Today’s show took me back to my college days at DePauw University and the historic football rivalry between the Tigers and Wabash College. I was joined by Dr. Lori White, President of DePauw University, and Dr. Scott E. Feller, President of Wabash College.

We discuss the long-standing Monon Bell rivalry between the institutions and its beginning in 1890, the impact of small liberal arts colleges, and their experiences moving to Indiana from the West Coast.

This special episode touches on the traditions, challenges, and camaraderie involved in the Monon Bell game and explores the broader impacts their colleges have on their communities and alumni. They also share their first Monon Bell experiences, the logistical challenges of hosting the game, and a friendly wager for the 131st edition of the Monon Bell Classic coming up on Saturday, Nov. 15, in Crawfordsville.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. 

You are going to learn about:

• The History and Traditions of One of College Football’s Oldest Rivalries

• How DePauw and Wabash Thrive as Small Liberal Arts Colleges

• Challenges When Hosting the Monon Bell Classic

Thank you to our partner:
JC Hart

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Introduction to the Monon Bell Game
00:38 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lori White and Dr. Scott Feller
01:41 The Monon Bell Classic: A Historic Rivalry
03:15 First Monon Bell Experiences
06:08 The Intensity and Traditions of the Monon Bell Game
14:32 Impact of Wabash and DePauw on Local Communities
24:43 Challenges Facing Small Liberal Arts Colleges
28:59 The Value of a Liberal Arts Education
36:29 Monon Bell Week Traditions and Excitement
43:39 Division III Football Star
44:03 Award Show Excitement
46:03 Monon Bell Game and Stadium Plans
46:55 Neutral Site Ideas for Monon Bell Game
50:20 Indiana Impressions and Small Town Life
55:21 Monon Bell Game Traditions
01:06:18 Alumni Impact and Friendly Wager
01:10:36 Hidden Gems and Final Thoughts