The alumni survey shows that Wheaton’s alumni believe that many student experiences are very or critically important: academics, relationships, and developing spiritual maturity, moral decision-making ability, skills for career, global awareness, sensitivity to social problems, and an understanding of diverse ethnicities and cultures. These are important aspects of a strong Wheaton experience.

The survey also shows that there is a gap between the importance we place on some of these experiences and Wheaton’s performance in them. Because of this gap, we asked current undergraduates to reflect on their own experiences and to share their thoughts about Wheaton’s current performance in the five categories in which importance most exceeded performance. While the survey shows a gap between performance and importance, these students’ comments hint that the gap is closing.

Wheaton’s current performance in the five categories in which importance most exceeded performance:

Skills and Training for Career 

James Sorensen ’19
International Relations and Economics

“Ever since I brought my bright blue resume to the CVC as a freshman, I’ve received extensive guidance that is preparing me for life after Wheaton. From participating in the sophomore career exploration series to completing mock interviews to meeting with my career coach who specializes in economics and international relations, I am confident that I have the training to be competitive in the top jobs in my field.” 

Spiritual Maturity

Victoria Greenwald ’18
Psychology Major, Journalism Certificate, English Minor

“Being an active participant in our regular chapel services, seeking wise counsel from professors through Dine with a Mind, and serving with the Office of Christian Outreach are just a few ways students at Wheaton engage their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. I’ve been involved in Discipleship Ministries, which is run by the Chaplain’s office, since I was a freshman, and I’ve seen spiritual flourishing in my own life and in the lives of the peers in my small groups as we set aside time to listen to Scripture and to each other. The mentor-ship structure of the program provides a space for spiritual maturation for every student, regardless of their starting point.”

Sensitivity to Social Problems

Grace Schonberg ’18
Applied Health Science, Spanish Minor

“Wheaton’s strength is that it provides opportunities for students to go beyond its campus to learn from surrounding communities. Several classes have given me tools to think about social issues. However, I’m most grateful for programs like Wheaton in Chicago, which pushed me beyond our campus to intern with a local nonprofit in the city and learn from the people I met there. My hope is that students continue to have opportunities to listen to other voices and perspectives.” 

Moral & Ethical Decision-making Ability

Michael McCraith ’19
Political Science and Communications

“I’ve found that faculty in the political science and international relations department are devoted to equipping students like myself to make Christ-honoring and practical decisions as we go out from Wheaton. I have had the opportunity to wrestle with complex issues to help train me for when the inevitable ethical tensions arise.”

Understanding of Diverse Ethnicities and Cultures

Stephen Watts ’18
Interdisciplinary Studies
(Political Science, Sociology, Economics)

“Students of many ethnicities gather in the Office of Multicultural Development (OMD), which has provided me with the clearest glimpse of what God’s future kingdom will look like. But OMD doesn’t act alone in this mission. International Student Programming, Student Activities Board, the Solidarity Cabinet, and others invite the entire community to share in cultural experiences foreign to them.”