Tory Gum didn’t even know the name of Blanchard Hall before he applied to work at the College. Interviewing against others with a Wheaton background, Tory faced some serious competition, but “something about him was so warm and inviting that we couldn’t say no,” says Director of Development Kevin Engel ’84.
Tory connects donors, alumni, and parents in the Southeastern states to Wheaton. He prays with and encourages them in life challenges, brings campus news, and presents giving opportunities. He also gets to sample some local specialties (such as shrimp and grits in Durham or gator in Louisiana) along the way.
“The sweet part of Wheaton,” Tory says, “is that it’s not a transactional exchange that happens on a business level. It’s such a thrill to hear alumni stories and to hear how God is taking them from this campus and touching people around the world.”
Back on campus, Tory taps into Wheaton’s heartbeat by going to chapel, playing basketball some mornings with President Ryken and others, and getting to know students. Working in the Development Department is incredibly meaningful, Tory says: “You get up every day knowing you’re going to help build a new performing arts center, or help a student—who doesn’t know they’re coming yet—with affordability.”