Meet Our GRAs
Ed Ban
Fischer Hall
Wheaton College
B.A., Psychology
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Ed Ban is excited to begin my journey as a GRA in Fischer Hall. Ed has very recently graduated from Wheaton College, earning his bachelor’s in psychology, but also pursuing Neuroscience as a side quest. A fun fact about Ed is that he is originally from Romania. Throughout his years at Wheaton, he has served in various ResLife positions. He is passionate about working with students, learning more about their culture and hobbies, but also having conversations about what life can look like at Wheaton, through highs and lows. He also loves talking about sports, especially football (the real one). Things that make life interesting: late night food runs, spontaneous trips around the city or country, and always rooting for the underdog
ed.ban.01@wheaton.edu
Fischer Hall info
Katie Hoppe
Fischer Hall
Wheaton College
B.S., Biology
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Katie Hoppe is a lifelong lover of learning and residence life. Serving as the second year GRA in Fischer Hall, Katie herself discovered passion for residence life ministry in Fischer Hall during her undergrad years. Pursuing her degree in Higher Education and Student Development, Katie longs to see students formed holistically, not just learning well in class but thriving as whole persons. She is joined in this season by her husband and college sweetheart, Tristan, and their cat, Kal. When not baking to feed students during game nights, Katie can be found talking high fantasy of Tolkien and Lewis, theology of the early church, or the intersection of science and faith illuminating the glory of God.
katie.hoppe.01@wheaton.edu
Fischer Hall info
Dafne Troia
Smith-Traber Hall
Moody Bible Institute
B.A., Communication and Media
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Dafne Troia is excited for her first year as GRA living in Smith-Traber. Dafne is a third culture kid, with Brazilian and Argentinian parents, born in Argentina, raised in India, Afghanistan and Turkey. Getting to hear people’s stories and how their different backgrounds and upbringing can impact one another is one of her passions. Dafne is a storyteller, whether it's writing, photography or video, she loves sharing a different perspective to those around her. Her love for higher education sprung from her experience as an undergraduate RA for two years at Moody Bible Institute. Dafne has a huge heart for people and good conversations. She loves getting to speak in other languages, eating good food that tastes like home, exploring the city of Chicago, playing soccer, drinking coffee, chai or mate.
Dafne.Troia.01@wheaton.edu
Smith-Traber Hall info
Andrew S. Backer
Smith-Traber Hall
Wheaton College
B.S., Physics with a minor in Mathematics
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Andrew Backer is returning for his second year as a GRA in Smith-Traber Hall as he pursues his master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Development. He grew up in Santa Clarita, CA and has come to embrace the Chicago winters since earning his B.A. in Physics with a minor in Mathematics at Wheaton College. His experiences in working in ResLife and at HoneyRock camp during his undergraduate degree have led him to pursue a master’s in Higher Education and Student Development. While not in class or working, Andrew loves to get together with friends, bake, ultra-endurance road bike, and read and write poetry. Having lived in Smith-Traber for three years during his undergraduate, Andrew is excited to return and walk alongside, learn from, and serve the incredible residents of Smaber.
andrew.backer.01@wheaton.edu
Smith-Traber Hall info
Carter Macfarlane
McManis-Evans Hall
Moody Bible Institute
B.A., Human Services and Pre-Counseling.
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Carter Macfarlane is a second year GRA in McManis-Evans Hall. At Wheaton, he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Development. Carter was born and raised in a small town, in Saskatchewan, Canada. But has also lived in both Nicaragua and Toronto for a period of time. He recently graduated from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago with a BA in Human Services and Pre-Counseling. He has a heart for people and a desire to integrate the gospel into the everyday aspects of life. He loves a great cup of coffee, being with friends, running, biking, and talking about life with the people he meets. Carter is excited about returning to his GRA position at Wheaton and hopes to be a part of the development of future Christian leaders, for the next generations.
carter.macfarlane.01@wheaton.edu
McManis-Evans Hall info
Makenna Kahler
Williston Hall
Northwest University
B.A., Communication
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Makenna Kahler is working as the GRA of Williston Hall while she pursues her master's degree in Higher Education and Student Development! Makenna was born and raised in the Seattle area, and as a true Pacific Northwest native, she loves rainy days and picks a favorite tree wherever she goes! She is a people person to the core and loves hanging out with her friends and her four younger siblings. She fell in love with working with students while she was an RA at Northwest University, where she earned her BA in Communication Studies. In her free time, she loves chasing sunsets, taking long walks, and having even longer conversations.
Makenna.Kahler.01@wheaton.edu
Williston Hall info