The semester is just about over. Finals are upon us. We’re excited for this semester to be done so we can return home for a spell, spend time with family and old friends, and then return after a month to new experiences and new memories.  The cover article of this last issue in 2010 is an analysis of Prof. Robert George’s speech when he came to Wabash in late September. Zachary Rohrbach ’12 breaks down the speech and discusses the implications of Prof. George’s theory of natural law. Also included is a reflection by Robert Dixon ’13 on a recent feminist speech given on campus, a philosophical analysis of the “Happy Holidays” phenomenon by Adam Current ’11, and a perceptive analysis of the recent election by Jeremy Wentzel ’14.

Also inside, John Plaiss ’14 gives a devotional reflection, Dr. Steve Webb suggests some good books, and Andrew Forrester ’11 recalls Wabash’s trouncing of the undefeated DePauw team at this year’s Monon Bell Classic.

Fall has finally come to the campus. The Hoosier heat and humidity have receded into memory, and now cool winds blow the colorful leaves off the trees. Included in this issue is a review of Dr. Placher’s final book, Mark, which was just published this past August. Zach Churney ’14 presents an interesting analysis of the recent election, particularly regarding the Tea Party movement and its influence on conservatism and the Republican Party, and Jeremy Wentzel ’14 analyzes the “9/11 Mosque” controversy with a unique conservative perspective.

Also inside, Robby Dixon ’13 looks at the role the internet plays in the pursuit of knowledge, Zach Rohrbach ’12 discusses the art of persuasion, Andrew Domini ’12 explores Crawfordsville, Adam Current ’11 defends Glenn Beck, and Dr. Webb solves all of Wabash’s problems.

On Thursday, September 30, 2010, the Wabash Conservative Union, in conjunction with the Wabash Newman Center and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, will host Robert P. George, professor of jurisprudence at Princeton University.  He will be presenting a talk entitled “Natural Law, God, and Human Dignity” at 8:00 p.m. in Baxter 101.

Professor George is at the forefront of the Pro-Life movement in the United States, and is a co-author of the Manhattan Declaration, a petition signed by many Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians defending the causes of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.  He was formerly a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics and was a presidential appointee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights.  He is the author of Making Men Moral: Civil Liberties and Public Morality, In Defense of Natural Law, and The Clash of Orthodoxies.

It is the beginning of a new school year, and as we welcome the semester, we also welcome the next group of Wabash men, the Class of 2014.  This issue of The Phoenix, while specifically aimed at the freshmen, will be of interest to all of our reading audience. Zach Rohrbach ’12 has produced a well-researched article on our chapel’s organ, which has dazzled audiences for many years now. Michael Nossett ’11, the Student Body Vice President and longtime Phoenix staff writer, has written an insightful article providing advice to our freshmen. We also have been blessed in this issue with two articles from faculty contributors. William Turner of the Math Department has written a pertinent reflection on the importance and nature of friendships, and David Blix ’70 gives his perspective on what being a freshman and student at Wabash is about.

Also inside, Andrew Forrester ‘11 and Ben Williams ‘11 discuss the merits of independent and Greek living, and Steve Henke ‘12 reminds all students how to get the most out of their Wabash education in the form of extracurricular activities.  Andrew Forrester ‘11 also points out the multitude of opportunities to further one’s faith on campus, while Adam Brasich ‘11 discusses the importance of theology in self-discovery.  Finally, Adam Current ‘11 rounds out the issue by taking a look at Wabash’s history of respecting objectivity.

In The Phoenix’s last issue for the 2009-10 academic year, we take a look back into some of our college’s history.  In the Cover Feature, Kevin Stevens explores the meaning and development of Lilly Library’s Goodrich Room.  Austin Rovenstine also comments on former Wabash president Lewes MacKintosh, while Nolan Eller discusses the little-known story of Wabash’s statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Also inside, we interview former Dean of Students Thomas Bambrey ’68 in order to gain insight into the debate surrounding recent curricular changes.  Former Phoenix editor Austin Rovenstine also gives his perspective as a graduating senior on the issue.  Adam Current discusses the future of the GPA, and this final issue is rounded off with a list of summer reading books suggested for your enjoyment and intellectual stimulation by The Phoenix staff.