When I was hired as Wheaton magazine’s editor in January 2014, completing an award-winning redesign and publishing 11 consecutive issues of the magazine were mere aspirations. Being part of the Wheaton magazine legacy in sharing stories of God’s faithfulness over the past three and a half years has been a blessing and a joy beyond comprehension. 

This issue of will be my last as editor, as I am leaving Wheaton to attain a Ph.D. in Journalism in hopes that I may become a college professor someday. As I reflect, I can see how God prepared me for the thrills and challenges of producing a 64-page magazine during my communication classes and involvement with The Wheaton Record on campus. I can also see how God was preparing me through conversations with my faculty adviser, who encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in magazine journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. And now, after four years of ideation, innovation, and making memories as the editor of Wheaton magazine, I plan to carry Wheaton’s mission with me as I pursue the integration of faith and learning as a Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication doctoral student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 

I look forward to seeing how Wheaton magazine continues to evolve and grow under the leadership of Charles V. Audino M.A. ’16, the incoming editor and a History of Christianity Graduate School alumnus. You may recognize his name from the magazine’s masthead. He’s been consulting for the magazine for over a year, and has written and edited feature articles including “The Global Migration Crisis.” You can get to know him in his inaugural column at this link. 

While I will miss producing the magazine and sharing inspirational stories of Wheaton alumni, I find comfort in knowing that, as an alumna of Wheaton College, it’s not goodbye, it’s “see ya later.” As always, continue to send your stories, letters, photos, comments, and class news updates to editor@wheaton.edu, and share your favorite Wheaton magazine articles with friends and family using the social media icons at the top of each article page. This magazine wouldn’t be the same without you.

For Christ and His Kingdom,

Allison Althoff Steinke ’11