Few institutions of higher learning in America educate more qualified students more cost-effectively than Wheaton College. 

But in spite of this, the costs of higher education continue to outpace income, inflation, and federal tuition assistance. As a result, Wheaton College has been diligently working to remain accessible to the broadest possible spectrum of high-achieving Christian students. 

The College maintains its affordability through the prayerful, intentional, and efficient use of its resources; the generous stewardship of alumni, parents, and friends; and the devoted and at times sacrificial service of administrators, staff, and faculty members. 

The Wheaton Fund is fundamental to maintaining Wheaton’s affordability. An unrestricted annual fund made possible by the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends, the Wheaton Fund lowers the cost of educating every student by about $10,000 per student, per year. 

With a goal of $30 million, the Wheaton Fund is an essential component of the From the Heart, For the Kingdom capital campaign. 

“A Christ-centered curriculum and state-of-the-art buildings would accomplish little without an engaged, committed, and diverse student body,” says President Philip G. Ryken ’88. “Keeping Wheaton affordable for the young men and women whom the Lord calls from all over the world to study here is absolutely crucial if Wheaton is to thrive in the 21st century.” 

In December 2015, Dr. Laura Lou Ordway Brown ’06 and her husband, Randy, made a commitment to regularly support the Wheaton Fund as Wheaton Associates, following in the footsteps of Laura’s parents, Marvin and Linda Ordway, who became Wheaton Associates ten years ago. 

Laura is a pediatrician and Randy recently started medical school. They adopted a toddler nine months ago, and in January 2016 they welcomed a newborn son. 

The Browns want to keep Wheaton at the forefront of their “hearts and minds” and nurture a family atmosphere in which their children can grow up hearing about Wheaton. 

“We are a young couple with a lot of medical school debt,” says Laura. “But we want to do what we can to support the Wheaton Fund and help keep Wheaton affordable to all students.” 

“I was lucky,” says Laura. “I grew up in a home that was comfortable financially and emotionally. I have always believed that people who have been given a lot should give back a lot.”