Campus News

Wheaton College Receives State-of-the-Art Confocal Microscope

Wheaton College unveiled its brand-new confocal microscope in January, funded by a generous anonymous donor. Confocal microscopes are typically found at large research universities due to their substantial cost. This acquisition positions Wheaton College among a select group of primarily undergraduate institutions with such advanced research equipment. The cutting-edge instrument, valued between $400,000 and $500,000, serves the Departments of Biological and Health Sciences, Physics and Engineering, and Chemistry. It is located in the newly established Wheaton Microscopy Core in the Meyer Science Center. The microscope enables Wheaton’s science students to gain hands-on experience with sophisticated research equipment prior to pursuing advanced graduate degrees or industry careers in scientific research.

Black + Evangelical Premiere

Narrated and co-created by Professor of Theology Dr. Vincent Bacote, Black + Evangelical is a feature-length documentary profiling the history, struggles, and contributions of African American evangelicals. Two panels preceded the February screening in Barrows Auditorium, which was attended by approximately 275 viewers, including Wheaton students, staff, and faculty, as well as community members and individuals featured in the film. The documentary was made possible through a partnership between Wheaton’s Center for Applied Christian Ethics and Christianity Today, as well as with the help of private donors.

WheatonGives 2025

On April 9, Wheaton College made campus history during its annual giving day, with 1,668 givers rallying to raise one million dollars. This year’s theme, “The Power of One Small Gift,” highlighted the collective impact of donors regardless of gift size. Funds collected that day directly supported central aspects of the Wheaton community, including two $5,000 scholarships, various student groups and organizations, and athletic teams. Students, staff, and faculty were invited to engage with WheatonGives through interactive activities, complimentary food, and giveaways for fun prizes.

Externship Day

In early February, the Wheaton College Center for Vocation and Career held its seventh Externship Day, providing Wheaton students with the opportunity to shadow local employers, often Wheaton alumni, in various industries free of cost. This year, 117 students participated. The CVC organized 43 host locations for students to choose from, including nonprofit organizations, construction sites, high schools, financial management companies, and legal practices.

Opera Mainstage: Into the Woods

Wheaton’s 2025 Opera Mainstage production of Into the Woods ran from January 15–18. The musical tells the story of fairytale characters embarking on intertwined adventures that don’t go as planned. The cast, composed of students in the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and other departments, performed in the Armerding Concert Hall for captivated audiences.

Conservatory of Music Receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Every ten years, programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music undergo a rigorous review process. This comprehensive self-study process spans more than a year and culminates with an on-site team visit to the campus, including a thorough review of all curricular and operational conditions of the music offerings of the institution. In early 2024, Wheaton College successfully completed its latest NASM review and received a full and unqualified reaffirmation of accreditation.

Philosophy Symposium

In March, the philosophy department held its first symposium, featuring winners from the department’s annual student essay contest: Caleb Inman ’27, Christopher Kempen ’27, and Ethan Zimmerman ’25. Students presented and defended their winning papers at the event. Professor of Philosophy Dr. Adam Wood and Associate Professor of Philosophy Dr. Ryan Kemp also presented papers on Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love. The faculty argued opposing positions on what moral should be drawn from the text regarding the problem of evil.

Top 20 Alumni Networks

Wheaton College ranked #18 in The Princeton Review’s 2024 Top 20 Best Alumni Networks among private higher education institutions in the United States. The Princeton Review curated the list based on feedback from college students who rated alumni visibility and activity on their campuses. Wheaton also ranked #4 in The Princeton Review’s list for Friendliest Students.

Solar Panel Installation

In May, Wheaton College began constructing a solar panel system on portions of the roofs of Chrouser Sports Complex and Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, and on new carports to be built in the east Billy Graham Hall parking lot. Work will continue throughout the summer and completed by late fall. Led by Director of Facilities Jay Bieszke, the solar project will improve energy conservation on campus and contribute to Wheaton’s commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources.