Class of 2026 senior spotlight
As any Wabash man knows, expanding learning beyond the classroom takes tremendous time and energy. Fortunately, William Boas ’26 rises to that task as both an accomplished student and a campus leader. A Spanish major from Greenwood, Indiana, Boas has served as vice president of Delta Tau Delta and secretary of the Sphinx Club, while also competing in track and field.
Throughout his time at Wabash, Boas has eagerly tested his Spanish outside of class. His first major step came in Spain, walking El Camino de Santiago as part of an immersion course. The excursion pushed him outside his comfort zone, where he was able to battle-test his new language skills.
“While hiking the Camino de Santiago, I could test my skills outside the classroom,” said Boas. “It was my first time being overseas in Spain, trying to make the most out of it, only with five Spanish classes.”
Professor of Spanish Daniel Rogers shared the Spain trip and other classes with Boas and reflected on moments that stood out to him.
“My favorite recent memory of him is written comps. We had asked students to dress up a bit for their presentations,” said Rogers. “Will showed up immaculately dressed with an exceptionally stylish ensemble. It kind of picked up everybody’s mood and made the day more fun.”
After visiting Spain, Boas continued building on that experience. This past May, he traveled to Argentina for another immersion course, now with stronger language skills and more confidence.
“Going to Argentina was completely unexpected, as I never thought I’d be in South America,” said Boas. “What was most surprising was that many of the people spoke very good English and were also extremely friendly. We even got approached by a girl during our morning routine of getting some baked goods. My two classmates and I were shocked by her initiative to try out her English.”
The Argentinian immersion trip proved influential in Boas’ time as a student. Rogers was also able to accompany him on that trip.
“My other favorite memory of Boas is from the Argentina immersion trip. I didn’t realize that he was such an amazing dancer! But the photos and video prove it,” said Rogers. “One way that he has impacted me is through seeing his close relationship with his family. He really has a strong bond with them, and I find that both important and inspiring.”
Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Coach Clyde Morgan also expressed admiration for Boas.
“It has been a pleasure to watch Will grow over the years as a man and athlete,” said Morgan. “He has been a phenomenal leader to our young guys. He has been through some life storms, but has grown from them. He will be a better man for it.”
Boas has cherished many keystone parts of the Wabash experience.
“Getting into the Sphinx Club was one memory I hold close to my heart,” said Boas. “I still remember when my Rhyne brothers and I got initiated. We were on cloud nine — pure ecstasy after chasing this goal for a while. The club was something that I felt very good about, as this organization made me feel a lot of pride.”
He added, “The Sphinx Club had a lot of impact when I was deciding where to go.”
After graduation, Boas will work with Cook Medical in Bloomington in the medical education department, where he interned over the summer. There, he will continue to apply the discipline, global perspective and leadership skills he cultivated at Wabash — extending his impact well beyond campus.