dr. Scott Feller as the 17th President of Wabash College.

As president of the National Association of Wabash Men, I am grateful to have had the privilege of representing our more than 14,000 alumni at each of these momentous occasions—in-person gatherings we took for granted two years ago.

Being back on campus, I heard stories from alumni from their days as students, about friendships that have weathered the test of time, about incredible teamwork, and difficult challenges. Those lessons learned taught us to navigate life today and are all reminders of what Wabash has provided in our lives—a bedrock of grit, joy, and gratitude.

in the spring of 2021, I had a surprise visit. While working from home during the pandemic, I was on a virtual meeting when my doorbell rang. I got in the habit of ignoring the door while working from home unless I was expecting someone. But a subsequent knock on the door got my attention.

As I opened the door, I was greeted with a warm smile and familiar face of Susie Cumming, wife of the late Dr. Jim Cumming ’61. We hadn’t seen each other in more than 18 months due to the pandemic. It was emotional for both of us. Susie, Jim, and the Cumming family have been special to my family since we moved to Indianapolis in 2005. They welcomed us at church, and Dr. Cumming was our boys’ first pediatrician. Not only did he care for the boys, but he also lovingly supported Nicole and me as we navigated parenthood.

Jim and I both grew up in the small town of Bedford, Indiana. I’ve always thought this is a reason why he and Susie looked out for us. We shared a generational gap, but as we all know, it’s not uncommon at Wabash to have relationships that cross generational boundaries.

After Susie and I hugged and chatted for a few minutes, she handed me a bag and a note. The note read, “Some Wabash stuff to share with you...we’ll be happy if you can use it—if not pass it on!” As she turned to leave, she said, “Jim would have wanted you to have this.”

Inside the bag was a copy of These Fleeting Years, a 2002 Wabash College yearbook, beautifully framed memorabilia, and a piece of the old floor from Chadwick Court. I’m so grateful that I stepped away from my meeting. I’m so grateful that Susie stopped by, that I got to hear her voice, and see her smile. This moment with Susie highlights for me how fortunate we are to be a part of Wabash College. The words “some Wabash stuff to share with you” are with all of us. They are in the stories we retell about our living unit, or a lecture we recall decades later. They are in the walk across the campus we take with our children and loved ones as we point out Pioneer Chapel, Lilly Library, or Center Hall—places where we took classes we still remember, spent countless late nights studying, and developed our intellectual curiosity. Whether it is stopping in a building on campus, reconnecting with an old classmate, introducing a loved one to a professor, or engaging with current students—Wabash College has “some stuff to share with you.” While back on campus this fall, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the generations of generosity I witnessed— the people who guided me when I struggled, who celebrated me when I achieved, and those who are doing the same for so many others both on campus and in their communities. My hope for each of you is that you join me in Susie’s call in her note and “pass it on.” Wabash is a special place because each of us have moments that tie us back to the College and the relationships that have changed our lives. Let’s continue to “pass it on” to a classmate, a loved one, a potential new student, a professor, or someone in your community in need.

M. Kip Chase ’03 | President of the NAWM

Roland D. Morin ’91

Roland D. Morin, 52, died August 27 in Carmel, IN.

Morin was associate dean for professional development and director of the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship (CIBE) at Wabash.

Born September 30, 1968, he was the son of Velma and Robert Morin.

Morin majored in political science at Wabash and performed in several theater productions. He later earned a master’s degree from Northeastern University and a law degree from the University of Melbourne.

After graduating from Wabash, he served as a media officer for Governor Michael Dukakis (MA), and later entered the world of corporate marketing as senior vice president with Porter Novelli in Australia and senior vice president at Ketchum Worldwide. He was a founding partner of Innovate Consulting Group in his hometown of Mishawaka, IN.

Morin returned to his alma mater in 2014 as director of entrepreneurial programs, and two years later was named the first director of the CIBE. Before stepping into his full-time role at Wabash, Morin spent many years as an instructor in the Schroeder Center’s Marketing Immersion and Liberal Arts Bridges to Business programs, all while constantly mentoring Wabash men on how to succeed in business and life.

Morin’s leadership of the Schroeder Center—guiding it to become a top-10-ranked career center with the nation’s toprated internship program—was recognized when he was named associate dean for professional development in 2020. Under his leadership, Wabash annually ranked among the top colleges in the country for the first destination rates of its graduates.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sisters, Sherri and Alaine; brothers, Robert, Ronald, Raymon, Randal, Rodney, and JD; and 36 nieces and nephews.

A Remembrance I can’t say Roland Morin and I really knew each other as students. It happens, even on a small campus.

We were part of what I dubbed “the largest class to matriculate and graduate from Wabash College.” We ran in different circles: him at Martindale, me at Phi Delt; him at Ball Theater, me at McCanliss Pool.

But true friendships need not be forged during our four years here. Roland knew me as his class agent while he made his mark in marketing, consulting, and construction. Later, when he ran the business immersion and Liberal Arts Bridge to Business programs, he looked me up to meet with the students for dinners.

Our friendship truly tempered when I joined the staff in 2017. I count myself lucky to be—rather “to have been” as I sadly switch to a past tense—one of the few people completely unfazed to waltz into his office, plop down, and chat.

In that Schroeder Center office, he gave me a glimpse of how very different we were as Wabash students. While I was tipping my pot to upperclassmen as a Phi Delt pledge and trying my best to fit in, Roland was withstanding the abuse of refusing to be anything other than his true self. Imagine being one of the few openly gay students on the Wabash campus in the fall of 1987 where upperclassmen would yell a gay slur at him across the mall as easily and vigorously as Sphinx Clubbers would yell “Air raid!” to a Rhyne.

Roland recalled that he “couldn’t wait to get out of here.”

But after a successful career, he came back. Even with all he’d been through, something about this place stuck with him.

Roland Morin exacted his revenge on his alma mater by insisting that Wabash rise to the promise of its mission and solitary rule. As associate dean for professional development and director of the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship, Roland’s high expectations belied a real love for Wabash students. Woe to the poor senior who waltzed into Career Services in the fall expecting Roland to “find me a job.” Pity the poor senior who pulled that trick in late April. But in the end, he always gave help to those who asked for it.

That went back to when Roland, as a senior, would chide feckless underclassmen, “Every time you miss class, you’re throwing $600 away!”

His high expectations also applied toward the workings of our little college. A few times when I’d visit his office, he’d threaten to quit out of frustration with something futzing up the cogs of academia.

Last year, though, as an email exchange flared up around the Student Senate’s AntiHomophobia Resolution, Roland messaged me, “I need to check in with someone who is sane.” I popped in next door.

He was near tears, upset by some callous words. They had ripped the scab off a deep wound, and he was truly ready to quit.

I calmed him down, reminding him of the impact he was making, of all those who looked up to him, and that he shouldn’t let them win. (I relate this with no intent for self-aggrandizement; I think he needed a sounding board for what he already knew.)

Roland never did quit Wabash.

Each fall Professional Development announced a 100% knowledge rate in reporting its first destinations for the recently graduated class. You knew damn well that Roland had contacted and tracked down every last newly minted alumnus to make sure they were landing somewhere.

Some students found crossing the river of lava that is Wabash Avenue difficult. He brought the mountain to Mohammed by inviting alumni and recruiters to Coffee & Careers outside the 1832 Brew before Chapel Talks.

A few years ago, Roland saw that my fraternity had the lowest number of visits to Arnold House and broke his vow never to walk into the Phi Delt house. (He wouldn’t tell me so, but I’m very sure some of the bullying our freshman year came from upperclassmen in my house.) He asked to come to dinner, and the guys served salmon. Impressed but undaunted, he gave them hell, telling them of his long-standing resentment, how he had to do a shot before even walking in the house, and how he just had to get over it.

The next week, he exclaimed to me in feigned exasperation, “Now, my office is overrun with Phi Delts!”

In the time before Roland, recruiters would say, “Wabash is too small to spend the time and travel to find good candidates.” They don’t say that much anymore.

So how can we truly honor Roland Morin’s impact on Wabash? We should all commit to continuing his work to motivate, prepare, and connect our students to internships; to job and grad school opportunities; and to alumni, spouses, parents, and friends. We should support the continued growth of the CIBE and TEDxWabashCollege.

Maybe, though, we will truly honor Roland when we stop going along to get along and start being unapologetic in living as our true selves—just like he always did. —Hugh Vandivier ’91, originally printed in

The Bachelor