April 2025
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our new “Wheaton Wavelength” newsletter for alumni and parents. This is just one of multiple new ways we are working to stay in touch with you. We hope these messages help connect you with campus life today, encouraging your spirit as you see how Wheaton is staying on mission with Jesus Christ.
New Alumni Survey Website
We learned a great deal through our 2024 Alumni Attitude Survey. We are delighted that an overwhelming 93% of respondents confirmed that choosing Wheaton was the right decision, while 86% actively recommend the College to others. We invite you to visit a new survey website to learn additional details about the survey and about what God is doing at Wheaton today. Please return to it periodically to learn more.
Students' Faithfulness from Billy Graham Center Executive Director Andy Cook
Since its founding, Wheaton has been blessed with gifted students who have kept the gospel close to their hearts, who share the Word of God sincerely and enthusiastically. You might be interested in a short video by Andy Cook, Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Executive Director, about our students' commitment to evangelism. Andy takes us through some results of a recent survey by Mission Insights as it pertains to the spirituality of students and how Wheaton prepares them “for a lifetime of sharing their faith.”
Reverend Ricky Jenkins to be 2025 Commencement Speaker
Many of you will be on campus in May for Alumni Weekend and Commencement. I am delighted to announce that the Reverend Ricky Jenkins will serve as 2025 Commencement Speaker for both undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, May 10-11. Ricky is the Senior Pastor of Southwest Church in Indian Wells, California—a thriving community compelled by its vision to be a gospel-centered, multiethnic, intergenerational church that loves discipleship. A member of our Board of Trustees since 2024, he brings an infectious joy, a love for the Gospel, and a passion for our students and their future.
Talking with the President
I’m including here a link to our new audio podcast of an ongoing video series we have been doing. In Talking with the President, I interview members of my leadership team about happenings on campus throughout the year. This is a conversation I had with Provost Karen Lee earlier this winter. Topics include this year’s campus “Core Book,” caring for students who have been homeschooled, attracting and retaining high quality faculty, and some of the challenges we perceive over the next ten years.
I look forward to reaching out again soon. You are a beloved member of Wheaton College, and always will be. We thank you for your faithful support—especially your prayers.
In Christ’s service,
Philip G. Ryken
President