Class of 2026 senior spotlight
Few Wabash men are able to bridge the gap between a standout athletic career and a pursuit of artistic expression. Even fewer can do both while fostering an inclusive campus community. Despite these odds, one senior has perfectly balanced all three.
Quinn Sholar ’26 is a member of the Sphinx Club, captain of the track and football teams, chairman of the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies (MXIBS), member of the Dean’s President’s council and former member of Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship (CIBE). Sholar is an art major and economics minor from Indianapolis, Indiana.
“I was always a part of some type of community, whether it was community service or helping others,” said Sholar.
Sholar is a big advocate for the phrase: “it takes a village to raise a man.” He loves this saying because he was raised as a community oriented person and lives by it. Prioritizing community has led him to many leadership positions across campus, a place he didn’t initially expect he would be in when he came to Wabash.
“I didn’t think that freshman me would see myself in this position of leadership I am in now” said Sholar. “I know my dad always told me I was going to be a leader growing up, but I did not think that I would see myself leading in multiple facets around campus.”
Sholar has grown much from his first days on campus. However, a strong conviction led to a strong beginning to his Wabash career.
“I thank freshman year me for knowing what he wanted to do with his life and for having the kind of morals and ethics to put me in such a successful position,” said Sholar.
Becoming chairman of the MXIBS was an important step for him becoming the Wabash man he is today. The MXIBS helped him get involved and change campus and the views of students and faculty on campus.
“When I became Chairman, I got to better the Black experience at Wabash,” said Sholar. “It is a very important facet that needs to be talked about and discussed more on campus.”
His humility is also a key factor that he consistently hones in order to improve his character; Sholar looks at the bigger picture before himself.
“Its possible to be a leader and put it on the big scale without showing off,” said Sholar. “But for people that look like me, to know what that is like, I want you to know that whatever you want to do at this school is possible.”
Sholar’s leadership across his athletic career has been exceptional. Through his high work ethic, commendable mindset and overall discipline, he has proven to be a superb role model among his Wabash peers.
“I think players immediately look towards the most talented players as leaders until they get to know everyone,” said Head Football Coach Jake Gilbert ’98. “That has allowed him to set a great example for all of those who are watching.”
“I try to make sure that our brotherhood is grounded and genuine and that we care for each other with selflessness,” said Sholar. “Whenever there’s a brother in need, just drop whatever you are doing and go and help that person out; nobody’s problems just disappear.”
Sholar will be working as The Mind Trust’s manager of community engagement through the Orr Fellowship where he will be building the foundation for the next generation of young talented leaders. While he is working back in Indianapolis he will visit many art shows to continue supporting his passion of art while supporting the youth of his hometown.
Sholar is a man with a lot of experience on campus, and his advice to all of the underclassmen is to participate in the brotherhood.
“You have to go out and find your community on campus,” said Sholar. “You cannot sit in your room and think the community will come to you. Find the people that resonate with you, the people that make you feel like you belong.”