Meet Our Staff
Contact our office at: student.involvement@wheaton.edu or 630.752.5586
Crystal Cartwright
Director
B.A., Wheaton College, 2008
M.B.A., Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, 2013
As the Director of Student Involvement Crystal is passionate about opportunities to meet, interact with, learn about, and invest in student leaders. In her role, Crystal serves as advisor to Student Government and Solidarity cabinet. Crystal desires for the SAO to daily fulfill its mission and vision by providing a space where all students feel welcome and free to grow and learn.
Crystal is a Chicagoland native. As the daughter of a pastor, Crystal was privileged to grow up in a home that reinforced the importance of Christians using their lives in service to humanity. It is through the example of her parents, the working of Christ in her life, and her deep care for the development of students, that Crystal has developed her passion for student development. Crystal is inspired by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s challenge, “Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”
As an alumna of Wheaton College, Crystal is excited to serve the next generation of Wheaton students. During Crystal’s time as an undergraduate student, Wheaton had a profound impact on her spiritual and educational growth. Crystal looks forward to making a return on Wheaton’s investment in her life, through her service to the Wheaton Community.
In Student Involvement, Crystal’s office has an open door policy and she likes to think of her space as a mid-day “oasis” for students. There are two things students can always count on: Crystal’s office will always smell good and she will gladly greet you with a hug or a snack.
Contact Crystal by email | 630.752.5640
Abbey Yoder
Office Assistant
B.A., Wheaton College, 2012
M.A., Wheaton College, 2019
Abbey supports the administrative needs of the office, works at the front desk, and manages some of our student workers. She loves to be a welcoming and helpful presence to greet any students who enters the office space.
Abbey has worked in higher education for nearly 10 years, and has spent time at Wheaton College specifically working in Admissions and Residence Life before joining the team in Student Involvement. She loves seeing students discover and grow in their unique gifts during their college experience. Abbey enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters, and also loves to read, bike, and spend time outdoors.
Contact Abbey by email | 630.752.5586
Abby Riffell
Graduate Advisor to Student-Led Clubs
B.A., Wheaton College, 2023
M.A., Wheaton College, 2026
Abby serves the student body of Wheaton College as the Student Involvement Graduate Advisor. Her role is to serve as advisor for all Student-Led Clubs—helping students charter new clubs to represent the student body well and foster a sense of belonging on campus. She provides leadership training and mentors all club presidents 1:1.
Abby is currently pursuing a Master's in Higher Education and Student Development. She loves a variety of outdoor, sports, and arts activities, so she greatly enjoys the opportunity to help students create meaningful clubs to express their interests.
Gillian Wang
Program Development Coordinator
M.A., Wheaton College, 2019
B.A., Yunnan Tourism and Culture University, 2008
Gillian Wang is the Program Development Coordinator for the Student involvement office. Born and raised in China, Gillian moved to Wheaton in 2018 to pursue her master degree in TESOL and Intercultural Studies. With a background in working with young children in cross cultural settings, Gillian is passionate about creating inclusive, growth-oriented environments that help young adults develop leadership skills, foster cultural understanding, and grow in confidence as they navigate diverse communities. In her free time, Gillian loves painting, reading, cooking and visiting the nature.
Campus Involvement
Student Involvement aims to create a campus community with opportunities for students to get involved, whether that be planning an event, joining a club, or attending a dance.