2021 Lilly Scholar Logan Weilbaker

“My first year at Wabash is complete, and it was more rewarding than I could have imagined. I got involved in the theater early on, earning the lead role in both of the College’s main-stage productions. This led me to get further involved, taking on a role as Vice President of the school’s theater service fraternity, the Scarlet Masque, and directing a student-run performance. Through such positive experiences, I realized theater was what I wanted to pursue and major in while at Wabash. I also joined the Glee Club, which took me through the Ozarks over spring break, stopping to perform and take in the local sights in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri. We were also invited to perform at the Independent Colleges of Indiana Annual Gala in Indianapolis, and enjoyed a private performance and individual workshop with a professional a capella group Straight No Chaser. The student newspaper, The Bachelor, recruited me as a staff writer to help cover on-campus events, and I used the opportunity to create a weekly crossword puzzle that is enjoyed by students and staff alike. I even got to witness a piece of school history, as we came back from a 21-0 deficit to beat the school down south and bring back the Monon Bell in one of the oldest rivalries in college sports. I would not have experienced all of these opportunities anywhere other than at such a small, tight-knit community, let alone at the same time. Although keeping busy, I’ve found plenty of time to make lasting friendships and even learn a thing or two. I’m grateful for the liberal arts mindset at Wabash, because unknowing what I wanted to do or study, it allowed me to explore different pathways and find new interests. I eagerly await the next year and look forward to being back at my new home away from home.”