The Wabash family woke up last week on March 22 to the news that a fellow Little Giant had passed away overnight. Cyrus Anton was a freshman who had truly taken advantage of his time at the College.
Anton was left paralyzed after a spinal cord injury during a car accident in 2020, but he didn’t let that get in his way of reaching his goals. He graduated from Emmerich Manual High School in 2021, taking a break from school shortly after.
He arrived on Wabash’s campus during the Ringing-In ceremony on August 19, 2023 with plans to major in PPE and the intention of going to law school after Wabash. He was an advocate for individuals with disabilities, serving as the Indiana President of the United Spinal Association.
He also participated in a pro bono speaker series to share his personal experiences to help advocate for disability inclusion and wrote an op-ed for The Bachelor during National Disability Employment Month.
Friends, professors and mentors will remember Anton for his tenacity and constant drive that was showcased in the difficult classes and extra programs he participated in at the College.
“The only thing he wanted to do was to be a college student,” said Professor Scott Himsel ’85. “And, more specifically, he wanted to be a Wabash man. The way he embodied that was that he was both enthusiastic and industrious.”
Himsel was Anton’s professor for Freshmen Tutorial, a class that is a notable cornerstone for many Wabash men. Himsel’s classes are always built around class discussion.
“He jumped in with relish,” said Himsel. “He never held back with his opinions and never lacked the ability to support them. But he also welcomed criticism of his work.”
Anton never let his disability define him, particularly in the classroom. His peers took note of his determination, as it was hard to miss.
“Cyrus was one of the strongest people I have ever met,” said fellow classmate Nicholas Green ’27. “He balked at nothing… he did everything with fearless conviction.”
Outside of his studies, Anton is remembered for his admirable character. His gentle and gracious nature left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
“He was funny, he had a great sense of humor — including about himself,” said Himsel. “He was also courteous to other people. He could take a position contrary to someone else without making things personal.”
Anton’s disability affected many parts of his life, but he did his best to overcome any challenges thrown his way. He was courageous in his approach to these challenges and to life as a whole.
“He was always positive and ready for the day, I never saw him upset or discouraged,” said Green. “He never indicated that he was in the last months of his life.”
Anton led his life in a way that is inspiring to all. The setbacks he conquered and the goals he set are a testament to the kind of man he was.
“He just was undaunted,” said Himsel. “Even though his dreams — graduating college and going to law school — were going to be far more difficult to attain, he was undaunted. That’s real inspiration.”
Anton approached Wabash like he approached the rest of his life, with unwavering bravery and the desire to help others. His words from his article “Advancing access and equity” that is found in the October 6, 2023 edition of The Bachelor accurately sum up the legacy he leaves behind:
“Avoiding talking down to your peers and faculty with disabilities, considering donating to disability charities [and] asking before assisting peers and promoting general kindness towards your Wabash brothers are all simple ways to promote access and equity for our thriving disabled community.”