This February, Human Needs and Global Resources (HNGR) celebrated its 40th Anniversary Symposium, “A Well-Watered Garden: Cultivating Hope and Transformation.” The event featured international speakers from HNGR partner organizations recognized for their transformative work in health, peace education, rural development, and global church mission. Over 90 of the HNGR program’s 830 alumni attended. 

Dr. Melba Maggay, a social anthropologist, author, and president of Micah Global, gave the keynote address, which was followed by a poster reception highlighting HNGR interns’ research. Panel discussions and presentations occurred throughout the week, and the symposium concluded with a community and arts celebration featuring the work of Celmali Okonji, Wheaton’s first John Stott International Visiting Scholar-Artist in Human Needs and Global Resources (above, at right with Sara Agee ’08 and Matt Zuckermann ’17). 

“The HNGR program remains a powerful pedagogical experience,” Dean of Global and Experiential Learning Dr. Laura Montgomery ’78 says. “The opportunities it provides for partnership with the broader global church are critical for our students and our community.”