HoneyRock—The Outdoor Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College
HoneyRock, including its operations and academic programs, was folded into Wheaton’s new School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership led by Dean Ed Stetzer and Associate Dean Junias Venugopal. The change, which took place in September, introduces new opportunities and partnerships at the College and around the world. Wheaton Passage, a pre-orientation program, reached a record in enrollment with 289 incoming students in fall 2018. Passage plans to reintroduce a rock-climbing track for the 2019 program. In fall 2019, HoneyRock celebrates the 50th anniversary of Vanguard, High Road, and Wheaton Passage. Events will be held in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, and in Wheaton during Homecoming. HoneyRock concluded a third and final year of a study entitled “Impact of Summer Staff Employment on Camp Staff,” which surveyed over 15 camps nationwide. Preliminary findings show significant growth in leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, teamwork, and spirituality. A formal report will follow this spring.
WHEATON.EDU/HONEYROCK
Institute for Cross-Cultural Training
ICCT has, during the past year, worked with over 40 missions agencies around the world; served approximately 300 Christian missionaries and ministry volunteers; co-sponsored The ESL Ministry Conference at Moody Bible Institute to equip Christians in the Midwest who are involved in teaching English as a second language; hosted six workshops at Wheaton College to train Christians who are new to ESL teaching, including Wheaton students and other virtual participants from around the world; and conducted 38 online courses to assist missionaries in second language acquisition. In spring 2019, the Institute will host four more on-campus workshops for those who wish to be trained to teach English as a second language, including two opportunities to earn certificates. During the summer, ICCT will begin offering a non-credit online course entitled “Cross-Cultural Living and Ministry” for Christians who are new to cross-cultural ministry. Throughout the year, ICCT continues to offer online courses for second language acquisition, with courses starting every three weeks.
WHEATON.EDU/ICCT
Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies
WCECS will co-sponsor “Where Are the Women? Theology at Work in the World” in February featuring Wheaton alumnae with expertise in theology and ministry. Discussions will focus on what it means to be a Christian woman in the United States today and what unique challenges and opportunities shape women’s experiences in church and society. In April, the Center will co-sponsor the Wheaton Theology Conference and the Spring Colloquium of the Chicago Theological Initiative. The title of this year’s conference is, “'Who Do You Say That I Am?' Why the Humanity of Jesus Matters.”
WHEATON.EDU/WCECS
Center for Urban Engagement
CUE completed its first Wheaton in Chicago semester in Woodlawn during fall 2018. Also in the fall, CUE hosted Noel Castellanos, president of the Christian Community Development Association, and Kathy Edin, professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University. CUE also participated in the CCDA Conference in Chicago. The Aequitas Program in Urban Leadership launched in spring 2018, and CUE partnered with the Student Activities Office to base the 2018 Freshman Orientation Service Day in Woodlawn. Looking ahead, CUE will host WBEZ’s South Side Reporter Natalie Moore in January and sociologist Michael Emerson in February.
WHEATON.EDU/CUE
OTHER CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
Center for Applied Christian Ethics
Human Needs and Global Resources