$4 Million Gift Creates Wabash College Recruiting Initiative

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind., Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A $4 million gift is helping expand the recruiting efforts of Wabash College.

Walt Snodell, Class of 1968, and his wife, Kathy, have started the Greater Chicagoland Initiative in an effort to reach more students in their hometown.

"Walt and Kathy really wanted their gift to have an impact that reflected their values and their interests," Dean for Advancement Michelle Janssen said. "They're very interested in education and scholarships and they're life-long Chicagoans, so this gift to Wabash's Giant Steps Campaign was perfect."

The Snodells' initiative focuses on four components: scholarships, a Chicago-based Admissions counselor, marketing, and support for recruitment events outreach for students in Chicago and its suburbs, southern Wisconsin, and eastern Iowa.

"Chicago may be the most competitive market in the country," Associate Dean for Enrollment Chip Timmons '96 said. "The Snodells' gift has given us a strong, constant presence we lacked over the last decade, and we are excited to see how the investments we're making now pay dividends in the future."

One reason recruiting Indiana students is easier than out-of-state students is because of the state grants available to Hoosier students.

Walt and Kathy are helping make up that difference in the Chicagoland area with the "Snodell Scholars." Seven students from the College's freshman class make up the first group.

"The Snodell Scholarship allows me to get ahead of the financial obstacles I face in my future," said Sam Pipiras, a Snodell Scholar from New Lenox, Illinois. "The only way to really show my appreciation is to make sure I work hard so that one day I have the same opportunity to give back to young men just like myself."

When the Snodells heard what Pipiras said about their generosity, they said it was the essence of why they gave.

"At every step in my life," Walt said, "there were people helping me along. Very seldom do we get to effectively pay back the people who have helped us. Instead, you pay it forward."

The Giant Steps Campaign is a $225 million comprehensive campaign focused largely on growing Wabash College's endowment for scholarships, faculty, academic programs, and cross-cultural immersion learning experiences.

SOURCE Wabash College

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