Campus News
Words: Bella McDonald ’24
New Chaplain: Rev. Dr. Angulus Wilson
Photo by Tony Hughes
In May 2022, President Ryken, a co-chair of the internal chaplain search committee, appointed Rev. Dr. Angulus Wilson M.A. ’03 to serve as the seventh chaplain of Wheaton College. The new chaplain began his tenure in the summer and was formally commissioned in Chapel on Friday, August 26. He succeeded the interim chaplain, Rev. Dr. Gregory Waybright, who served from fall 2020 to spring 2022. The chaplain directs the undergraduate Chapel program and fosters the spiritual climate on campus. From Fresno, California, Dr. Wilson is the founder of New Beginnings Community Baptist Church and has served in multiple roles at Christian institutions.
Litfin Symposium
In October, Wheaton College hosted the Litfin Symposium celebrating the establishment of the A. Duane Litfin School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership, named for President Emeritus Dr. Duane Litfin HON. Church leaders and pastors gathered on Wheaton’s campus to reflect on the theme, “Contending for Gospel Witness in a Disillusioned Culture.” The symposium commenced with a dinner on Wednesday, including a keynote address by Dr. James Davidson Hunter. On Thursday, a lineup of eight speakers led lecture sessions in Billy Graham Hall’s Barrows Auditorium, followed by a closing address from Dr. Litfin in Blanchard Hall for the school that now bears his name.
Passage Orientation
In August, all new students participated in Passage Orientation, Wheaton’s new orientation program that helps first-year students transition into college life among peers and faculty. The program integrates the College’s former Orientation and Passage programs. Students and parents began the program on Wheaton’s main campus with sessions on life at Wheaton. Afterward, students traveled to one of three sites: the urban site in Chicago, the wilderness site along Lake Superior, or the Northwoods site at the HoneyRock campus in Wisconsin. Explore more stories from this year’s Passage orientation here.
Prayer Vigil
The Wheaton College Chaplain’s Office hosted the United University Prayer Vigil in October. The all-night prayer meeting, which included members of Trinity Christian College and Moody Bible Institute, as well as other community members and schools, took place in King Arena. The different communities joined together to pray for students, faculty, staff, alumni, the hearts of unbelievers, and the nations.
Facilities Update
Over the summer, the College’s facilities staff renovated Traber Hall, the all-male wing of the Smith-Traber residence hall. The interior received multiple updates, including new bathrooms, lounges, carpeting, and a kitchen overhaul. The campus-wide water system was also updated. After digging trenches, workers installed new pipes and repaired some existing underground pipe infrastructure. Students returned to campus in August to the completed changes, including new pavement and landscaping across campus.
New CIEO: Dr. Vanessa Wynder Quainoo
Photo by Diana Sokolov Rowan
Wheaton College appointed Dr. Vanessa Wynder Quainoo ’81 to serve as the second chief intercultural engagement officer (CIEO), effective July 1, 2022. Dr. Quainoo succeeds Dr. Sheila Caldwell, Wheaton’s inaugural CIEO who laid foundations for the role beginning in 2018. A member of the Senior Administrative Cabinet, Dr. Quainoo serves alongside the President and collaborates with Provost Karen An-hwei Lee to advance intercultural understanding and promote racial unity across campus. Additionally, Dr. Quainoo is a member of the Department of Communication and works with faculty to develop biblically grounded curricula. Dr. Quainoo served on the College’s Board of Visitors from 2014 to 2018.
Molas Exhibit
During the fall, the Billy Graham Museum presented “From Eden to Eternity: Embroidered Biblical Stories.” The limited exhibit featured hand-embroidered molas by the Guna people, natives of the San Blas Archipelago near the northern coast of Panama. Loaned from the private collection of Sandra Bowden, an artist and former president of Christians in the Visual Arts, the molas depict colorful interpretations of biblical stories through traditional Guna embroidery. The handcrafting technique involves layers of brightly colored fabrics being stitched together and then cut into intricate patterns, exposing colors from underlying layers.
“Full of Grace”
On October 5, the President’s Art Commission hosted a reception following a panel discussion on Dr. Amy Peeler’s and Dr. Matthew Milliner’s latest books. The reception also celebrated Alfonse Borysewicz’s related art exhibit displayed in the Marj Meade Gallery. Open to the public, participants were invited to reflect on the exhibit and the books that highlight the faith and legacy of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Surprised by Oxford
The Marion E. Wade Center hosted a book signing and advance movie screening of Surprised by Oxford (2022) on October 10 in Billy Graham Hall’s Barrows Auditorium. After the screening, the filmmakers, including writer and director Ryan Whitaker and producers Ken Carpenter and Jen Lewis, led a Q&A session. Carolyn Weber, author of the award-winning book Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir, also signed books for attendees.
In the Rankings
The 2022–2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings for National Liberal Arts Colleges placed Wheaton College #63. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top colleges, Wheaton College maintains its place among prestigious institutions such as Amherst, Swarthmore, and Williams. The College also placed highly in Niche’s 2023 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America (#39 out of 379). Read more about recent Wheaton rankings here.
Read more Wheaton stories at wheaton.edu/news.
