Quick Notes

Steven Jones ’87, director of the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies and the College’s dean for professional development, was recently honored by the Steward Speakers annual gala for his commitment to education and diversity.

Jones was one of four community leaders celebrated at the Steward Speakers annual gala, “Arts, Culture and the African American Influence.”

The leaders recognized at the event “are among the best and most respected individuals in their fields, including politics, education, military service, science and medicine, journalism, sports, entertainment, and more,” according to the Indianapolis Recorder.

The mission of the series is to inform, inspire, and invoke action by fostering meaningful dialogue and cultural exchanges with exceptional lectures and events designed to engage Hoosiers who rarely have access to nationally and internationally renowned African American leaders.

Karen Handley retired at the end of 2022 after 44 years of dedicated service to the College. Her behind-the-scenes work drove the news bureau, which came to be known as the communications and marketing department. Her many duties included writing, editing, and distributing press releases; proofreading Wabash Magazine pages; and producing academic bulletins, parent handbooks, and activities calendars. In her retirement, she is planning several trips with her husband Randy to Walt Disney World.

“Karen came to work every day, week in and week out, seeking to make Wabash a better place. Her selfless work ethic and attention to detail made everyone who worked with her better employees and better people,” said President’s Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Communications Jim Amidon ’87.

Sherry Ross H’04 began working at Wabash in 2000. Three years later, she was made an honorary member of the Sphinx Club—the first woman to receive that distinction. In the fall of 2022, she was made an honorary alumna of Wabash. In addition to acting as a second mom to multitudes of Wabash students, Ross was also a literal Wabash mom to her son, Derrick ’94. Even in retirement, she and her husband, Gary, will continue to frequent football and basketball games, as well as other events.

“I was certain Sherry would be perfect for Wabash,” says Tom Bambrey, who was Dean of Students when he hired her. “Over time, I came to appreciate her many gifts: consideration, thoughtfulness, quick wit, compassion, and administrative good sense.”

Mary Towell joined the Wabash Admissions Office in July 1997. For 26 years, she was the face of the Admissions Office for thousands of prospective students and guests. During the most recent five years of her employment, she scheduled 3,058 personalized visits to the College. An avid crocheter, she has made nearly 300 afghans for local nursing homes.

“Mary, on behalf of your current and former colleagues and the thousands of families you welcomed to campus, thank you,” says Dean for Enrollment Chip Timmons ’99. “And although you won’t be at the front desk next fall, we hope you’ll never say goodbye.”

Cathy VanArsdall, the director of student accounts at Wabash, retired on March 31, after 23 years of distinguished service. In this role, she managed the student billing and payment processing functions of the College, consulting and advising students and families. During periods of national economic stress, VanArsdall was instrumental in implementing key programs to ensure students had access to financial resources.

“Cathy was passionate about serving Wabash students using her talents in financial management, her ability to advise students, and her willingness to listen not just with her ears, but with her heart,” says Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Kendra Cooks. “Cathy’s heart of service, pride in our students, and our campus culture focused on belonging provided her deep satisfaction in her work on campus.”

An exploratory trip down the Iriri River in Brazil with the Kayapo Indians yielded 10 different Amazonian species of fish caught on fly, including this remarkable Peacock Bass. Featured on the cover of FlyFish Journal and the Orvis catalog cover.

Tarpon, also known as the Silver King, can grow north of 200 pounds but even 5- to 15-pound baby Tarpon can be amazing sport on a fly rod. Taken in Campeche, Mexico. Featured on the Orvis catalog cover and Gray’s Sporting Journal cover.

Reid Bryant, friend of Brian Grossenbacher ’90, hunting Ruffed Grouse in the Yaak Valley, Montana. Featured on the Orvis catalog cover and in the Field & Stream First Shots photo collection.

Reid Bryant and Alejandro Jones glassing for Red Stag in the mountains near Trevelin, Patagonia, during a rare and intense lightning storm.

Grossenbacher says, “Minutes after this photo, the storm moved right on top of us and peppered us with lightning and a deluge of rain for what felt like hours. When we finally made it back to the truck we found our route back to the mountain cabin impassable due to a massive mudslide. That didn’t stop our Argentine guide from trying, and with some of the most impressive off road driving we made it to our beds for a couple hours of sleep before the next morning’s hunt began again.”

Featured in Field & Stream First Shots photo collection and a photo essay in Gray’s Sporting Journal.