Parent Newsletter - March, 2021

March 2021

From the President

Philip G. Ryken President Wheaton College IL

Dear Parents, 

As the global pandemic enters its second year, we are grateful for the end of winter, the melting of snow and ice. Students enjoyed “de-stress” activities this week, including a co-ed kickball tournament, therapy dogs, and food trucks offering varieties of ethnic cuisine.

I convene a 17-member COVID leadership team two or three mornings every week. We meet via Zoom to check in on every dimension of residential campus life as the pandemic takes its course. We review the current impact of the virus on our campus community, consider requests for changes to our COVID-safe policies, and coordinate communication. I remind my team that we are running a marathon, and we pray for perseverance.

Later this month our senior leadership team will cancel all regular meetings to rest and worship leading up to Good Friday and Easter. Thank you for your prayers for your students and for us, that we would live in the light of the cross and the empty tomb. 

In Christ’s service,

Philip Ryken
Philip Ryken
President 

Messages of Hope and Encouragement

As this difficult season continues, Alumni and Parent Engagement has invited four outstanding Wheaton College thought leaders to bring words of hope and encouragement to alumni and parents. The video speaking series, A Time for Everything: Encouragement from Wheaton Thought Leaders, will be emailed to all alumni and parents in the month of March. Everyone is invited to pull up a chair and listen.

Center for Vocation and Career’s Senior Series

Is your senior looking for a job? Are they ready to apply? Are they unsure of how to start, or maybe how to negotiate their offer? Landed or not, the CVC is ready to help! With graduation rapidly approaching, seniors will want to be ready when they find what appears to be the perfect job or a networking opportunity with someone who is connected to an open position.

Beginning mid-March, the CVC’s Senior Series will include:

Seniors will receive information on all these resources in our weekly Monday email.

Commencement 2021

Unlike last year, when COVID-19 forced us to cancel Commencement altogether, we are very pleased to be planning a graduation ceremony for your student on campus and in person this May, pending public health guidance regarding COVID-19. The outdoor undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., Sunday, May 9, CDT. 

As of this juncture, given public health guidelines from the State of Illinois, parents and other family and friends will not be allowed to attend the in-person ceremony. You will, however, be able to watch the ceremony via livestream. We also hope to have a recording of the ceremony available online later that afternoon should you not be available to watch it in real time. 

A link to the livestream will be sent to you in the coming weeks. Thank you for your understanding.

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Shop the Campus Store for Graduation-Related Items

The Campus Store is happy to help with graduation announcements, fine jewelry, or diploma frame needs. Please visit the Campus Store and the Wheaton College Jostens Store to order.

Summer Leadership Opportunities at HoneyRock

Wheaton in the Northwoods

In May and June, HoneyRock offers courses that meet Christ at the Core and General Education requirements of Wheaton College. Open to any student, these courses are taught by Wheaton professors in a modular and intensive format. See the course list at wheaton.edu/win.

Lead Wheaton Passage

Your student can welcome new students to Wheaton and guide their first weeks on campus. Passage leadership positions are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who love Wheaton and who want to support new students’ first days and weeks on campus. Learn more at wheaton.edu/LeadPassage.

Work/Intern on Summer Staff

Christ-centered community, meaningful work, a beautiful place—working or interning at HoneyRock makes for an incredible personal growth and an unforgettable summer. Internships are available for a wide variety of majors. Explore the opportunities at wheaton.edu/summerstaff.

For Siblings of Wheaties – Summer Camps at HoneyRock!

Summer camps at HoneyRock make space for 1st – 12th graders to build strong and Christ-centered friendships, experience truth-infused living, and develop their leadership skills. Explore summer camps at HoneyRock!

Thunder Strong, All Day Long for WheatonGives

On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, Wheaton College will host its third annual 24-hour giving day. WheatonGives is designed to inspire Wheaton alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends to support transformational Christian higher education. When you give to the Wheaton Fund through WheatonGives, you will have the opportunity to connect with the Wheaton community and make a vital investment in tomorrow’s Christian servant leaders.

Every gift, no matter the size, will make a difference and advance the excellence and affordability of the Wheaton experience for every Wheaton student. Learn more about this year’s prizes and challenges and more at givingday.wheaton.edu. With your help, we will stay Thunder Strong, All Day Long!

A Word with Admissions

Do you know a high school student who would be a great fit at Wheaton? Parents can influence the culture and community of Wheaton College simply by referring a potential student. We value your opinion and take every referral seriously.

Ways to Pray for Wheaton This Month

Pray for Kingdom culture to be cultivated with Christ at the center, defining who He is and who we are as His children, made in His image. Pray for grace to view one another through His eyes, as brothers and sisters dearly loved, equally sinful and forgiven, saved only by the mercy of God, and given new life in Christ for His glory and the blessing of others.

Pray for strength and endurance for students as midterm exams, papers, and projects begin to come due. Pray for the Lord to uphold students emotionally in the taxing restrictions of COVID. Pray that they would find rest during Quiet Week/Holy Week (March 28-April 2) and in their daily lives.

Pray for Student Leadership Cabinets as they continue the work the Lord has called them to this school year and for new ideas and fresh perspectives in the midst of a year of COVID difficulties and as they near second semester burnout. Pray for wisdom as they receive applications for next year, that the Lord will place just the right people to fill each role and for encouragement that they have done good work and have made tangible differences throughout campus.

With thanks for your involvement and prayers, 

The Wheaton College Parent Engagement team

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