Rudy Altergott '13
The statement that “it’s a small world after all” is in fact quite an understatement. When I first began the college search, I had know idea what Wabash College was, or how it had impacted so many of its proud alumni. I had read the book Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope, and, as a confused junior/senior not sure where he intended to go, attended a CTCL college fair at a brand new hotel near Schaumburg, Illinois close to a year ago. It was there a met an invaluable asset and friend, Kim King ‘99.
I learned that he was the Wabash admissions representative for my school (Hinsdale Central HS) in my hometown of Hinsdale, Illinois (approx. 30-40 minutes outside Chicago). That was my first introduction to Wabash, though I had probably skimmed over its section in CTCL or heard it sometime in my past.
Terry Endsley '77
A few days or weeks later, at a gathering at my house, I spoke with my friend Melissa, who revealed that her dad, Mr. Terry Endsley ‘77, was a Wabash man. He would be instrumental in my joining the scarlet brotherhood, and helped me with questions about the college. I arranged a visit on Sunday and Monday of Columbus Day Weekend. The moment I set foot on the sacred ground of campus and laid eyes upon the Chapel, I was smitten. I later got to attend a history class, and had the time of my life. I left my visit strongly considering attending Wabash.
As months progressed, I learned of more local men who attended Wabash, even learning that Mr. George Kumis ‘70 was a member of my high school’s school board. I attended Honors Scholar Weekend, staying with my friends at Theta Delta Chi, and was convinced this was where I was going to go. The weekend was so much fun that I didn’t want it to end, at one point telling my Mom that I didn’t want to come home. Unfortunately, I did have to come home, and went through the motions of other college visits. Although I strongly considered Hope and Beloit, they simply weren’t Wabash. They didn’t have the mystique, the presence, and the people that Wabash had. Every student I met at Wabash was genuinely kind and helpful, and not because Dean Klein and the folks at Admissions paid them to do so (which would never be the case).
For me, the moment that solidified my choice came later.
In mid-April, Mr. Endsley died from a brain tumor. He had been sick for a short while, and I was saddened by his suffering as well as the possibility that the Endsley’s might lose him. When he did die, I was grief-stricken. I asked why this had to happen. Then I realized that no matter what the reason, it was my duty to repay him for his kindness by attending Wabash and spreading the fame of her honored name. That sense of purpose has only escalated my love for this place, and the fact that men like Professor William Cook ‘66, the late Professor Bill Placher ‘70, retired Air Force colonel Mr. Tom Runge ‘71, and Dean Michael Raters ‘85, among others, return to this college or give to this college in any way they can to keep it flourishing is a testament to its worth. I consider myself part of the greatest family and I am humbled to know that I am being supported by it. In the words of the legendary Coach Rob Johnson, “I am a Wabash man!”
With that mantra, I cannot fail.
Wabash Always Fights!
This post was submitted by Rudy Altergott '13.
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