I have been encouraged by the overwhelming response from alumni and friends of the College regarding the aesthetic and editorial presentation of the redesigned magazine both in print and online. It is a gift to have an alumni family so passionate about sharing their valuable opinions and their stories. I hope that the articles contained in this issue will evoke those memories and emotions reminiscent of your timeless experiences on campus, much like the editorial process of this issue has done for me. 

Our cover, a conceptual photograph captured by Thomas Wilder ’18, introduces our feature Q&A with Rev. Timothy Blackmon, the College’s sixth chaplain. As this issue came together, I was reminded of the hours spent in those Edman Chapel seats where I met numerous “chapel buddies,” attended concerts and recitals by Conservatory of Music faculty and students (including Keith and Kristyn Getty!), learned about faith and learning from speakers like N.T. Wright, John Piper ’68, Chaplain Emeritus Dr. Stephen Kellough ’70, and President Philip G. Ryken ’88. I also remember hours spent worshipping in All School Communion with my classmates, faculty, and friends. 

As Chaplain Blackmon states in his interview, “worship is the integral aspect of the Wheaton College curriculum.” Indeed, not only do I remember worshipful experiences in Edman Chapel, but I also remember the joy and fellowship that came with piling into the car to go cheer on our Wheaton hockey team as they competed in the playoffs and held “fan skates” after each Friday night game. I also remember my pre-med biology lab where prayers helped me make it through dissecting a pig. It was then that I decided I would never pursue a career in medicine, unlike several of my ambitious classmates and fellow alumni including Dr. Stanley Olson ’34, L.L.D. ’53—one of our oldest alumni at 101 years old!—featured in our “Mentoring, Medicine, and Missions” article.

All of these memories make me increasingly grateful for my Wheaton experience, and it is wonderful to hear from you that this gratitude is contagious. 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 

editor@wheaton.edu 

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