Law - Peck Lecture and Peck Dinner

The annual Peck Lecture and Peck Dinner honors the memory of the eminent lawyer and judge David W. Peck, Wabash College alumnus of the class of 1922.

The event was established in 1974 by long-time Wabash College Trustee John P. Collett ’24, in tribute to his fellow member on the Board. Early on, Peck enrolled at Wabash at age 16, graduated at 19, and had finished Harvard law by 22. He had a long and distinguished career as a judge and partner in the New York law firm of Sullivan and Cromwell, served as Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court. Current Trustee David N. Shane ’70 remarks that both Collett and Peck were, “…independent, self-reliant, with a solid work ethic…intellectually curious, with interests that grew into abilities and talents. They were men of service…committed to excellence, in their endeavors and results, they lived at an intersection at the core of the mission of Wabash College – combining talent and endeavor to solve matters of great complexity while anchored in the bedrock of unshakeable integrity and civility.” Read Shane’s full remarks here.

The Peck Lecture and Peck Dinner serves as a unique opportunity for Wabash students interested in the law to meet lawyer alumni and to benefit from the wisdom of the Senior Peck Medal recipient. The event also recognizes student Pre-Law award winners in their own right through the College’s Pre-Law Society. These include the Junior Peck Medal and awards named in memory of alumni James E. Bingham [W1911], Richard O. Ristine [W1941], and Joseph J. Daniels [W1911]. Read more about Richard Hasen, the 2024 Senior Peck Lecturer and Recipient of the David W. Peck Senior Medal for Eminence in the Law.