A Word with Alumni

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Jerard Woods ’12

Photo by Mike Hudson

I’d like to start this piece with a question: What has Wheaton done for you lately? I fully recognize that this question can produce myriad responses (mostly positive, I hope), but I understand that’s not always the case. Often, our responses are heavily dictated by our experiences, and usually the most recent one wins out.

Why do I ask this question? When it came to considering whether to give to Wheaton, this was where my mind would initially go. My first reaction was based on my experiences with Wheaton, both past and present. If my current experiences weren’t ideal, my giving, or lack thereof, reflected that sentiment. I’m not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but it did cause me to reflect on my intentions. This helped me understand that my giving couldn’t only be about me. Serving in my current role as president of the Wheaton College Alumni Association has only enhanced that outlook.

For many of you, your generosity to Wheaton goes beyond measure, and for that we are grateful. When alumni 

give back, it shows that you’re willing to still participate in the journey because of what Wheaton has meant and still means to you. Yet there must be belief about and faith in what’s still to come. As much as Wheaton has accomplished, I believe the best of what God has made Wheaton to be and to offer is still ahead of us. That is why we are so excited and motivated about the Faithfully Forward campaign. With an emphasis on scholarships, library and athletics facilities renovations, and much more, it’s clear that the goal is looking ahead to a bigger picture of ongoing, Christ-centered work.

So, I now ask you a different question: What do you want Wheaton to become? Although all our individual experiences as alumni may be different, I do believe we can agree that we want the Wheaton of tomorrow to be greater than it is today. Your support will continue to make that happen. Thank you.