About the Leaders

Orientation Committee (OC)

The Orientation Committee (OC) is a group of 12 Wheaton students who lead the planning and implementation of Passage. They coordinate move-in, campus programs, and on-campus events, ensuring new students feel connected to the Wheaton community from day one. Their goal is to extend radical hospitality and help each student find their place at Wheaton.

Trips Committee (TC)

The Trips Committee (TC) leads their peers to organize the off-campus trips that are an integral part of Passage. They facilitate logistics, activities, and community-building aspects of these trips, providing students with unique opportunities to form lasting friendships and connect deeply with one another in different settings. These trips are designed to foster spiritual and personal growth as part of the transition to life at Wheaton.

Passage Leaders (PL)

Passage Leaders are Wheaton students who guide small groups of new students throughout Passage. They lead discussions on topics like spiritual formation, community, and personal growth.  Passage Leaders also help foster relationships in their group and provide guidance to new students as they navigate to their early days at Wheaton.

Steve Ivester Ph.D., Dean for Student Engagement

Through his own educational experience as an undergraduate music major at Wheaton, Steve can attest that God used others, including faculty, mentors, and friends in powerful ways in the process of his own growth – it was nothing short of transforming for his faith and his worldview. As Dean for Student Engagement, he is committed to educating and equipping college students through relational ministry, program advising, and leadership development experiences that develop students’ identity, skills, knowledge, and attitudes to engage an increasingly interconnected world, to encounter Jesus Christ throughout all aspects of their life, and to graciously share their growth and faith in Christ with others.

Nate Thompson, Ph.D., Passage Director

My greatest passion in life is facilitating the growth that comes through connecting individuals together as they interact with one another in God's creation. I have researched around the world to investigate how groups work together using team-building initiatives native to the adventure education disciple. The more I study community in creation, the deeper I grow in my fascination with God's power.

Stephanie Starr, Manager of Programs 

In her role as Manager of Programs, Stephanie Starr supports Dean Steve Ivester and the Student Engagement department as a collaborative communications partner for various aspects of the Passage program by aligning the priorities of various stakeholders in order to deliver a seamless and meaningful experience for all participants.

 

Haley Vaughn Klein M.A., Passage Program Manager

With a background in student development and leadership, I am called to support students as they transition into the Wheaton community. As Wheaton Passage Manager, I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where students build meaningful connections and discover their unique paths. It’s a joy to help facilitate this formative experience, where faith, friendship, and purpose intersect at the start of each student’s college journey.

Donna Marroquin M.S., HoneyRock & Passage Office Coordinator

As the HoneyRock & Passage Office Coordinator, I have the opportunity to work with summer staff, Wheaton students, and staff and faculty. I have the benefit of being deeply connected to the mission and vision of HoneyRock from Wheaton’s campus. I am able to use my administrative gifts and heart for developing relationships to bring the Northwoods and Southwoods campus of HoneyRock/Wheaton College closer together.