Magazine - Spring 2024

WHEATON

A strong sense of community

At Wheaton, we are committed to building community. One need only to attend an event on campus to witness the camaraderie, friendships and joy of being together—even among those who may not know each other very well.

I saw it this spring at the International Bazaar, in which students share their culture through food, dance, fashion and posters. I saw it during the annual Head of the Peacock Regatta,

where, with enough ingenuity by a crew of students working together, a handmade cardboard and duct tape boat can, indeed, float on water.

You will see it in this issue of the magazine, which is full of stories that illustrate the connections students make while on campus and the ties they maintain long after they leave. Those ties bring them back as alums and inspire them to reach out to each other in meaningful ways.

In Connecticut, for example, two alums from different generations ran into each other, bonded over common causes and worked together to get an affordable housing project off the ground (page 58). On campus in March, members of the Gentlemen Callers a cappella group returned to Wheaton for a weekend of events and a concert to celebrate their close ties (page 32). During

the fall, community was center stage during the rehearsal for the musical “Rent,” which featured a cast and production crew of 33 students (page 30).

One of the most powerful examples of community I’ve ever seen can be found in the connection that Zelda Zhao ’18 and Emily Conklin ’13 have made. Their paths had never crossed until recently but now they are closer than two people can be. That’s because one saved the other’s life—with a little help from

Wheaton’s community responding to a request and spreading the word about what was needed. Read their personal essays on pages 38 and 39. Enjoy.

Have a comment about the magazine or a story idea? Email magazine@wheatoncollege.edu

WHEATON MAGAZINE

Vol. 114, No. 2

Director of communications and magazine editor

Sandy Coleman

Designer

David Laferriere

Multimedia producer

Keith Nordstrom

Writer and associate editor

Troy Watkins Marketing coordinator

Sophie Clarkin ’23

Assistant vice president of marketing and communications

Michael Graca

Vice president for marketing and communications

Suzi Robinson

Wheaton, The Magazine of Wheaton College (ISSN 1068-1558), is published three times a year (winter, spring and fall) by Wheaton College and printed by Lane Press of Burlington, Vt. Periodicals postage paid at Norton, Mass., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766. Wheaton College © 2024

Students show off fashions from all over the world at the International Bazaar.

Creative crews work togethre to make boats for Head of the Peacock Regatta.

SANDY COLEMAN PHOTOS

A welcoming environment

Kindness and compassion matter in higher education, but are rarely discussed or valued. At Wheaton, we see these as essential ingredients in supporting our students who are pushing themselves to explore new fields and activities, build new skills and capacities, and imagine themselves and their possible futures anew. Students, alums and families regularly cite our caring and welcoming community as something that sets us apart. This year, we are building on that capacity with new outreach programs and a new scholarship initiative that make us proud.

The college’s supportive environment starts with faculty and staff members who are dedicated to assisting each student on their educational journey and fostering connections on campus. Class discussions, advising sessions, creative projects and scholarship, athletics and clubs create micro-communities that last long after graduation. Wheaton spirit is evident even to first-time campus visitors who remark upon the helpful directions they receive on their way from the parking lot, the greetings of passersby on the Dimple, and the friendly smiles of everyone they meet.

Wheaton’s welcoming nature also expresses itself in a variety of programs and resources designed to engage people and to improve the campus climate. The Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning, the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact, and the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life testify to this commitment. Organizations, such as the Diversity, Equity and Access Leadership (DEAL) committees and the Network for LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Support and Advocacy, facilitate the involvement of the entire campus, bringing students, faculty, and staff together to discuss

topics across differences and to strive for equity, inclusion, and belonging.

This year, the college’s Center for Collaborative Teaching and Learning has sponsored a series of workshops for faculty on inclusive pedagogy, an approach to teaching and learning that fosters an environment in which all students feel welcomed, valued, challenged and supported as whole people able to engage their authentic selves. This is an approach to teaching that has been shown nationally to be effective in helping students to successfully complete their degree. And programs such as the Elephant in the Room Talks series and the Empowered Bystander Training facilitate campuswide conversations about inclusion and augment the skills of students, faculty and staff to work and live together.

Wheaton’s Network for LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Support and Advocacy held its first-ever mini-conference, All Are Welcome: Collaborative Approaches to Building Inclusive Communities. The April 20 event brought Wheaton students, faculty and staff together with local public school teachers and students for discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion

and belonging best practices.

The depth of Wheaton’s commitment to this work is inspirational and something we should continue to build upon. In that spirit, I recently established the Wheaton Pride Scholarship. This new $2,500 scholarship, which will be awarded annually to two students who are actively engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts, signals Wheaton’s support for the LGBTQ+ community and allyship. At a time when LGBTQ+ people face increasing threats, including from legislation in some states, visible support from Wheaton is especially important. I hope that others will join me in endowing this fund for the future.

Wheaton opened its doors to provide advanced education to women at a time when few options were available. Today, our historical commitment to providing access to high-quality education for all of our students now embraces a diversity of identities and experiences. Students of color are 21 percent of enrolled students and first generation students are 20 percent. Times Higher Ed Impact rankings have placed Wheaton in the top 10 in the U.S. for gender equality and the top 25 for reducing inequities. The college is one of just 50 institutions nationwide to have achieved First Scholars status from the First Scholars Network for its support of first generation students. The Princeton Review ranks Wheaton 21st in the nation for supporting LGBTQ+ students.

Building on Wheaton’s welcoming and inclusive nature continues the tradition started nearly 190 years ago in ways that meet the challenges we face today. One of our strategic priorities calls for an ongoing effort to become a truly inclusive and equity-minded community. Endowing the Wheaton Pride Scholarship and fostering kindness and compassion will not only help the college achieve its strategic goal, but also advance our educational mission of abundant lives for all our graduates.

Michaele Whelan, president

KEITH NORDSTROM

LGBTQ+ scholarship established

A three-year, $30,000 pledge from President Michaele Whelan has created the Wheaton Pride Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to students with a demonstrated financial need who have records of service to and leadership in the LGBTQ+ community and who have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. All students are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

“I was inspired by the Ron and Betty Crutcher Scholarship for multicultural students with financial need, which I supported last year,” Whelan said. “With the rising threats facing LGBTQ+ people and increasing legislation in some states targeting trans children and families, I wanted to demonstrate in a tangible way that Wheaton supports and values the LGBTQ+ community and activism for this community.”

This new scholarship is part of Wheaton’s commitment to increasing scholarship funding to ensure a diverse and inclusive campus community, where

all students have access to a world-class, practice-based liberal arts education. Currently, 99% of Wheaton students receive some form of financial aid, with the total award averaging more than $53,000.

Susan Jenks Beard ’90, senior director of student financial services, cheered news of the scholarship.

“In my almost three decades of administering financial aid at Wheaton, the Wheaton Pride Scholarship is one of the most exciting and innovative funds I’ve been involved with,” she said. “Not only will this new fund further help financially needy Wheaton students, but it will demonstrate our commitment to the good and dedicated work that students are doing regarding LGBTQ+ advocacy and awareness. This is truly a wonderful scholarship opportunity.”

A strong financial aid program is critical to Wheaton’s ability to matriculate the brightest students. Named scholarships, whether endowed or annually funded, have proven to be an effective way for the college’s philanthropic alumni, parents

and friends to bolster the college’s financial aid offerings. The Wheaton Pride Scholarship complements a student aid portfolio of over 400 merit- and needbased scholarships.

“President Whelan’s three-year commitment, as the first donor, underscores her dedication and our college community’s commitment to fostering inclusion, belonging and diversity within Wheaton,” said Tony Laing ’96, a Wheaton trustee and assistant vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

“Personally, the Wheaton College Pride Scholarship resonates deeply with my own Wheaton experience as someone with intersectional identities—Black, gay, male—where I was not only respected as a scholar and student leader but also why I continue to give back in multiple volunteer roles. At Wheaton, I firmly believe that everyone’s unique identities are not only acknowledged but also celebrated.”

—William Walsh

DAVID LAFERRIERE

Pre-College summer launch

High school students who attend Wheaton Pre-College this summer will get a taste of the adventure of college-level study, the experience of living on campus, and, if they desire, athletic training from NCAA coaches.

The new four-week program, which runs from July 6 through August 2, offers students a range of academic subjects to explore, from artificial intelligence and nursing and health care to neuroscience, environmental science and electronic music production. Students may take the courses strictly to explore a topic of interest, or earn Wheaton credit for their work.

The program, which is open to rising high school juniors and seniors, also includes a unique offering: students may choose the student experience pathway, enrolling in two classes, or select the athlete experience pathway, which includes one course plus training with NCAA coaches in fencing, swimming or strength and conditioning.

“Wheaton believes in educating the

whole student, and we view athletics as complementary to academic pursuits. It can promote habits of mind that contribute greatly to success in the classroom and beyond,” said Joy McLaughlin, executive director of summer programming at Wheaton.

Wheaton fields both men’s and women’s teams in swimming and diving and in fencing. The pre-college program will have full use of Wheaton’s competition-quality pool and other athletic facilities, including a recently developed strength and conditioning center for varsity athletes.

Regardless of the pathway chosen, all students who are enrolled in the program will learn by doing, as well as through traditional study, reflecting the college’s historic commitment to experiential learning in undergraduate education.

“All our classes combine study and discussion with hands-on experiences because it’s the most impactful approach to learning,” McLaughlin said. “Whether working in the nursing lab using our patient virtual reality system or at an Audubon wildlife

sanctuary collecting samples, our courses provide practical engagement that enriches student learning.”

Beyond classes, all pre-college students will participate in college-life workshops designed to help them prepare for the transition from high school to college, covering topics from study/life balance, time management mastery and crafting compelling admission essays.

The program also includes the full campus living experience with its residential offering, as well as a commuter option. Students will have access to the college’s state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, live in its newest residence hall and eat in the award-winning dining facilities. Students also will have ample opportunity to connect with their peers outside of class time, particularly those who choose to live on campus. In addition, the program includes evening activities and weekend trips to nearby destinations, such as Boston and beaches in Newport, R.I. —Michael Graca

The Wheaton Pre-College program offers a complete college experience—academics, residential life and athletics.

KEITH NORDSTROM

AROUND THE DIMPLE

A minute with…Eoin Morrissey ’27

Eoin Morrissey ’27 is in Wheaton’s inaugural Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, majoring in nursing with a concentration in health care administration. Charting a course with many possibilities: “I always knew that I wanted a career in health care and as I have gotten older, I have seen all the opportunities that a major and career in nursing can provide. As a nurse you can be on the front lines in hospitals, you can do nursing research to improve the practices of the profession, or you can educate the next generation of nurses.”

Extending a helping hand: “My goal in life is just to help others, and developing a career in health care is a great way to do that. I knew that Wheaton’s nursing program was for me after I met the great nursing staff and saw the brand new facilities that have been put in place. The nursing program faculty and staff have been great since the moment I met them. They are constantly there to support my fellow students and me. Their enthusiasm is infectious and it has made me excited to come to class every day and learn.”

Equipped for success: “I definitely feel like I have been set up for success within the nursing program. There are so many cool lab spaces to take part in hands-on activities for learning. Our professors are all experienced in the field of nursing and are really passionate about helping people as well as teaching the next generation of nursing students. I am most excited about the simulation labs that we will be learning in. The equipment we will be using is top of the line and it will allow us to simulate many scenarios that we will see in the workforce.” Gaining a broader perspective: “I am also excited for our study abroad opportunities in the summers between semesters. The nursing program has study abroad experiences planned for the 2025 and 2026 summers. We will learn and work in hospitals all over the world while being able to see the many differences in health care. This excites me because I will see others' ideas on best medical practices and hopefully implement those in my own career.”

Providing equal treatment: “My professors have emphasized the word ‘equity’ in the classroom so far during my time at Wheaton. I have learned that some people need more support when it comes to their health and that it is our job as nurses to provide that equitable care. The Wheaton

nursing program has shown me that as a nurse you have to be able to accommodate people’s differences. It is our job as nurses to make sure that everyone in our care gets the best care we can give them.”

—Advancement staff

MLK celebration notes great work

Each year, nominations are sought for the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award. Traditionally, awards are given to a student and to a faculty or staff member who exemplify King’s values through their actions and leadership. This year, the work on campus was so great that the recognition was broadened to include a student, a STEM leadership group and a team of workers.

The award winners were announced at the 2024 MLK Legacy Celebration held on Feb. 22, 2024 in Weber Theatre. They are: Jada Prinopoulos-Taylor ’24; the six members of the Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence Leadership team; and 36 members of the Building Services team.

“The expansion of the award this year is a positive development because it recognizes a larger number of recipients. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, which are essential for success,” said Luis Paredes, associate vice president for institutional equity and belonging. “By acknowledging the collective efforts of groups, the award emphasizes the value of diverse contributions and the potential of working together toward common goals.”

The winning STEM leadership team includes: professors Jani Benoit, John Collins, Rachelle DeCoste, Jessie Knowlton and Juvenal Lopez, and Raquel Ramos, dean of the Marshall Center for

Intercultural Learning.

The Building Services staff members who received the Legacy Award are: Ana Oliveira, Antelmo Dos Santos, Brenda Bissonnette-Cwiek, Christine Lincks, Dianne Santos, Dolores Albernaz, Fernando Gomes, Filomena Neves, Helia Feliciano, Hon Yu Chan, Janet McDermott,

Janet Sebetes, Luisa Madeira, Margarida Clementino, Maria Camara, Maria Carvalho, Maria Fonseca, Maria Nunes, Maria Reis, Maria Vasconcelos, Maryellen Barrett, Mathew Parker, Nicholas Santos, Omar Amado, Peter Mahoney, Peter Sena, Ronald Dalton, Ryan Barre, Sami Milloshi, Sungsook Charpentier, Susan Chicoine, Zelia Sousa, William Scott, Luis Amado, Maria Correia and Tracy Garafano. —Sandy Coleman

Luis Paredes, associate vice president for institutional equity and belonging (above, left), with STEM leadership team awardees Raquel Ramos, dean of the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning, and professors

Jani Benoit and Jessie Knowlton at the MLK celebration

William Dickerson II, co-executive director of the Massachusetts Communities Action Network (left), delivers the keynote address “Say Yes to Liberation.”

The Building Services staff members (below) receive a Legacy Award.

PHOTOS BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Understanding vernal pools

Macey Poitras-Cote ’25 contributes to professor’s research

Standing on snow-covered ground near the entrance of Wheaton Woods one January morning, Macey Poitras-Cote ’25 and Professor of Chemistry and Geology Matthew Evans worked together to collect water and gas samples from a vernal pool.

Professor Evans has been researching the chemistry of vernal pools for years to develop a better understanding of the impact of the combined pressures of development and climate change. Poitras-Cote has been helping him, including during her three-week funded winternship.

“My main responsibility was to go out to our sites and collect gas samples from the pools. I enjoyed going out in the field and spending some time being outside in nature,” said Poitras-Cote, who also analyzed data.

During winter break, Wheaton students engage in experiential learning opportunities that are funded through a variety of sources that fulfill the Wheaton Edge promise to support students

undertaking internships, research and volunteer work.

Poitras-Cote, who is majoring in environmental science with a concentration in chemistry, became interested in Evans’s work her sophomore year when he became her advisor.

“What really drew me in was the aspect that there was a lot to look at and take away with the data collected,” she said.

Vernal pools are small seasonal bodies of water formed from melting snow or rainfall. Evans has been looking at how much carbon dioxide and methane gas is being released from the pools and how gas fluxes change over time. Carbon dioxide and methane can affect the environment, including air quality, and are two

important greenhouse gases.

“The most beneficial thing I learned during this experience was how to be confident with my decisions and problem-solving,” Poitras-Cote said. “I have done research with Professor Evans for a year now, but this opportunity was different in the fact that I had to do it independently. When I was the only one in the lab and out in the field, I had to deal with any issues that came up.”

“The Compass curriculum has helped me with this opportunity because without it I would not have the skills and knowledge that have contributed to my success during this experience,” she said.

Poitras-Cote’s “Chemistry of Natural Waters” and “Ecology and Conservation Biology” courses have been particularly helpful. In the former, she had to collect gas samples in the lab in a way similar to the method required for the research work. The latter set her up for successfully organizing and analyzing data using Excel.

Noting that a degree in environmental science will provide her with many career options, Poitras-Cote said the winternship “helped solidify the fact I want to be doing hands-on lab work in the future as well as fieldwork.”

—Sandy Coleman

Macey Poitras-Cote ’25 works with Professor of Chemistry and Geology Matthew Evans in a lab in the Mars Center for Science and Technology and in Wheaton Woods (below), researching gas samples from vernal pools during her winternship.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Prabidhi Malla ’26 gains advocacy skills at Project Insulin

When Eric Moyal, executive director of Project Insulin, visited the “Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation” class at Wheaton last spring to talk about his nonprofit, biology major Prabidhi Malla ’26 found the mission so intriguing that she wanted to intern there.

Project Insulin is a Providence, R.I.-based nonprofit seeking to create a generic insulin that is more affordable as a matter of health care equity. She got a chance to work with the organization through a funded winternship starting in December 2023 and January 2024, and she continued to gain experience through May.

During winter break, Wheaton students have a chance to engage in experiential learning opportunities that are

funded through a variety of sources that fulfill the Wheaton Edge promise to support students undertaking internships, research and volunteer work.

“Many of my experiences and volunteer work mirror the commitment that Project Insulin strives for—providing accessible health care to diverse communities,” said Malla, who is a May Fellow, co-chair of the Student Government Association’s Intercultural Board and co-president of the Pre-Health Society at Wheaton.

Working remotely, her responsibilities include attending meetings and taking notes, helping to develop pitches for events and conducting research that supports fundraising for Project Insulin. She also assists in developing and executing social media strategies and connecting

with potential experts for podcasts.

“My role revolves around extensive insulin research, fundraising efforts and fostering discussions on this critical health care topic, which are essential for my career interests as it gives me a pathway to create connections with experts in health care,’’ said Malla, who hopes to work in the medical field.

“As a biology major, it’s important that I learn to critically analyze the different drug developments, and Eric has been exposing me to different proposals that Project Insulin has. I have been learning and understanding different terminology and I was introduced to assessing proposal quality,” she said.

—Sandy Coleman

Prabidhi Malla ’26 had a virtual winternship with Project Insulin.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Elsie Carson-Holt ’24 writes about her newspaper winternship

The first time I was published in my local newspaper, the Kitsap Sun, was when I was 13 years old. I had written a letter to the editor advocating for the release of a captive killer whale, originally from the Puget Sound, where I lived, from a marine park in Miami.

My letter (unsurprisingly) did not lead to the release of that whale, but it did further my interest in writing and journalism. Most importantly, it taught me about the value of local papers—to represent and inform community members, no matter their age.

I am now pursuing a double major in English and political science with a minor in journalism. I have held two media

I wrote about issues that mattered to the community that I had grown up in—a community that helped raise me.

internships, I am the managing editor of the Wheaton Wire and I plan to become a reporter after graduating from Wheaton. When considering my winter break plans, I decided I wanted to work as a reporting intern for the Kitsap Sun. Thanks to Wheaton winternship funding, I got to do just that.

At the Kitsap Sun, I focused on issues primarily in my hometown of Bainbridge Island, Wash., but also in Kitsap County. Working at the newspaper was a deeply rewarding experience.

I wrote about issues that mattered to the community that I had grown up in—a community that helped raise me. It led to me attending events such as the annual Mochi Tsuki Festival, an event with a rich history that celebrates the new year and Japanese Americans’ contributions to Bainbridge. I went to school board meetings and met with superintendents about school reconstructions and bonds and levies. I interviewed a woman who

decided to start a blues and jazz festival called PB&J in a town near me. I was able to practice my journalistic and reporting skills in a variety of ways, from writing short and quick pieces on a deadline to conducting a plethora of research and interviews so I could write longer indepth pieces.

My editor, David Nelson, was always incredibly supportive of my writing and ideas. He listened to my pitches, explained things and provided help when I asked, and did whatever was needed to strengthen my writing. He is someone who is also clearly deeply involved in the community his newsroom is based in, a model for reporters everywhere.

Although I worked at the newspaper for only a brief time, I definitely can say that my writing and reporting skills have been enriched by the experience. I feel very grateful to have gotten the chance to do strong reporting in local print media, especially in a time that is bleak for young reporters like myself, when it seems like there are so many headlines about jobs being cut at news organizations and newspapers shutting down.

The fact that I got to hone my writing, reporting and research skills while producing work that engaged and educated people in the community I grew up in is invaluable.

—Elsie Carson-Holt ’24

Elsie Carson-Holt ’24, at home, reads the Kitsap Sun , which she wrote for during her winternship.

Grant helps inclusive art initiatives

Elizabeth Hoy was in college when she learned about the late Cuban-American artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres, who is known for creating installations from everyday objects. “His work completely changed my idea of what constitutes art,” she says.

Now, as director of Wheaton’s Beard and Weil Galleries, Hoy is thrilled that not only did she get to display GonzalezTorres’s work but the college also will benefit from transformative programming in the galleries because of a newly awarded $13,215 grant associated with exhibiting his work.

Gonzalez-Torres’s “Untitled” (L.A.) was part of the exhibition “Fragile Vessels: Contemporary Ceramics and the Body,” which ran from January 24 through April 5. The installation, which consisted of a strip of green cellophane-wrapped candies placed on the floor, was loaned to the galleries through Art Bridges.

The nonprofit works to expand public access to American art in all regions of the United States. In borrowing “Untitled”

(L.A.), Hoy was eligible to apply for a Learning and Engagement Project grant from Art Bridges. The funding has supported several inclusive initiatives in the galleries.

The first of these was an LGBTQ+ celebration, held on April 5. Planned by a working group of students, faculty and staff in collaboration with Wheaton’s LGBTQ+ Network, the event brought together the college’s LGBTQ+ community and their friends, families and allies for an evening of art, dance and music.

“We are also creating a display of Wheaton LGBTQ+ artwork, documents, objects, flyers and ephemera from the college archives and Permanent Collection,” Hoy said.

The funding also will support Hoy and her staff in taking a closer look at the accessibility of the galleries. She plans to create a working group of campus stakeholders to examine ways to improve access for all visitors. She also hopes to bring in a consultant and plans to work

with design majors to develop solutions.

“I want to consider the needs of disability communities, beginning with the journey to the gallery space [physical or digital] and ending, hopefully, with a desire to return,” said Hoy.

Lastly, the grant helped to lower financial barriers for students in Hoy’s spring semester visual art and design senior seminar to create artwork in response to Gonzalez-Torres’s piece. During the seminar, students learned about the artist and his work and spent time with “Untitled” (L.A.) in the galleries. Students then were able to apply for funds to help them create their own works to display on campus.

The director is grateful to Art Bridges for giving her the opportunity to expand programming and open the galleries to new and diverse audiences. “We want to create a space on campus that allows for open discussion, shared ideas and positive movement toward a more equitable future,” Hoy said.

—Mary Howard ’85

Elizabeth Hoy, left, Beard and Weil Galleries director, and students Tesfay Saleh-Batts ’24 and Armani Santana ’25 work with Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s interactive installation, which is made up of individually wrapped candy that viewers are invited to take.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Sun Chronicle features efforts to address food insecurity

Food insecurity on college campuses has been described as an invisible epidemic that can be a barrier to success in learning environments. Wheaton has been addressing the challenge through several initiatives, including a food pantry that is available to all students.

The front page news story “Local colleges stepping up to address hunger in college students,” published in The Sun

“We partner with student groups such as Hungry Lyons to increase community awareness of food insecurity on campus and beyond our campus.”

Leonard Breton, director of the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact

Chronicle (Attleboro, Mass.), noted the work being done at Wheaton and on other campuses.

Leonard Breton, director of the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact, is quoted in the story. He shared the background on the pantry and other initiatives that are underway in partnership with the Dean of Students Office and Dining Services. In addition to the food pantry, Wheaton also participates in Swipe Out Hunger, a meal-sharing program in which students can donate meal swipes for dining on campus.

“We partner with student groups such as Hungry Lyons to increase community awareness of food insecurity on campus and beyond our campus,” Breton said. “At the end of each semester, we have begun to host donation drives to support not only our pantry, but also a local pantry in Norton.”

The Wheaton pantry is located in Wallace library and receives philanthropic support from The Marjorie Judith McNamara Bland ’62 Emergency Discretionary Endowed Fund. It is staffed by interns Abbie Cramer ’26, a film and new media studies major, and Daniela Peña ’26, a neuroscience major.

The two students, who help keep the pantry fully stocked with food, toiletries and personal hygiene products, shared their experiences in a “Through the Student Lens” Wheaton blog post.

“Through our work, we support students who struggle to have access to good, healthy and culturally appropriate food through advocacy and awareness. The

pantry was established to alleviate stress for students with food and hygiene insecurity and bring education about these insecurities to the Wheaton campus,” Cramer said.

Both said they focus on making the space inclusive and accessible.

—Sandy Coleman

The Wheaton Food Pantry was envisioned by a team of students and staff sharing a common goal of alleviating hunger on campus through advocacy and direct support.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Professor apprentices with alum swordsmith to sharpen knowledge

As part of an effort to better understand the culture of sixth- through eighthcentury England and Scandinavia, in summer and fall of 2023 I offered myself as an apprentice to my former student, Jamie Lundell ’03. He is a professional swordsmith and winner of the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” competition.

Jamie taught me how to make an AngloSaxon sword. Working in his Dragon's Breath Forge in Wolcott, Conn., we welded seven layers of steel into a billet, which we drew into a rod and twisted, and then re-welded it into another billet, which we hammered to the size and shape of a blade before grinding and polishing it. We then cast molten silver into “lost-wax” molds, inset garnets, twisted wire and carved horn, and then cut, polished and assembled all 29 of these pieces into a hilt.

Much of my work was as “striker,” the less-skilled

worker who repeatedly hits the hot metal with a hammer under the critical eye of the swordsmith.

This remarkable experience gave me new insight into the culture in which the poem Beowulf was created. It is one thing to read how many hours of labor are thought to be required to make a sword; it is quite another to spend even a small fraction of those hours in front of a roaring forge in the middle of July, singeing the hair off your knuckles while repeatedly striking orange-hot metal with a 12-pound hammer until your shoulder burns and the sweat blurs your vision; and then starting over when a defect appears in the steel.

Performing this labor made me recognize the enormous quantity of knowledge (transmitted orally, never written down) necessary for smith-craft, and I came to appreciate, in a very visceral

way, the immense labor performed by people who are utterly invisible in the literature I study: the anonymous workers who made the swords and helmets and coats of chainmail (and nails, horseshoes and shovels).

Their creations were greatly valued, but because they were not warriors or nobles, their names are forgotten. While laboring at a forge cannot recover them as individuals, perhaps it reanimates just a bit of their identities as workers and artisans.

This experience with materiality was also valuable in a more traditional academic sense. There are several enigmatic words in Beowulf that describe sword blades, including attor-tan (poison twigs).

No one knew what a “poison twig” pattern looked like until, perhaps, now: the pattern on the blade of the sword Jamie and I made looks very much like twigs with sharp thorns.

—Frances A. Shirley Professor of English Mike Drout

Jamie Lundell ’03, left, took in an apprentice, Professor of English Michael Drout, right, to give him a better understanding of swordsmithing.

Professor Kim Miller equips students to negotiate at work

According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, most U.S. workers said they did not negotiate for a higher salary than what was offered the last time they were hired for a job. Professor of the History of Art Kim Miller teaches a course at Wheaton that seeks to change that. In her “Learn to Negotiate” course, students acquire strategies for successful negotiations in their future careers. The course explores the societal factors driving income inequality and pay disparity in the U.S., and the historical and current efforts to combat the race- and genderbased pay gap. Wheaton magazine editor Sandy Coleman asked Professor Miller a few questions.

What inspired you to teach a course about negotiation skills?

“As a graduate student, I was lucky to have a group of mentors who taught me how to negotiate when I got my first job offer. As a result, I started my career by successfully negotiating on my own behalf. In the years that followed, I was surprised to find out that most people I met did not negotiate—sometimes not ever. … At first I designed and taught negotiation workshops to my students in my senior seminars, as a measure to help prepare them for life beyond Wheaton. I often partnered with Career Services and Alumni Relations on these efforts, and students frequently told us that learning how to negotiate was one of the most valuable skills they learned at Wheaton. … Every semester I hear from at least one alum who writes to tell me that the workshop helped give them the confidence to speak up for themselves at work, to ask for better treatment or compensation, and in a few cases, gave them the courage to find another job when they did not feel sufficiently valued. This feedback inspired me to design a semester-long course about negotiation and equity in the workplace.”

Why is understanding income inequality important in this context?

“Negotiation in the context of work is really about three things: self advocacy, feeling like you are valued at work and income equality. Most students have heard about the wage gap before coming into class, and yet nearly all of them believe it will not affect them. It will! So we spend considerable time talking about societal factors driving income inequality and pay disparity in the United States, with an intersectional focus. We also cover related and relevant content, such as historical and current efforts to combat the pay gap, including labor organizing and legislative efforts. It’s important for students to understand this history, as well as the ongoing reality and harm of the pay gap today.”

What key principles or strategies do you emphasize in your teaching of negotiation?

“Identify your BATNA [best alternative to a negotiated agreement] or, as my former negotiation coach told me, your ‘deal breaker.’ Prioritize what you want and start the negotiation with your most

important ‘ask’ [this is usually, but not always, to increase base salary]. Make your ‘why I'm worth more’ list. I mean write down a list. Rehearse it, believe it and use it in the negotiation. And we talk about the importance of being an ally—at work and in the negotiation process.”

What are some common challenges students face when learning to negotiate?

“They are afraid of feeling awkward—not just during the negotiation, but afterward while at work with the same colleagues they negotiate with [especially if the negotiation did not go in their favor]. Students who identify as female, and students of color, are aware of the gendered and racialized dynamics in negotiation, and they might feel an added pressure based on their own identities. And because negotiation is a new experience for most of them, they often express a lack of confidence about what to say, or how to begin.”

How do you encourage students to practice negotiation skills?

“I love bringing alumni together in panel presentations for my classes. For this one, I ask former students to talk about their

Professor of the History of Art Kim Miller teaching her “Learn to Negotiate” course KEITH

PUBLICATIONS, HONORS AND CREATIVE WORKS

Faculty

Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus, professor of religion, wrote “Food and Religious Rituals” published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Food Studies in April.

Delvyn Case, professor of music, was honored to have his orchestral overture “Rocket Sleigh” performed by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops holiday concerts at Symphony Hall in December 2023.

Jonathan Chow, assistant professor of political science, co-wrote “Enabling Pariahs: China's Support of Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia for Geopolitical Advantage” included in Asian Survey in January.

Andrew Davinack, assistant professor of biology, in March was awarded a Community Research Grant by the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance to examine temporal changes in parasite load and composition within oysters collected from a tidally restricted area of the Herring River. The project will involve sampling of oysters in Cape Cod from May 2024 to May 2025 and will be the most extensive continuous study of mud-blister disease ever undertaken for any oyster harvesting region on the East Coast.

Linda Eisenmann, professor of education and history, wrote the chapter “The Myth of Gender Dominance in Higher Education” in 23 Myths About the History of American Schools (Teachers College Press) published in April.

Professor Gail Sahar writes about blame, obesity drugs in Psychology Today

She explores whether new weight loss medicines will shift stigma around the struggle

It is human nature to assign fault for real or perceived societal problems. In the case of obesity, attributing blame to individuals rather than to the complexity of factors that contribute to the struggle fuels the stigma around the disease that affects more than 40 percent of the U.S. population, according to Professor of Psychology Gail Sahar.

What will happen regarding attitudes now that there is an armory of new medical options being introduced in the weight loss battle? In her February column for Psychology Today, titled “Thinking Socially,” she explores this and other thought-provoking questions in “How Will Weight Loss Drugs Affect Obesity Stigma? Americans have long blamed the overweight. That might be about to change.”

Pointing out that Oprah Winfrey has talked about the blame and shame she has experienced from others, as well as herself, over the years before her recent dramatic weight loss, Sahar writes: “Americans tend to have particularly negative attitudes toward the overweight when they blame the individual for the problem.”

“The longstanding American belief that obesity is the fault of the individual is being challenged by new weight loss drugs that have become all the rage. These drugs are shifting the narrative about obesity from a willpower problem to a biological one,” continues Sahar, who studies attitudes about controversial social issues.

“Though it is too early to tell what effects this change will have on society, it is likely that the shame associated with being overweight will decline. When something is out of one’s personal control, it is generally not stigmatized.”

—Sandy Coleman

Nancy Kendrick, professor of philosophy, was a panelist for a discussion of the recently published biography Merze Tate: The Global Odyssey of a Black Woman Scholar that was presented by the Strand Bookstore and The New Historia in New York in February.

own negotiation experiences at work. Their stories are incredible, and they make me so proud. When my current students hear from and speak to alumni, it helps make the experiences more real for them. They remember the details. I also use classroom time to practice negotiation exercises and role play with the students— for example, I might give them scripts and ask them to role play in small groups or in pairs. It’s awkward! But better to be

awkward in the classroom, where it’s OK to stumble over one’s words a bit, than to do it for the first time with your real job. Practicing gives them increased confidence and competency with scripts, and with successful negotiation strategies.”

What are your top tips for successful negotiation?

“Research. Practice. Understand yourself, your core values, and how you hope to see

Ellen McBreen, professor of the history of art, wrote the book chapter “Bathers unmoored” in Matisse and the Sea (Hirmer Publishers and Saint Louis Museum of Art) published in January.

those values reflected in your work. Know when to walk away.”

What is the most important lesson you hope students gain from the class?

“To believe in themselves and to use their voices to advocate for themselves and for others.”

Great play-by-play

Jackson Walsh’s talent for announcing games is loud and clear

In high school, Jackson Walsh ’25 was the scoreboard operator at soccer games—until the school's athletic director realized that he had a great voice for the mic. He asked Walsh if he wanted to take on the role of public address announcer at the games.

Walsh was happy to oblige. Later, he began announcing field hockey games on YouTube Live and then transitioned to broadcasting football games for his school in Rhode Island.

“Broadcasting was something I was always kind of thinking about getting into,” said Walsh, a member of Wheaton’s baseball team. “I would always watch Providence basketball games and I fell in love with watching Gus Johnson doing the games on FOX Sports. I loved his energy and it makes the game awesome. It was something I could see myself doing in the future, but I never took it that seriously until I started doing the play-by-play and I realized that I really liked it.”

When Walsh began at Wheaton, he

expressed his desire to broadcast games and shared a sample of his work. Alan Wickström, the director of athletics communication, asked him to do the play-by-play for a field hockey game and he has continued since.

“Wheaton is extremely fortunate to have someone like Jackson broadcasting our home events,” said Men's Basketball Head Coach Brian Walmsley. “I watch a lot of D3 webcasts online and you would be hard-pressed to find a more professional and informed student broadcaster in the entire country. I have had so many positive comments about the quality of our broadcasts from our alums, families and friends of Wheaton basketball.”

Walsh, who is a digital media and communications major, does his homework to prepare for broadcasting, especially in sports he is unfamiliar with. The Wheaton pitcher watches these sports on either past Olympic broadcasts or NCAA championship events. He talks to members of the teams to understand the lingo and learn. He compiles pages of notes on both teams in the game he broadcasts, looking for trends, looking at season results or past games with common opponents to get an idea of what to

expect in the game.

“Jackson is such an integral part of our community, especially for basketball,” said men's basketball player Ty Murphy ’25. “He has often told me how fun it is to call our games because he used to play in high school and still loves the game. Whenever the team is in film, we all tune in to hear his calls because you never know what amazing one-liner he might pull out of the bag. Whether it's, ‘Onions!’ or the team's personal favorite, ‘This place is a nuthouse! Don't go anywhere!’ after a big shot and a timeout from the other team.

“It is also great to hear the positive feedback from parents and others who stream the game. Everybody loves how enthusiastic and professional he takes his job; I believe that separates him from the rest. I feel very fortunate to have him both as an announcer and as a friend,” Murphy said.

Walsh's impact on campus also has been recognized beyond the Department of Athletics. In 2023, he was named the Student Employee of the Year in Community Building by the Student Employment Program and Financial Services division on campus. —Athletics staff

Jackson Walsh ’25, right, a digital media and communications major and a pitcher on the men’s baseball team, has become the voice of athletics.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Olivia Macdonald ’24 wins solo free title

Artistic swimmer Olivia Macdonald ’24 became the first Lyon in school history to capture the women’s solo free title at the 2024 USA Artistic Swimming National Collegiate Championship held in Lewisville, Texas, in February.

Macdonald won the event, handily, defeating a pair of former Olympians— one from Stanford University and one from Ohio State University. The Wheaton rookie was judged on her elements, artistic impression, synchronization, as well as her choreography and music, performance and transitions.

The individual national crown for Macdonald is the first individual national title earned by a Wheaton student-athlete since Ashante Little ’14 placed first in the 400 meters to capture the title at the 2014 NCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Championship. There also were other notable wins in the pool. The women’s 400-yard

Women’s track and field team finishes strong

Michaina Loriston ’26 won the 100-meter race and placed third in the 200 meters to help the Wheaton women’s track and field team finish fourth at the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women’s Track and Field Championship held in April at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.

Loriston posted personal-record times in both the 100 (12.23 seconds) and 200 meters (25.27 seconds). Senior Schyler

freestyle relay placed second to help the women’s swimming and diving team place third overall in the 2024 New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the Zesiger Center Pool in Cambridge, Mass.

Wheaton won the silver medal in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a season-best time of 3:28.02.

Lily Watson ’24 placed third in the 100-yard freestyle with a personalrecord time of 51.71 seconds. Morgen Coughlin-Doyle ’25 placed fifth in the one-meter board event.

Wheaton concluded the meet with eight medals, including a gold, a pair of silvers and five bronze medallions. Watson led the way, winning the 500-yard freestyle and a bronze in the

100-yard freestyle. She also helped the Lyons capture silver in the 800-yard freestyle relay as well as a second silver in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

—Athletics staff

Michaina Loriston ’26

Wyse ’24 won a silver medal in the 200 meters, with a time of 25.23 seconds. Savanna Vargas ’27 was outstanding in both races for Wheaton, finishing

fourth in the 100 meters with a time of 12.37 seconds and eighth place in the 200 meters at 25.91 seconds.

—Athletics staff

Other highlights:

• Amanda Castaldi ’26 won a gold medal after recording the top time (15.03 seconds) in the 100-meter hurdles.

• Jaz Vanderhoof ’26 placed first in the 10,000 meters with a winning time of 37:54.79.

• Vargas, Wyse, Kate Wickenheisser ’26 and Emily Zielinski ’25 powered Wheaton’s championship-winning 4X100 relay entry, with a combined time of 48.19 seconds.

• Kristen DiBella ’26 won silver in the 400-meter hurdles with a personalrecord time of 1:08.60.

• Wheaton’s 4X400-meter relay finished third with a time of 4:07.67, thanks to the efforts of Wickenheisser, Wyse, Jessie Dickson ’27 and Maya Thomas ’27.

Artistic swimmer Olivia Macdonald ’24

KEITH NORDSTROM

KEITH NORDSTROM

Winter Fest fun

The second annual celebration of the winter season in December 2023 featured fun, food and carriage rides.

Middle East insights

A panel discussion held on Dec. 5, 2023, featured Bridgewater State u niversity professors, who provided invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of the Middle East, covering aspects of the region’s political, cultural and religious landscape.

KEITH NORDSTROM

KEITH NORDSTROM

Student Creativity Showcase Awards

As part of the MLK Legacy Celebration in February, students submitted work for a creativity showcase. Prizes were presented based on originality, creativity, relevance and clarity. First place went to Elias Stevens ’25; second to Jacob Packard ’27; and third to Harrison Rios ’24.

International Women's Day Luncheon

The Institutional Equity and Belonging office, Women's and Gender Studies, the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact, and the Center for Global Education sponsored a luncheon in March to celebrate the significance of women's contributions to promote a more inclusive and equitable society. Donna Kerner (right), professor emerita of anthropology and women's studies, and Kersti Yllo (left), professor emerita of sociology spoke at the event. Invited panelists included Amina Morgan ’23, and Wheaton staff members Raquel Ramos, Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning dean; Suzi Robinson, vice president for marketing and communications; and Desnee Stevens, associate director of International Student Services.

Getting involved

Students gathered in Clark Recreation Center in February for the Student Activities Fair to check out more than 100 groups, organizations and theme houses for opportunities to pursue their passions.

KEITH NORDSTROM

KEITH NORDSTROM

KEITH NORDSTROM

Out of this world

Emily Martin ’06 credits her Wheaton experience with launching her career in the study of the solar system

By Christianna McCausland

For some, the path to college and through to a career is a straight line. For Emily Martin ’06, it has been a meandering journey. That is perhaps fitting given that now, as a research geologist in the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., she spends her days exploring the unknown.

“I feel like many kids of my generation spent a lot of time figuring out how to get to college,” she says, “but we didn't spend a lot of time figuring out what we were going to do once we got there.”

Martin has worked at CEPS since 2014 (having done her postdoctoral work there, too), where her research focuses on the geology of the icy planets and moons of the outer solar system. She says her experience at Wheaton, especially with its strong emphasis on the liberal arts, was pivotal in shaping her career.

When she arrived at college, she spent most of her time navigating the core courses—freshman seminars as well as

writing and language courses. She considered pursuing the social sciences.

“I just wanted to try different things and see what stuck,” she recalls.

She ended up taking a course on the solar system that then led to a course about the universe, where she met the head of the Physics Club.

A slide from a faculty lunch talk Emily Martin ’06 and Professor Geoffrey Collins co-presented

“I wouldn't have ever considered a physics major—like, never—but there was a really strong sense of community in that department within the faculty and the students. And I thrive in those environments.”

It was in this supportive community that she met Professor of Physics John Collins, who became her academic advisor and an important influence in her educational experience at Wheaton.

“He was holistic in his approach to helping me define my next steps and identifying my strengths and interests,” she says. She ended up majoring in physics with a minor in astronomy.

After taking a semester to study abroad in Madagascar (study abroad opportunities were one of the reasons she chose Wheaton), Martin returned and took a summer internship at Lowell Observatory

In Iceland, Emily Martin explored features called pit chains, as an analog for similar features on Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

in Flagstaff, Ariz. This created one of the forks in her non-linear career trajectory; it was there that she realized she did not want to pursue astronomy.

“Astronomers don't look through a telescope, not the way you think they do,” she says, explaining that she’d had visions of herself staring into the night sky at glorious images like those being returned by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The reality was not so glamorous. “I didn't enjoy spending all night staring at a computer that was talking to the telescope.”

New horizons

After her Arizona internship, another formative experience awaited—this one with Geoffrey Collins, professor of geology. He was testing software to sequence the timeline of events that took place on Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede, and had funding for a research intern. He recalls that Martin jumped into the project with enthusiasm, helping create a global map of that moon. The internship allowed her to transition from astronomy into planetary science.

But having chosen this path late in her academic career, she was behind in her field of study. After college she took a gap year. She received a master’s degree in Earth and planetary science from Northwestern University and, inspired by that research on Ganymede, pursued a Ph.D. in geological science at the University of Idaho with an emphasis on the outer moons of the solar system.

When her graduate advisor went on sabbatical, Martin moved to Washington, D.C., to be with her partner. He suggested she get a desk at the National Air and Space Museum and work on her dissertation from there, rather than working at home. The choice proved fortuitous as she met not only interesting people there, but colleagues who encouraged her to do her postdoctoral work at the museum.

“It felt much more linear at the time, but in hindsight there was a lot of back and forth and travel trying to figure things out,” she says. “There were a lot of people who really motivated me to think about things that I hadn't thought about before and who really encouraged

me to take opportunities that I hadn't considered taking. … Without any of those suggestions, I don't think I would be where I am.”

An evolving research life

Today, in a research office at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, she studies the geology of wild, otherworldly places. Martin explains that geology is, fundamentally, the study of how a planet changed and evolved to arrive at its current state. On Earth that means looking at how continents, valleys and mountains formed, how and when the oceans formed, and when life evolved.

Planetary geology looks at the same concepts, only rather than asking “When did life evolve?” the questions are “Did it evolve” or “Can it evolve?”

Martin’s own specialty is tectonics and structural geology—how fractures and

“When my former students talk to my current students, it helps to show them how you can develop your career without necessarily sticking to a straight path.”

Geoffrey Collins, professor of geology

faults form on planets—of icy worlds, which she describes as “very niche but extremely rewarding.”

Currently, she’s creating a geologic map (a sort of visual history) of Neptune’s moon Triton for the U.S. Geological Survey and a similar project for Dione, a moon of Saturn. She’s also doing some work on Earth’s moon. Faults and fractures can help tell a story of what is happening to the interiors of these planetary bodies, which is of value because many of these moons may have or have had liquid oceans underneath their icy shells. Where there is water, there is the potential for life.

“We’re understanding the geologic history of these places and their interior evolution,” Martin says, “which then allows us to say this one has a high likelihood to have a habitable or have had a habitable environment such that we may have had life evolve here.”

She continues that this is important because while Mars tends to receive the most focus as a habitable planet, we have an entire solar system, all of it with more water than Mars or Earth combined, still to be explored.

Much of this research parallels work being done by Geoffrey Collins, so the former student and her research advisor

A presentation slide of when a Wheaton group was in Iceland at the same time as Emily Martin

continue to cross paths, most recently when Martin and a Smithsonian colleague were in Iceland studying pit chains that form along faults and fractures. While common in the solar system, Iceland is one of the few places where pit chains can be found on Earth. Collins was also in Iceland with a group of 12 students. The groups met and students worked with Martin and her field equipment to measure and study these pit chains. One student, Eammon Littler ’20, who wrote drone software that created 3D models of the terrain, was able to have his data utilized in the Smithsonian’s final

research paper.

“When my former students talk to my current students, it helps to show them how you can develop your career without necessarily sticking to a straight path,” says Collins. “Students are nervous that if they don’t know what they want to do that they’ll be behind forever; Emily decided to completely switch her path and it worked out. … It’s important to have examples of people who have tried many fields of study and then found ways to apply the things that they’re good at to the science field.”

Martin says it is extremely important to her to involve undergraduate students

in research. She frequently speaks with Geoffrey Collins and others about how to create appropriate, equitable and accessible opportunities for students.

“As a person who found my place by experimenting with different fields through different internships, I think it's really hard to commit to and figure out where you fit in the professional world if you don't have an opportunity to try on a bunch of hats,” she says.

Martin is also engaging the public on the subject of science as a co-host of “AirSpace,” the Air and Space Museum’s podcast, which covers the well-known and lesser-known of the museum’s collection and how those artifacts dovetail with storytelling and science. The podcast has covered everything from the gastronomy of food in space and how the museum hangs its huge artifacts from its ceiling to MTV’s obsession with the Moonman and historical perspectives on solar eclipses.

Whether through the podcast or conversation, Martin’s enthusiasm for her work seems insatiable. She talks about the potential in fault lines on distant icy moons like a child anticipating Christmas morning. Collins says her energy and enthusiasm are part of her gift.

“When you think about what’s important to being a research scientist, you’d think it’s only strong math or logic skills,” he says. “But many of the questions we’re after are so big they don’t fit neatly into one discipline, so the social aspect of getting people onboard, organized and excited is huge and something Emily’s really good at.”

For her part, Martin says that her interest in planetary geology resonates with her at “a cellular level,” and she thrives in a community of people who share that passion. The importance of community she found at Wheaton, the sense of how important it is to build environments and structures where people feel supported, remains with her.

“[Supportive environments] I think are critical to success for a lot of people,” says Martin. “A lot of people feel like ‘If I can't do it on my own, it’s not worth doing.’ As far as I’m concerned, if I can’t do it within a community, then it’s not worth doing.”

Emily Martin having fun at a party at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Creating world of opportunity for cultural exchange

U.S. State Department program recognizes Wheaton for commitment

By Sandy Coleman

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized Wheaton as one of the U.S. colleges and universities with the highest number of students selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

A February announcement noted that “Fulbright Top Producing Institutions like Wheaton value global connection and support members of their campus communities to pursue international opportunities.”

Since 2000, more than 100 Wheaton students and graduates have won Fulbright awards, taking them to Germany, Mongolia, Serbia, Turkey and many other places around the world. Two Wheaton students and two alums earned Fulbright awards for the 2023–24 academic year. This spring, Steven Legg ’22 won a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to Germany and Leila Barackman ’22 also earned a Fulbright ETA to Spain.

Wheaton has been recognized as one of the top colleges for students winning Fulbright Scholarships more than 10 times. That success reflects the college’s commitment to connecting students with grants and fellowships—from the

to

international engagement

Rhodes and Marshall to the Watson fellowship—that support advanced, often international, study.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbright recipients exchange ideas, build connections and work to address complex global challenges.

“The Wheaton community commends our faculty who guide and support students through their application process. We anticipate the impact our Fulbright scholars will have abroad and recognize

“The Fulbright Program culminates the opportunities for global study and intercultural learning that begin with Wheaton’s firstyear study abroad program WheaGo Global and are woven throughout Global Honors and the college’s curriculum.”

Michaele Whelan, president

the new knowledge, skills and experience they will bring back to their communities when they complete their scholarship year,” said President Michaele Whelan.

“The Fulbright Program culminates the opportunities for global study and intercultural learning that begin with Wheaton’s first-year study abroad program WheaGo Global and are woven throughout Global Honors and the college’s curriculum,” she said.

Wheaton students and alums who want to apply for national and international fellowships and scholarships receive encouragement, guidance, mentoring and support from the Scholar Development Advisory Committee (SDAC). Current committee members include professors Laura Bohn Case, Angie Sarhan Salvatore and Winter Werner, and Susan Friedman, a success advisor, and Alida Gomez, associate director of the Center for Global Education.

“The Scholar Development Advisory Committee is committed to guiding students toward transformative international experiences,” said Werner, associate professor of English. “We know from our past Fulbright Scholars that the Fulbright year isn’t just a chance to travel abroad; it’s a meaningful step toward personal and professional growth,

enriching students’ lives by giving them a truly global perspective.”

“Our faculty and students are globally oriented, driven to think about how we can face world challenges today. From start to finish, the SDAC assists our Wheaton Fulbright applicants in aligning their knowledge and interests with the program,” Werner said. “We help them with essay writing, conduct mock interviews and take pride in seeing our

students thrive globally. It’s what makes our work so rewarding.”

Fulbright officials note that program alumni have included heads of state or government, Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, and countless leaders and changemakers who build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

“Fulbright’s Top Producing Institutions

represent the diversity of America’s higher education community. Dedicated administrators support students and scholars at these institutions to fulfill their potential and rise to address tomorrow’s global challenges. We congratulate them, and all the Fulbrighters who are making an impact the world over,” said Lee Satterfield, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, in the media release.

Alums share the impact of their Fulbright experiences

Nataja Flood

’16

English major

Employment program manager at Pursuit in New York City

Fulbright ETA to Greece in 2016

“The highlight of my Fulbright experience in Greece was the deep connections forged with local people and students. The warmth and hospitality extended by the staff, including invitations to home dinners and family gatherings, made my time truly unforgettable.

“Greece’s rich cultural offerings—from its museums to its cuisine—enhanced the experience. It was an enriching journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.

“While I can’t pinpoint a direct correlation between winning the award and my professional success, the Fulbright experience profoundly shaped my career trajectory. It illuminated my passion for working with youth and designing engaging educational programs. Though I don’t frequently mention my Fulbright status, it remains a cherished chapter in my life, contributing to my personal growth and professional development.”

Russian studies and international relations double major

Candidate for Ph.D. in international relations at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University

Fulbright ETA to Republic of Moldova in 2014

“I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in international Relations at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. My Fulbright was an important part of my experience and education leading up to my graduate studies at The Fletcher School, and the Fulbright continues to be a highlight of my CV to this day.

“As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, I worked closely with local teachers and students, and lived in a home-stay arrangement with a local family. The opportunity to become an integrated part of my host community, and the warm welcome and openness shown to me by my Moldovan friends and colleagues, was deeply moving and made my year in Moldova something I

will always remember fondly. I learned invaluable lessons in citizen diplomacy, cross-cultural communication and connecting through common humanity.

“My Fulbright year made a colossal contribution to my Russian language proficiency, building directly on the foundation of my language classes at Wheaton and my study abroad in Moscow junior year. My language competencies, combined with my firsthand experience of working and living in the region, were a critical factor in getting hired for a position at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, D.C., following my return from Moldova.

“I have continued to use the skills and knowledge obtained during my Fulbright experience throughout other roles and my graduate studies, including a public service internship with the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia, and a master of arts in law and diplomacy at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.”

Nicholas Helldorfer Cicchinelli ’14

Psychology and business and management double major

Media technology analyst at the Digitas media agency

Fulbright ETA in South Korea in 2020

“It’s hard to pick a favorite moment about my Fulbright experience. There were so many amazing memories—the diverse friends I made along the way, being able to be of service to a community through language teaching, experiencing South Korean culture in a truly immersive setting.

“Looking back, I realized my Fulbright experience encapsulated many moments of character growth—although I didn’t realize it at that moment. Having to face a high school classroom and teach regularly over weeks made me a better

public speaker; teaching English as a second language made me intentional about the words I use and body language I communicate; and managing classrooms made me more confident in myself to lead and problem-solve when plans pivot.

“I feel lucky and grateful to have been at Gumi Sandong High School, where the students were welcoming and the teachers were immensely supportive. The community I experienced and became part of at the school is definitely what I love a lot about my Fulbright experience. I met some of my current closest friends through the program.

“I highlighted the communication, planning and problem-solving skills learned through teaching, lesson planning and classroom management as transferable skills in the interview that landed me two job offers at the end of Fulbright, one of them being my current job.”

Fulbrights 2014-2024

Map shows locations.

Year Name Class Location

2024 Steven Legg ’22 Germany

Leila Barackman ’22 Spain

2023 Anna Fairbairn ’22 Guatemala

Meg Gould ’23 Germany

Karen Almaraz ’20 Argentina

Erica Drufva ’23 Spain

2022 Leigh Brooks ’22 Mongolia

Chloe Van Dyne ’22 Germany

2020 Kiki Marlam ’20 South Korea

2019 Yenny Bautista ’19 Brazil

Haley DeLuca Lowell ’19 Nepal

Ebony Kennedy ’19 Argentina

Milana Meytes ’15 Serbia

2018 Jasmine Clarke ’15 India

Joshua Dufour ’12 Kazakhstan

Justin Gagnon ’18 Republic of Georgia

Bay Gammans ’18 Malaysia

Brendan Geiger ’18 Taiwan

Riley Heist ’18 Indonesia

Sabrina Tedeschi ’18 Taiwan

Emma Wynne ’18 Germany

2017 Katrina Alden ’17 Malaysia

Paige Brnger ’17 Slovak Republic

2016 Kristen Anderson ’16 Turkey

Nataja Flood ’16 Greece

Kathryn Hegarty ’16 Malaysia

Elisabeth Hodge ’16 Malaysia

2015 Emily Chick ’14 Uruguay

Clancy Connolly ’15 Macau

Jonathan Gerkin ’15 Slovak Republic

Courtney Gilman ’15 Germany

Leslie Gould ’15 Mexico

Delanie Honda ’14 Malaysia

Lindsay Koso ’15 Bulgaria

McKenzie Kuhn ’15 Sweden

Erika Prince ’15 Turkey

Susan Skaza ’14 South Korea

Elaine Yuan ’15 Taiwan

2014 Nicholas Helldorfer Cicchinelli ’14 Moldova

Allison Cormier-Jonaitis ’14 Lithuania

Jennifer Irving ’14 Malaysia

Bailey McWilliams ’14 Venezuela

Alexis Nieves ’14 Brazil

Montana Rogers ’14 Bulgaria

Matthew Sexton ’14 Poland

Savannah Tenney ’14 Taiwan

Ashley Wich ’13 Greece

Kiki Marlam ’20

WheaGo Global offers early cultural and academic journey

By Sandy Coleman

Mieke Buterbaugh ’27 hails from Maine and attended boarding school in Connecticut for her four years of high school. Before arriving on campus, to begin her Wheaton College journey, she wanted to go somewhere to broaden her perspective.

WheaGo Global was just the ticket. The new program allows students to tap into study abroad opportunities at the start of college rather than waiting until junior year.

“My senior year of high school brought about a lot of transformative realizations for me. Having been in a boarding setting on a campus for all of high school, I felt a compulsion and a need to redefine my relationship between school, work and play,” said Buterbaugh. “When WheaGo presented itself, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to do so.”

“It was all about timing for me. I was ready to go somewhere where there were no predispositioned structures that I was familiar with—a place where I’d have a clean slate to figure out what balance looked like to me. As crazy as it sounds, I wanted to go to a place where I had no idea what to do for fun, how to get around, what my extracurriculars would look like, how I would spend my time and what kind of friends I would make and how. Also, to state the obvious, Switzerland [where I

went] was too picturesque to pass up.”

Buterbaugh was one of the seven students who participated in WheaGo, which was launched in the fall semester of the 2023–24 academic year. Studying abroad contributes to intellectual and personal growth as well as cultural understanding and global connections, thus providing students with a great start to their liberal arts education.

“WheaGo is bold and innovative, just

like the Wheaton curriculum. It allows students the opportunity to start college differently. Wheaton’s Compass curriculum is designed to allow students to create their own pathway; that now includes deciding to start with study abroad,” said Gretchen Young, dean of Wheaton’s Center for Global Education. “Students often point to their study abroad as one of the most impactful experiences of their college career. Why not start with that and see how it will enhance the rest of your education?”

WheaGo offers four options—international business and management in Sydney, Australia; communications and international relations in Barcelona, Spain; art, design and fashion in Paris; or culture, sustainability and the sciences in Lugano, Switzerland.

“This new opportunity invites adventurous students to dive into immersive cultural and academic experiences in some of the world’s most vibrant cities and to focus on specific subjects that interest them—all within a possible honors framework. That’s an exciting way to engage with global perspectives and diverse students that will serve them well during their time at Wheaton,” said President Michaele Whelan.

Students study at Blanquerna–Universitat Ramon Llull in Spain; the

Mieke Buterbaugh ’27 and Sylvia Lamphere ’27 in Davos, Switzerland

International College of Management, Sydney; Paris College of Art; and Franklin University in Switzerland. Courses count toward the Wheaton bachelor’s degree and the program fulfills requirements for the college’s honors designations.

become a more global citizen and to learn more about those around me.”

WheaGo adds to Wheaton’s study abroad offerings that encompass more than 100 programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and beyond. Most students traditionally study abroad during their junior year.

Research shows that students who spend time abroad return to campus with a more sophisticated understanding of their place in the world and an enthusiasm for different perspectives that contribute to the learning environment, said Young, who taught the virtual course “Learning from Intercultural Experiences” for all WheaGo students.

In addition to coursework, assignments required students to explore surroundings, observe and reflect on their experiences.

Ari Renzi-Surprenant ’27, who studied at Paris College of Art, said living in France while learning French enhanced her language comprehension skills. Also, she said, “Being able to study abroad helped me hone my independence and fulfill the dream and desire I have to

“My greatest personal insight was how much I truly enjoy learning about new cultures. I always thought that I would, but coming from a small farming town that is not diverse at all, I didn't really know how much it would affect me,” said Anella “Nelly” Bolster ’27, who studied in Switzerland. “I learned that I could listen to people talk about their culture and what they think of other cultures all day and that it truly is more interesting to me than I ever could have guessed.”

“Being abroad is about learning about yourself as much as it is learning about the people around you,” Buterbaugh noted. “Learning from the people around you enlightens you and informs your own positions—where your ideologies, values and goals lie relative to other people’s.”

Treassy Jasmin (from left, front row), Mieke Buterbaugh and Anella “Nelly” Bolster; (back row) Clara Cortright, Sylvia Lamphere and Mima Germain studied in Switzerland.

Ari Renzi-Surprenant ’27 at Paris College of Art

Clara Cortright ’27 enjoying a moment abroad

A view of Lugano, Switzerland

Musical shines spotlight on power of love, offers large cast and crew experiential learning

Wheaton’s Theatre and Dance and Music departments only present a musical every four years, and the enthusiasm for the opportunity came across loud and clear when the cast gathered around a piano to belt out the rock musical’s signature song “Seasons of Love.”

Opening night was weeks away but their passionate delivery already was heartfelt enough to inspire tears—even hearing it from the back of the room during a rehearsal.

Loosely based on the opera “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini, “Rent” follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“Jonathan Larson, who wrote the lyrics, book and music, died the night the play went into previews. So, it was this huge, huge thing,” said Professor of Theatre and Dance Stephanie Burlington Daniels, who directed the rock musical. “He finally had made it. He had been a starving, struggling actor, director and writer, and then he finally got this major musical produced and he died of a heart condition that could have been course-corrected if he had had health insurance. … The musical is really about love and friendship conquering all of these challenges that the play puts forward—AIDS, income inequality, drug addiction.”

Participation in “Rent” was part of the 300-level course “Rehearsal and Production,” which provides students with course credit, counts as a Sophomore Experience, and gives them all a chance to be involved in a variety of roles on and off stage.

The cast was made up of 20 students and the production and design team consisted of 13—all from a range of class years and majors meeting every week during the fall semester to prepare for the show. Students filled roles such as assistant musical director; dance captains working with choreographer Izzi King ’22; and dramaturgs. One student designed the lighting as part of his honors thesis capstone project; another did the stage makeup and created a film that was part of the production.

The production of “Rent” was made possible by the Debra Glidden ’68 Music and Theatre Endowed Fund. An actress herself while at Wheaton, Glidden created the fund in support of her love of theater.

—Sandy Coleman

The November 2023 performance of “Rent” was a big hit with packed audiences in Weber Theatre. Before the show opened, Debra “Deby” Glidden ’68 (bottom, right) visited during rehearsal and talked to the cast and crew about her time as a student performing in theater productions at Wheaton and about how much she loves coming back to campus and interacting with students.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Celebrating35

harmoniousyears of the Gentlemen Callers

On March 2, the Gentlemen Callers— alumni and current students—celebrated their close ties and love for Wheaton with a pitch-perfect a cappella concert in Weber Theatre that was part of a two-day campus reunion honoring the group’s 35 years of song.

“When I was a student, I never imagined that my GC experience would continue and evolve after Commencement,” said Austin Simko ’09, a member of Wheaton’s

Board of Trustees and president of the Gentlemen Callers Alumni Union Board of Directors.

“My time in the GCs as a student was important because I got to sing wonderful music and make new friends. As important as that was, my time as a GC alumnus—being part of a growing and enduring community—is perhaps even more important,” he said.

Alex Grover ’09, Gentlemen Callers Alumni Union vice president, agreed with that sentiment. “GC students and alums are passionate. Every five years at Reunion, it’s special to see GCs singing together, telling stories and making new memories that are rooted in the foundation for love of music and friendship.”

Much of the weekend was devoted to rehearsals for the 35th Reunion Concert.

“During our rehearsals, we broke off into small groups to learn parts to our songs before coming back with the bigger ensemble to sing together,” said Grover. “I saw diverse collaborations. Students were leading alums, and alums were helping each other and the students learn the music as efficiently as possible, which made for a dynamic and enjoyable culminating concert.”

In her remarks at a reception the night before the concert, President Michaele Whelan noted that a number of Gentlemen Callers participating in the reunion had served on Wheaton’s Board of Trustees, including Eric Tomasini ’97, J.P. Burlington ’99, Matt Strekel ’03, Christopher Paquet ’03 and Ben White ’12.

She also thanked the Gentlemen Callers for their music, fellowship and support.

“The college’s strength comes in no small

The Gentlemen Callers celebrated 35 years of togetherness at a reception and dinner in Emerson Dining Hall on March 1.

measure from your engagement and that of your fellow alums,” Whelan said.

The group established the Gentlemen Callers Alumni Union in 2011 to promote continuous and strong support of Wheaton, to contribute to a thriving Gentlemen Callers, to foster a spirit of fellowship among the group’s alumni, and to promote the arts and performance at Wheaton. In 2017, the union raised an endowment to provide ongoing resources to the students and alums.

Thanks to the Gentlemen Callers Endowed Fund, Simko said, “The Alumni Union will keep growing and finding ways for its members to support one another.”

For his exceptional commitment to the group, Chris Allan ’92, a Gentlemen

Callers founder, was presented with the Eliza’s Son Award, which recognizes an alum who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Gentlemen Callers.

Beyond the music, the Gentlemen Callers represent a strong network for Wheaton alumni. “The [group] is a close-knit community that extends beyond Norton and continues after graduation,” said Simko. “It includes students and alumni in a continuously interacting community.”

For example, Grover, the chorale director at Danvers High School, sometimes meets with student GCs to discuss their interest in going into the music field or to help them with vocal technique and arrangements for the group.

Simko added, “The GC network has

absolutely helped my career. I turn to GCs for advice and previously worked with a fellow GC. A key focus area of the Alumni Union moving forward will be actively creating a more intentional approach to alumni-student mentorship. The Alumni Union has a wealth of experience and talents, and we can tap into that to benefit students and alumni.”

—William Walsh

Read more on Wheaton’s blog and see photos and a video about the Gentlemen Callers’s 35th reunion.

Alum and student members of the group performed a concert in Weber Theatre in Watson Fine Arts on March 2. Austin Simko ’09 (below, left), president of the GC Alumni Union Board of Directors, spoke before the concert.

KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS

Alumni achievement honored

The Alumni Board of Directors has recognized four alums for contributions to their community, distinguished career accomplishments and volunteer service.

Rachel Pierre-Champagne ’01 and Nathania “Tanya” Aritao ’12 have earned Alumni Achievement Awards; Marcia Coleman Williams ’72 has been honored with the Sharon M. Howard ’87, P’09 Outstanding Wheaton Service Award; and Susan Little Doyle ’77 has earned the Heather J. Corbett ’86 Fostering Wheaton Community Award.

The Alumni Achievement Awards pay tribute to alums who have made a significant contribution to society. The Sharon M. Howard ’87, P’09 Outstanding Wheaton Service Award is presented to alums who have made a significant and sustained contribution or service to Wheaton. The Heather J. Corbett ’86 Fostering Wheaton Community Award goes to alums whose ‘unsung’ contributions have brought the Wheaton community together and fostered deeper Wheaton-focused connections.

Alumni Achievement Awards

Pierre-Champagne double majored in international relations and French studies at Wheaton and has a master’s degree in international educational development from Columbia University. She is the director of the Human Capacity Development Program at Fondasyon Kolè Zepol (Fonkoze), Haiti’s leading microfinance institution, which provides a suite of financial and non-financial services to empower Haitians—with an emphasis on women—to lift their families out of poverty. She also is the founder and CEO of Innovators for Change.

Aritao, who is an artist and social entrepreneur, majored in fine and studio arts at Wheaton and earned an M.B.A. from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. She is the senior acceleration manager at The Earthshot Prize, which was launched by Prince William to search for and scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. She also is the founder of TAYO

International, which supports migrant workers through online learning programs and a community for worker well-being.

Sharon M. Howard ’87, P’09 Outstanding Wheaton

Service Award recipient

Williams majored in mathematics at Wheaton and received a master’s degree in education from the University of Washington. She taught college-level mathematics, database theory, computer programming and systems analysis and design for 35 years at Bellevue College before retiring.

A member of the Founders Society, her service at Wheaton includes: two terms on the Alumni Board of Directors; serving as the Class of 1972 Wheaton Fund chair since her 40th Reunion; and being a Seattle admission volunteer, a leader for the Seattle Regional Alumni group and the Washington state contact for the Nancy

Ann Holman ’56 Endowed Scholarship.

Heather J. Corbett ’86 Fostering Wheaton Community Award recipient

Doyle, who is retired, majored in sociology at Wheaton and earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston College School of Social Work. From 2011 to 2013 and from 2015 to 2022, she worked as a clinical interventionist in the Fitchburg public schools in Massachusetts. There, she was responsible for therapeutic work with students who face emotional and behavioral challenges. She served as the executive director of Alumni Relations at Wheaton from 2013 to 2015. Doyle also has served in many volunteer roles in support of the college, including as the director-at-large on the Alumni Board of Directors.

Rachel Pierre-Champagne ’01

Marcia Coleman Williams ’72

Nathania “Tanya” Aritao ’12

Susan Little Doyle ’77

A mix of music and physics

Ally Amaral ’19 builds guitar pedals used by Radiohead, Guns N’ Roses, The Strokes

For Ally Amaral ’19, the doubters were nothing new. By now she could quickly pick up on that subtle undertone of skepticism whenever she told people she was studying music and physics.

“I would often get comments that those are two very different things,” she said. “I would have to explain that there’s a science behind how music works. Music is just physics you can hear.”

Amaral, who majored in music and minored in physics, sensed an overlap between the seemingly disparate subjects, but it wasn’t until she came to Wheaton that she discovered a deeper connection.

That, according to the Massachusetts native, was thanks to the college’s interdisciplinary curriculum, and the support faculty members give students to pursue their passions.

“Part of why I chose Wheaton is I knew it would give me the freedom to explore my interests with both of these subjects,” she said. “I had a strong interest whenever we would go over electronics, so I focused my physics classes around that direction. Then taking music theory classes for my music major, I started to draw more connections.”

Amaral now builds and repairs special effects pedals for EarthQuaker Devices, one of the leading guitar pedal manufacturers in the world. They are loved by artists everywhere, including members of Radiohead, The Strokes and Guns N’ Roses.

Recently, she restored a pedal for “Portlandia” actress and musician Carrie

Brownstein.

Amaral, who lives in Ohio near EarthQuaker’s headquarters, said Wheaton’s “Physics of Music and Sound” and “Intro to Electronics” courses were particularly influential.

But it wasn’t until she started her independent study with Associate Professor of Music Will Mason that something truly

clicked. “That really prepared me the most professionally,” Amaral said. “It really gave me the confidence that I could do this as a career. It was my first taste of building an instrument, being in my own space and learning how to think creatively.”

For her independent study, Amaral created a massive bass instrument by hand and later performed on it using a visual programming language for music.

Mason said working with Amaral has helped him think of more creative ways to intertwine both the aesthetic and technical sides of music in his teaching.

“In terms of raising the profile of this kind of work and showing students what they’re capable of doing at Wheaton, Ally really threw down the gauntlet,” Mason said. “She’s brilliant and fearless. If there was something she wanted to know more about, she would find a way to lay hands on it and just get it done. Getting that hands-on experience is something Wheaton enabled.”

—Scott Enman ’15

PHOTOS

Ally Amaral ’19 builds and repairs special effects pedals at EarthQuaker Devices in Ohio.

Giving Circles offer opportunities to join together for passion-focused philanthropy

Wheaton has launched a new way to join together to support the college—Giving Circles, a form of group philanthropy that will connect networks of community members to their interests and passions. Groups of individuals donate money to a pooled fund. Together, they champion their common interest and form a community of like-minded philanthropists. The goal is to not only leverage our capacity for giving to support areas of interest but also to promote opportunities for greater involvement, whether that be by mentoring students, volunteering time or leading initiatives. To start, the college has created circles for four strategic initiatives that align with Wheaton's vision for the future:

Jay Goodman Endowed Fund for the Social Sciences

Professor Jay Goodman inspired generations of Wheaton students with his passion for politics. He was a caring and influential mentor who guided students in their career aspirations and helped them pursue prestigious national awards. He was an iconic figure on campus with a singular talent for bringing the world of politics to life in the classroom.

As a tribute to Goodman's 50-year legacy at Wheaton, a community-funded endowment to honor him has been established to support the social sciences at the college. The fund will give faculty and students opportunities to conduct field research, collaborate on presentations at academic conferences and more.

Join a community of Professor Goodman's past students, faculty colleagues and friends who want to pay homage to the formative influence Goodman had on generations of Wheaton students and want to extend his legacy to the next generation of Wheaton students.

Holcombe Austin Campus Ecosystem Fund

Science-minded global citizens flourish in fields like conservation, forestry, community planning, wildlife protection, natural resources management and environmental policy. Every day Wheaton students are discovering the challenges facing planet Earth—and ways to address them.

An endowed fund of $100,000 has been established to conserve and safeguard Wheaton’s majestic trees, lush landscape and 400-plus-acre ecosystem. Funds within this Giving Circle will help to grow and enhance the endowed fund. Wheaton will be able to preserve the campus for generations, including maintaining the trees of the Dimple and across campus by providing the extensive care and upkeep required.

Join a community that enjoys conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends, believes in creating a more sustainable future for not only Wheaton but the planet, or simply wants to maintain the Dimple—the heart of the campus. Together, the circle of supporters can help preserve the natural world at Wheaton.

Film and New Media Studies

With the ubiquity of online journalism, the surge in streaming services, the explosion of audiobooks and podcasts, the rising readership of comics and graphic novels, and the growth of branded content, it’s an exciting time to support students majoring in film and media at Wheaton. Supporters can be a part of students' storylines by helping to provide:

• Greater variety of courses both in studies (genre and filmmaker specific courses) and production (cinematography/lighting, virtual production, sound for film).

• More opportunities for students to interact with working professionals in ways that help them gain insight into career planning and industry practices, e.g., site visits to area studios and production companies, campus visits from film and media practitioners, structured internship experiences, and more.

Join a community that enjoys exploring cinematic history, examining media ethics or engaging with an unfamiliar genre. Together, supporters can build upon the proven strength of film and new media studies to increase capacity for the major and enhance the quantity and variety of career preparation course offerings at Wheaton.

Wheaton Pride Scholarship

The Wheaton Pride Scholarship has been established to support students with financial need who have a record of service to and/or leadership in the LGBTQ+ community, and who have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. President Michaele Whelan made the first gift to establish the Wheaton Pride Scholarship because with the rising threats facing LGBTQ+ people and increasing legislation in some states targeting trans children and families, she wanted to demonstrate a tangible way that Wheaton supports and values the LGBTQ+ community and activism for this community.

Join a community that is committed to increasing scholarship funding to ensure a diverse and inclusive campus community, where all students can have access to a world-class, practice-based liberal arts education.

—William Walsh

Find out more at give.wheatoncollege.edu/giving-circles

Last year, as I was making plans to come to Reunion, my life took an unexpected turn when I was suddenly admitted to the emergency room and hospitalized in April 2023. At the age of 26, I received a devastating diagnosis of end-stage kidney failures and stage 5 anemia, accompanied by dangerously high blood pressure. I was told that without dialysis or a kidney transplant, I had approximately six months to one year left to live. After the diagnosis I lost my job, medical insurance and work visa in the following month.

I was overwhelmed by the situation, struggling to understand why this cruel twist of fate had befallen me when I had poured all my efforts into building a life as an immigrant in this country in the past 10 years.

I did not know if I would be able to survive. I didn't know what to expect. I was ordered to start dialysis right away. At the same time, my doctors encouraged me to look for a live kidney donation as there are hundreds of thousands of people waiting for a kidney in the country, and that waiting could take more than five to 10 years.

Asking someone to donate a healthy kidney felt like an immense and impossible request to me—a far-fetched dream.

Yet, when I shared the news with my friends who then spread it across the Wheaton community and social media, I was shocked and surprised to see that people were willing to consider a donation! It felt as if the universe had decided to show me the boundless capacity of human kindness.

Each offer, each selfless gesture, touched the deepest recesses of my soul, reminding me that amidst life’s trials, there exists an abundance of love and generosity. Among the names of people who were interested in donating a kidney, both familiar and unfamiliar, was Emily Conklin ’13.

A unique Wheaton connection:

Zelda Zhao ’18 needed a kidney.

Emily and I had never met on Wheaton’s campus because she graduated before I arrived. She told me that “I’m so glad I get to help, and I am excited to have the opportunity to be brave for you.” I was filled with overwhelming gratitude and hope. I couldn’t believe that Emily, a friend who I had never met face-to-face before, would do something so selfless and altruistic to save my life!

Though we didn’t know each other, Emily offered me the most precious gift I could ever receive —the gift of life. Her kind gesture was a rainbow after a crazy storm and a reminder that miracles do happen. That brings us to Valentine’s Day this

year when I had surgery. The journey of Emily’s kidney from Boston to Cincinnati, where I underwent a successful lifesaving transplant, is a testament to the far-reaching impact of our Wheaton connections. Wheaton is a community built on the values of empathy, kindness and selflessness. I look forward to meeting Emily in person and visiting the campus after I recover. Go Wheaties!

—By Zelda Zhao ’18, economics and French double major

Zelda Zhao ’18 had a lifesaving kidney transplant in Cincinnati, thanks to Emily Conklin ’13.

A lifesaving journey of friendship and gratitude

Emily Conklin ’13 gave her one.

When I was at Wheaton, I spent much of February practicing and performing singing Valograms with my fellow Wheatones. I’ve never cared much for Valentine’s Day, but delivering the gift of song to students’ loved ones was always a joyful highlight. This year, Valentine’s Day took on a new meaning when I had the honor of becoming a kidney donor to another Wheatie. Last summer, I learned via Instagram that Zelda Zhao ’18 was in renal failure and had been given a dim prognosis without a transplant.

Though Zelda and I had never met, I wanted to see if there was a way for me to provide help in her time of need. I couldn’t provide financial support for her care, but I could explore the donation process. With Zelda’s help, I connected with her care team to start the match testing process. After sending my blood via FedEx to Ohio (very weird), I found out I was a match (even weirder). From that point through November 2023, I went through more medical testing than I thought possible. Through the National Kidney Registry, I was connected to the transplant team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where I underwent all testing and informational appointments. Being a match wasn’t enough; the medical team provided me with the intricate assessment necessary to determine whether donation was the right path for me. When I was finally cleared for surgery it was a lot to process, but in some ways I think I always knew what my decision would be—which brought us to Feb. 14, 2024.

I’ve done a lot of scary, difficult, emotional things in my life. This probably tops that list for me now. Though it has only been a short time, with both of us recovering nicely, I feel confident in saying it was

totally worth it. My life should be functionally unchanged, but Zelda’s lease on hers has been renewed. I don’t quite have the words to say how humbling, fulfilling and honestly strange it is to give that gift to someone. I am honored to play a part in Zelda’s health and recovery.

Donation is a milestone I want to share, but this isn’t just my story. It’s the story of the power of community. Our Wheaton connection helped make this happen, and I’m so grateful Zelda and I had that. I

could never have imagined when I walked onto the Wheaton campus that first day of freshman year the depth of the connections it would bring to my life. From my Wheatone sisters to my new kidney sister, I am grateful for all the relationships Wheaton has brought me.

—By Emily Conklin ’13, biology and French studies major; program manager at Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana in Newport, R.I.

Emily Conkln ’13 had surgery in Boston to donate her kidney to Zelda Zhao ’18.

Fun times on and off the slopes

Alums, parents and students skied Wachusett Mountain in March—87 people, the largest group ever.

Pictured left, Carolyn Crowley Stimpson ’81, vice president of resort services at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Mya

and

Broadway

In January, Alumni Relations organized and hosted a gathering of alums in New York City to see the Broadway hit “The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise,” starring Nick Fradiani ’08. Pictured (front row from left): Sarah O’Brien Black ’89, Christina Konig Bergantino ’89, Patricia Sweeting ’77, Rosemarie Bruno ’81, Nick Fradiani ’08, Monique Shire ’81, Liz Cahill Ruksznis ’81 and Clare Curley Pickering ’83; and (back row from left) Karen McGinley ’83, Robin Wakeman Salmans ’74, friend Wendy Sawyer and Linda Leiby ’71. Not pictured: Elaine Brown ’77 and Hope Ogletree ’75

Abbott ’26

Ana Rosa Valencia Jungo ’26

Good advice with a smile

Elizabeth Dejong ’90 and Ben Williams ’93 shared a laugh at the Filene Center Career Fair in March. Dejong is a human resources specialist at Crossroads Continuum. Williams is director of solutions design and delivery at Jobs for the Future.

Newspaper sings her praises

Did your contact information change?

Report changes of address and email to Alumni Relations at 508-286-8207 or alum@wheatoncollege.edu.

Is your class year missing and you have news to share?

Contact us at classnotes@ wheatoncollege.edu and we will put you in touch with your class secretary.

Looking to volunteer?

Contact our Alumni Relations Office to get involved at 508-286-8207.

For class secretaries: How to submit your Class Notes

By email: Submit Class Notes to classnotes@wheatoncollege.edu. Include your class year in the subject line (e.g., “Class Notes, 2001.”)

Deadlines

Winter: Sept. 26, 2024

Spring: Jan. 17, 2025

Fall: June 6, 2024

Photos

To submit digital photos, email them as an attachment to classnotes@wheatoncollege.edu. For full guidelines, visit wheatoncollege.edu/wheaton-magazine/ submitting-digital-images.

For all photos: Please supply a brief description of the event and all the names and class years of the alumni in the picture.

Please note: The photos you send in must be sharp and clear. Photos that are out of focus, or that have harsh shadows, overexposed areas or “red-eyed” subjects may not be usable. Often we receive more photos than we can use in any one issue. When this happens, we will select photos that represent a variety of class years and timely events.

The Patriot Ledger wrote an article about jazz vocalist Lauren Henderson ’09. Here, she is pictured during a visit to campus. Read more, Page 57

Wheaton to the World

Several alums returned to campus to share their career wisdom on Feb. 9, 2024, during the Wheaton to the World event. David Wadsworth ’09, who has worked in the life sciences industry for 15 years, delivered the keynote address in Hindle Auditorium. Rachel Boyle ’06, Ben Resnicow ’09 and Audrey Spina ’17, assistant director of Career Services, also made in-person presentations. Tess Meyer ’11 and Michael Sadowsky ’18 gave virtual talks. The half-day event is designed to prepare students for a successful transition from college to the professional world. One important piece of advice Wadsworth offered: “Life and work are full of challenges, so try to continue to find your joy.”

Singer Lauren Henderson ’09 featured in Patriot Ledger

Lauren Henderson ’09, who has released nine albums, returned to New England in February as a headliner at the Regattabar in the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass. Ahead of the event, The Patriot Ledger (Quincy, Mass.) profiled her in the article “Jazz singer, a Wheaton College alum, to make long-awaited Boston-area return this month.”

In the article Henderson expressed the joy she gets out of touring and performing, including the March tour dates in Europe that were on her schedule.

“I’m doing three stops in Germany to start, and then heading to Italy,” she told

writer Jay Miller. “I’m very excited because I have musical friends in both countries. Being bilingual is something those European audiences really appreciate. Jazz is an American art form, but when I can sing in Spanish, it gives me another way to communicate, and, of course, I speak Italian, so that helps tremendously, too. All those European countries love to hear the ‘classic’ American standards. When I sang ‘Bésame Mucho’ in Spanish on my last European tour, I had the entire audience singing along with me.”

She has performed in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Norway, Russia,

Czechia, Slovakia, Mexico and South Africa. TIDAL, a global music streaming platform, has named Henderson on its “Jazz:

Artists to Watch 2024” list. —Sandy Coleman

KEITH NORDSTROM

David Wadsworth ’09

Rachel Boyle ’06

Ben Resnicow ’09

Lauren Henderson ’09. Here, she is pictured during a visit to campus.

Michaela Turcotte Mooney ’76 lands role as extra in HBO’s “Gilded Age”

At one point, Michaela Turcotte Mooney ’76 thought she might cut her long flowing hair after she retired to make a statement about having a carefree life. But when she got ready to do it the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so appointments at salons were out of the question, and she found it just as easy to braid her hair or pin it up.

As luck would have it, she has those long tresses to thank for landing her a role as a paid extra in the second season of HBO’s wildly popular series “The Gilded Age,” which initially aired last fall.

Mooney pursued being an extra in the series after seeing a casting call in The Providence Journal. “They were looking for women with long, untreated hair. … I had hair down to my waist,” she said.

According to HBO’s website, “‘The Gilded Age’ follows a young woman who moves in with her old-money aunts and quickly gets entangled in the social war between them and their new-money neighbors. In a world on the brink of the modern age, will she follow the rules of society or forge her own path?”

Mooney, who lives in South Kingston, R.I., was cast as an upper-class spectator from the 1880s at a tennis tournament in scenes filmed at the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. She spent days moving her head from side to side while mouthing the words “peaches and cream” to appear to be chatting while watching a tennis match.

“This is something that I had really wanted to do because of my interest in film and theater. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience—from being fitted for the costume to meeting some really lovely people,” she said.

For several days during the shoot, she arrived at 3 a.m. at a Newport mansion where all of the prep work with more than 100 extras was being done—at least one of the days was 11 hours long. She had hairstylists and makeup artists to get her camera ready, and dressers helped her into a period-piece costume that

required her to have a waistline of no more than 30 inches.

(“Well, I did some hula hoops, a little juicing and some jumping jacks, and I got it down to 29 7/8 inches,” she said. “In the end, it didn’t matter because they put a corset on me so tight that I asked, ‘can I take this home?’ My posture’s never been so good.”)

Every detail of the dress was

beautifully designed, she said. “I inquired about the clothing and was told my dress was made in Italy. Everything—from the earrings to the broach to the hat—was styled to complement the dress. It had so many layers. There were times—close calls— when I thought I’d knocked someone’s soft drink over because of the bustle.”

’76 had to send the series crew photos of her long hair, which in the end got styled beneath a hat.

Mooney, who majored in English, retired in 2018 after spending 35 years working in higher education, including at Wheaton as assistant director of student life and at the University of Rhode Island for 31 years in various roles from admission to development.

While a student at Wheaton, she was a lead in “The Children’s Hour” and she did some acting after college. So, this opportunity appealed to her interests.

“It was fascinating. You have such a different perspective when you are seeing the people working behind the scenes, the coordination, all the moving parts, all coming together,” Mooney said.

When she watched the HBO series waiting to spot herself on television, she was pleasantly surprised to see that she had not ended up on the cutting room floor.

“I watched the first episode, and they had previews for upcoming episodes; all I had to do was look for the tennis scene.”

Look for her in the tennis scenes in season two, episode two. “Easy to spot me with the green parasol!” she said.

—Sandy Coleman

Michaela Turcotte Mooney

Award-winning journalist Sam Kestenbaum ’09 delivers J. Arthur Martin Lecture

When Sam Kestenbaum ’09 begins a profile, he asks himself “what is engaging about this person and what would it be like to be moved by them?”

Kestenbaum is a freelance journalist who reports on religion. He interviews people of faith and writes about the many ways in which religion shapes our society. Writing about religion has taken Kestenbaum all over the world: he began his career reporting in China, then moved to the Middle East, where he served as editor of The Yemen Times before returning to the United States.

Because of his career success and accomplishments, Kestenbaum was selected to be this year’s J. Arthur Martin lecturer, an annual lecture series sponsored by the Wheaton College Religion Department. Kestenbaum was chosen by religion professors Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus, Jeffrey Timm and Barbara Darling. Brumberg-Kraus said they chose Kestenbaum because the Religion Department “likes to feature alums who have made a name for themselves and made remarkable achievements in the field of religion.”

The lecture, which took place on February 27, was titled “Prophets, Psychics, and Other Wild Spirits: Journalism from the Front Lines of American Religion” and drew a crowd of Wheaton students, alumni, faculty and staff to the Holman Room in Mary Lyon Hall.

During his lecture, Kestenbaum shared several “snapshots” of reporting that he has done, using stories published in theLAnd magazine, Rolling Stone and The New York Times. One was a piece centered around Kathryn Krick, an aspiring actress turned TikTokfamous faith healer who became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. This piece, published in theLAnd, earned the Wilbur Award for excellence in magazine writing and was part of a portfolio that won third place in the 2023 American Academy of Religion Journalism Awards for best in-depth reporting.

Another snapshot Kestenbaum presented was about his story— “Keano Is N.Y.’s Most Famous and Mysterious Subway Psychic. I Found Her”—that was published in The New York Times. In the article, he wrote about his search to find the identity of Keano, a

fortune teller who plastered the subways with ads promoting her psychic business in 2019.

In addition to earning awards from the American Academy of Religion, Kestenbaum also has won commendations from the Society for Features Journalism, Religion News Association, the Los Angeles Press Club and the Silurians Press Club. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic and The Forward, and he has appeared on National Public Radio.

Kestenbaum, who majored in music, described his journey through Wheaton as a time in which, “I was beginning to imagine I might chart a real professional life for myself by thinking and writing about religion in all its complexities.”

“It was a pleasure to return to old stomping grounds, share my work with students, and visit with some of the thinkers and educators with whom I had spent a formative time of life, years back,” he said.

Professor Brumberg-Kraus said that he and professors Darling and Timm “think Sam does a terrific job representing religion accurately and fairly to the broader public. And we

Alums join forces on affordable housing

The shared goal of addressing housing needs in Northwestern, Conn., brought Josh Kelly ’17 and Deirdre Houlihan DiCara ’77 together in fall 2023 to collaborate on an affordable housing project.

Kelly, who is now the CEO of the Thames Valley Council for Community Action, previously served as the town manager and CEO in Winchester, Conn., where he crossed paths with DiCara. She is executive director of FISH/ Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern CT, which seeks to end hunger and homelessness in the region.

A new housing development project is underway thanks to a partnership between the Town of Winchester and the Winchester Housing Partners nonprofit, which is chaired by DiCara.

The two alums worked together to arrange the sale of one of the town’s former elementary

school buildings (the Batcheller School) to the nonprofit to create 37 affordable housing units in Winchester. (They are pictured sitting in front of it.)

“Housing is desperately needed in this area as the region works to combat unaffordable housing costs and rents,” said Kelly, who majored in political science.

DiCara, who majored in urban studies, said, “There is such a need for affordable housing nationwide. The trend we are seeing is with our seniors who live on Social Security and families who must choose between paying rent, insurance, buying food, and the costs of raising a family.”

The Winchester Housing Partners hope to secure grants to begin renovation work by the summer of 2025 with an anticipated ribbon cutting on the 37 affordable housing units within

found his own story going from Wheaton to reporting from Ramallah in Palestine, to Sana’a, Yemen, to writing about less well-understood contemporary American religious groups to be fascinating and appealing.”

The annual J. Arthur Martin Lecture is supported by the J. Arthur Martin Fund, which was established by students, alums and friends in 1978 in honor of Professor Martin at the time of his retirement. Martin was a member of the Religion Department from 1947 to 1978. The fund was increased by gifts in memory of the professor after his death in 1980 and by gifts in memory of his wife, Virginia Crosby Martin ’34.

—By Elsie Carson-Holt ’24

three years. There will be oneand two-bedroom apartments, as well as a few studios.

“I feel proud of our hard work,” Kelly said, “and I feel honored to

have worked with Deirdre and her team to make this needed investment in the

community.”

—Sandy Coleman

Sam Kestenbaum’s lecture was entitled “Prophets, Psychics and Other Wild Spirits: Journalism from the Front Lines of American Religion.”

Deirdre Houlihan DiCara ’77 with Josh Kelly ’17

Audrey Spina ’17 offers job advice on CollegeRecruiter.com

You arrive at your job interview ready to answer questions with responses that hopefully will make the points you want to get across. But, how can you drive the conversation in the direction you want to go?

That’s a challenging question for even the most seasoned professional with years of experience interviewing for jobs. For those new to the process, it can be daunting.

Audrey Spina ’17, assistant director of Career Services at Wheaton College, says active listening and being confident but not “pushy” can help. She and the college’s Career Services team regularly offer students many opportunities to hone their job interviewing skills—including learning how to engage employers in a productive conversation.

Alumni recognition comes in many forms

The Alumni Board of Directors is interested to know about alumni whose work deserves to be recognized or whose talents enrich our community. Please share their stories (or yours) with the Alumni Board at alum@wheatoncollege. edu or call 508-286-8207. To learn more, please visit wheatoncollege.edu/alumni

Audrey Spina ’17

Spina shares a range of guidance in the guest column she wrote for CollegeRecruiter.com titled “Some Helpful Advice About Embracing the Give-andTake Nature of an Interview.”

“Though a job interview

represents a discussion between an interviewer and a job seeker, the prospect of controlling the direction of the conversation can represent an intimidating prospect, especially for firsttime interviewees. Confidence

is good; you want to be sure that the interview session covers the right bases regarding your experience, qualifications and potential. You also want to ensure that your own questions about the hiring organization and the position they’re looking to fill are answered,” she writes in the column published March 25, 2024.

“Approaching the interview with a mindful attitude not only showcases assertiveness, confidence and knowledge in the right ways but also transforms the interaction into a collaborative exchange rather than a unilateral interrogation. Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you.”

—Sandy Coleman

Invest Today. Inspire Tomorrow.

Matthew Lambert ’24

Klein Family Wheaton Fund Scholarship

Visual art major

“I want to become a successful artist and share my work with people everywhere. I hope to inspire, uplift and inform others through art. This scholarship means so much to me and my family. It gives me the chance to express myself artistically and sets me on the path to becoming the person I strive to be. My amazing professors have taught me so much about not only art and the world but about myself as well. Because of my Wheaton experience, I am filled with so much excitement about my future.”

Give to the Wheaton Fund today to support the dreams of tomorrow.

Go online to learn more about how your support creates opportunities for Matthew and other students. wheatoncollege.edu/giving

KEITH NORDSTROM

1942

Helen Tarshis Shapiro, 102, passed away January 7. Since late 2021, with the love and support of two dedicated caregivers, she succeeded in living independently in her apartment surrounded by her art. For 72 years she was the loving partner of Herbert Shapiro, who died in 2015. An accomplished artist, Helen's work can be found in many private collections. At the age of 98, she published her memoir, Our Saga. She lived her life fully, through her wonderful marriage with Herbert, with whom she traveled the world, and as a loving and beloved matriarch of a growing family. She was an inspiration to those who knew her and loved her. She will be greatly missed.

1948

Joyce Tyler Welch , 96, passed away Aug. 5, 2023. Joyce was always gracious, loved family gatherings, and was determined to stay busy and productive to the end. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in physics. Joyce taught first and second grade and worked as an administrative assistant for Massachusetts Gov. Christian Herter. She married Hillard Welch and they had three daughters. Joyce became a stay-at-home mom and held many volunteer roles, including running play groups and serving on almost every committee the church had. However, she always put family first. She served as treasurer and led Reunion planning for her class. Joyce’s loving, determined spirit is alive and vibrant in the hearts of all who knew her.

Gloria Handy Thompson , 97, passed away on Feb. 22. She attended Wheaton and worked as a legal secretary in New York City for many years after attending Berkeley Secretarial School.

1950

Nancy Corwin Nammack , 95, died peacefully at home on Jan. 29, surrounded by her family and her cats. She was the beloved wife of the late Jerome Nammack Jr. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in art. She had a longtime affiliation with Winthrop University Hospital, starting service as a volunteer in 1959, eventually joining the Board of Directors.

At the time of her retirement in 2013, she was the hospital's longest-serving director, earning her a Lifetime Achievement Award. She loved her family and friends, her cats and dogs, traveling the world, reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing solitaire. She will be greatly missed.

1951

Robin Haskin Brown , 93, died Jan. 18. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Brown. She attended Wheaton and received a diploma from Hartford Art School.

Betty Reardon , 94, passed away Nov. 3, 2023. She is internationally celebrated as a founder of the field of peace education and a feminist peace scholar. She held a bachelor’s degree in history from Wheaton, a master's degree in history from New York University and a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. What intrigued and drove her was an interest in war, not as an isolated eruption in human affairs, but as a social system justified by particular ways of thinking. She held prominent roles in the establishment and work of key institutions that define the field of peace studies and peace education. Betty received many awards and published numerous articles, books, book chapters and reports, and has presented scholarly papers. She mentored and inspired generations of educators, scholars and activists through her teaching and scholarship.

1952

Kay Newth Readyhough, 92, passed away Jan. 23. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in English. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Kay's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, generosity and kindness. She leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories that will forever be etched in the minds of her family and friends. Kay's devotion to family was unwavering, and she found immense joy in the laughter and love shared among generations. She was a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court, a wonderful gardener and a stellar interior decorator with a love of travel.

1953

Lydia Dubbelde Thomas, 92, passed away Dec. 23, 2023. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor's degree in music.

Agnes Griffith , 92, passed away Oct. 19, 2023. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in American civilization. She also attended Oregon State University, Purdue University, Hood College, University of Guelph, University of Wisconsin and Alfred University.

Lillian Kezerian , 92, passed away February 6. Lillian graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in English. She earned a master’s degree in English literature from Trinity College. She had a long career in a senior corporate communications leadership role at Connecticut General (CIGNA). She served as treasurer at her church, adored art and music, and she enjoyed reading, seeing plays, concerts and opera in New York City. She also loved and cheered for the UConn women's basketball team for years. She served as a docent for 20 years at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Lillian deeply loved her family and friends.

1954

Julia Cook Willson , 90, passed away peacefully on January 19, surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished wife of the late James Burns Sr., with whom she shared 28 years of marriage, until his passing in 1982, and her second husband, the late Robert Willson, with whom she shared 26 years of marriage, until his passing in 2019. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Julia enjoyed a 35-year career as a first grade teacher at the West Memorial Elementary School in Peabody, Mass. She was a member and past president of the West Peabody Garden Club. She was a longtime dedicated volunteer with the Friends of the Minot-Sleeper Library in Bristol, N.H., and a parishioner of Bristol United Church of Christ. Julia enjoyed spending time with family and friends at her most beloved place, Cape Cod.

1956

Jane Lowenthal Garr, 88, passed away Dec. 23, 2023. She

Hannah “Nancy” Richmond Rierson ’52, former trustee

Hannah “Nancy” Richmond Rierson ’52 passed away on Nov. 9, 2023. She was 94. After graduating from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in history, she earned a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Nancy traveled and worked in New York City as an associate writer, where she met her husband of 29 years, Harold Hammer. Later on, Nancy also served as a trustee of Wheaton (1981–1989) and The Ellis School. She also was a member of the Wheaton Founders Society.

After holding positions as the director of communications at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and director of communications at Chatham University, Nancy started and operated her own public relations firm in Pittsburgh. She landed many clients, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Chatham University and the St. Barnabas Health System.

She took oil painting lessons to experience her natural surroundings and learned botanic photography, which earned her numerous awards. In September 2019, she was awarded a GCA club award from the Garden Club of Dublin for Garden History & Design.

Nancy also was an avid writer and artist, an adventurous traveler and a lifelong learner. After retirement, she fell in love with the exuberant colors of Phoenix. She visited many cliff dwellings and sites of cultural significance. During her time in Phoenix, she was also a docent at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix and volunteer for Heard Museum.

was the beloved wife of 64 years of the late Daniel M. Garr. Jane was a Wheaton College graduate with a B.A. in sociology and then graduated with her nursing degree from Monroe Community College. Jane was a professor of nursing at Monroe Community College for many years. She also created a nursing scholarship there for deserving students. In her spare time, Jane was an avid bridge player, enjoyed spending time with her friends, watching “Jeopardy” and reading.

Marty Best Harper, 89, passed away February 11, surrounded by her loving family. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After college, Marty returned to West Hartford, where she raised her two children while continuing her education at Central Connecticut State University, earning a master’s degree. Marty worked at Simsbury High School as a guidance counselor. She found solace and joy in travel-

Association, Frances belonged to several other foreign language organizations. She had an uncanny ability to not take herself too seriously.

1959

Caryl Diefenbach Traugott, 85, passed away Sept. 15, 2023. She lived life to the fullest and will be forever missed. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Wheaton and her master's degree in education. Caryl loved to share memories of her many travels across the globe, including her teaching experiences. A testament to her love of teaching was that she was still in contact with students from decades ago. More than anything, she loved to be with her family. She loved a good party and loved to go on family trips. Her favorite time of the year was when the whole family and many friends met every year for a few weeks for vacation.

1960

ing the world with her late husband, Robert Harper, and navigating the serene waters of Long Island Sound and Martha’s Vineyard aboard their sailboat. She enjoyed losing herself in a good book, cooking, painting and sewing clothes for her grandchildren. Marty was an active member of the Garden Club of West Hartford and a longtime member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

1958

Frances Alba Rochefort, 86, died January 15. She graduated from Wheaton with a degree in French and from Radcliffe College in Cambridge. She went on to teach foreign languages at both the secondary and junior college levels and was the chair of the Foreign Language Department at Cranston High School East. After retiring, she continued teaching part time in several Rhode Island communities. In addition to the Rhode Island Foreign Language

Elizabeth Ann Foster, 85, passed away July 15, 2023. Elizabeth graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in history. In 1961, she joined the Central Intelligence Agency, where she served her country faithfully until her retirement in 1989. After retiring, she served as a contract instructor at the agency for an additional seven years. She was proud of her accomplishments and service to her country. She was a member of Wheaton’s Founders Society.

1962

Robie Heilbrun Harris, 83, passed away January 6. A well-known children’s book author, educator and free speech champion, Robie was best known for her stories about young children’s powerful emotions and her frequently challenged and banned books on human sexuality, including It’s Perfectly Normal. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in English and soon after moved to New York City, where she initially found a job writing reports for the United Nations. She knew she wanted to pursue a teaching degree and a friend told her about Bank Street College of Education. In 1966, Harris earned her master of arts in teaching from Bank Street and became a teacher at the Bank Street School for Children, where she taught writing and

later directed after-school programs. Robie’s first book was a collaborative effort; she co-authored the nonfiction book Before You Were Three: How You Began to Walk, Talk, Explore, and Have Feelings (Delacorte Press, 1977). Robie stepped into the publishing ring solo with picture books. Several years later she embarked on an extensive new project while she was living in Boston—the work that would become her groundbreaking title It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health (Candlewick, 1994). In addition to selling millions of copies, these titles have ranked among the most frequently challenged and banned books in the country, according to the American Library Association. She was smart and sensitive, kind and generous beyond reckoning. Robie was a complicated human being in the best sense, and she had one of the best attributes you can say about a human being—she was memorable.

Jane Lozon Anderson , 83, passed away January 4. Jane graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and was the former owner of Apex Kitchens. A mother of three, she loved her family and was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Jane also was a tennis enthusiast, an accomplished gardener, and enjoyed reading and jigsaw puzzles. She will be dearly missed and remembered for all the wonderful times she was a part of, including many family trips to U.S. and Canadian national parks, and dinners out with family and friends.

Jeanne Van Zant Sanders, 83, passed away peacefully on February 4. She attended Wheaton for two years and returned to Texas, where she graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.

1963

Mary Catalano Auth , 82, passed away February 9. She graduated from Wheaton with a degree in psychology. She then worked in New York City at an advertising agency, and soon after that, married the love of her life, Victor Auth. Mary was a pervasive presence in her family, in her

Rosalind Ekman Ladd ’55, professor emerita of philosophy

Rosalind Ekman Ladd, 89, died on Oct. 6, 2023, in Lancaster, N.H. She graduated from Wheaton magna cum laude with a degree in English and earned a master’s degree in philosophy in 1956 and a Ph.D. in 1962 from Brown University.

Rosalind was a professor of philosophy at Wheaton for more than 30 years. After working at Smith College as an assistant professor from 1963 through 1967, she began at Wheaton as an associate professor in 1967. She was granted tenure in 1970 and promoted to full professor in 1974. Rosalind served as chair of the Philosophy Department from 1971 through 1979 and as acting chair for a year after that.

She also was a visiting professor in biomedical ethics at Brown University and an affiliated staff member of the Department of Pediatrics at Rhode Island Hospital. She was highly engaged in many organizations throughout her career, including serving as the vice president of the American Association of Philosophy Teachers; reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities; and as a member of a research study task force on children and adolescents with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders for the National Academy of Sciences.

An active scholar until the time of her death, her long list of published work includes: “The Paradoxes of Formalism” in the British Journal of Aesthetics (1970); “Paternalism and the Rationality of the Child” in Thinking: The Journal of Philosophy for Children (1985) and "Informed Consent and Women in Labor" in The Encyclopedia of Birth (The Oryx Press, 1993).

Rosalind, who was married and had two children, retired from Wheaton in 2001. She will be remembered for her academic work in the areas of children’s rights, especially in health care, medical decision-making and women’s issues.

children's schools and activities, and in her community. She was creative and beautifully artistic. She played the piano and accompanied her husband on his violin. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, painting, dancing and curating and displaying her many collections in her house. Mary loved gardening and nurturing trees, flowers and plants. She looked for ways to help others, and had an incredible knack for getting people involved in it with her. She fought for anyone who needed support or love, without

grant, enabling her to study theater management at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. At the Guthrie, she met set designer Hal Tiné. They married and had two sons. For 50 years, she worked as a watercolor artist and botanical illustrator and was a prolific product designer. With her husband, she exhibited miniature gardens at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and her illustrations were regularly featured in magazines, exhibited in more than 300 group and solo shows, and won numerous awards, including the Elizabeth Platt Corning Medal and the Eloise Payne Luquer Medal. She also volunteered with environmental causes she cared about.

Ginger Rood Jacobs passed away in May of 2023. She attended Wheaton College.

1965

Laura Barrett Scherz , 80, passed away Aug. 25, 2023. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

1967

Susan Nichols Smith , 78, passed away May 19, 2023. After graduating from Wheaton, she earned a master’s degree in education from Boston University. Early on, she could be found on the tennis courts or a ski mountain. Her first child was born with cerebral palsy and her time was redirected to his needs, along with those of her daughter. In her spare time, she could be found tending her gardens or creating crafts in Sherborn, Mass.

1968

any need for acknowledgment. Mary loved her family deeply and was eternally devoted to their well-being.

1964

Louisa Rawle Tiné, 80, died on Sept. 2, 2023. Louisa graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s in history and pursued an M.F.A. in film at New York University. Her career began in theater as an actress and manager. She worked for Actors’ Equity before becoming one of the first women to receive a Ford Foundation

Suzanne de Lima Knowles, 77, died Oct. 25, 2023. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and earned a master's degree from Middlebury College in Madrid. She and her husband, Jimmy Knowles, began a 30-year adventure of running the Roger Smith Hotel. The place became a center of artistic activity and energy, impacting the lives of many people over the years. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother to her own family and to countless others. She felt she could solve many of life’s problems by simply “pouring the love in.” The warmth, wisdom and gentleness she shared with so many will never be forgotten.

Susan Davidson , 77, died on January 24. Earlier that day, Susan had practiced her flute and taken a riding lesson on her horse. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. After a career in banking, Susan served on the board of Opera North in New Hampshire. For many years, Susan mentored small business owners. For many years, she provided a short-term home to doctors from developing countries who were receiving additional training through Dartmouth Medical Center. She is remembered both by her family and friends for her uncanny thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit.

Lynn Kyde Nicoletta , 77, passed away February 3. After graduating from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Lynn moved to New York City, where she began her career working in the psychiatry department in a hospital. She married Andrew Nicoletta and had three children. She discovered a passion for interior design and opened her own business. Returning to her original passion, Lynn pursued a master's degree and doctorate in psychology. She worked in a group practice as a clinical psychologist. Lynn loved to travel and embarked on many solo journeys. She was known for her warm and welcoming demeanor, her love of entertaining and her passion for the arts. She will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her boundless creativity, and her deep love for those around her.

1971

Barbara Loh , 74, died February 16. Last June, she and her husband, Don Graham, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Bermuda with their two sons and spouses and grandchildren. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in government history. She earned her paralegal certificate and then worked recruiting foster parents and overseeing the placement of foster children. She and Don also welcomed several foster children into their own home. She worked as the director of community-based domestic violence services with the YWCA, became an adjunct professor at

Philip Wilson, professor emeritus of physics

Philip Wilson, 94, died February 3, at his residence. He was the youngest of three sons of Herbert and Elsie Mae Wilson. Born in Clarksburg, W.Va., Philip was educated in the school system of Marietta, Ohio.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and his master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Vermont.

After working at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, and his subsequent marriage, he earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After a year's postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, he and his family moved to Mansfield, Mass., and then to Norton, where he taught in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Wheaton for 27 years. He was chair of the department from 1974 through 1979.

He was a former member of the American Chemical Society, the American Physical Society and a life member of the American Radio Relay League. Wilson also held various commercial radio licenses.

He was a student of the Russian language and interested in other languages. The Indianapolis 500 was his major sporting interest, having listened to it on the radio or watched it on television for 68 years. He also greatly enjoyed watching the Boston Marathon. He was an avid reader of two newspapers daily, and three on Sundays. In addition he exercised his mind with brain teasing puzzles.

Westfield State University and then was hired as the executive director of a nonprofit organization. One of Barbara's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren

1972

Jane Sylvia Spittler, 73, passed away February 17. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and received her juris doctorate from Lewis College of Law. Jane worked as executive director of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, education director for the Illinois Property Assessment Institute and retired from the Macon County State's Attorney's Office where she headed up the Domestic Violence Unit. She was passionate about victims’ rights and support for women's issues. She married Fred Spittler in 1988. After retirement Jane joined her husband in private business educating government officials. Jane enjoyed cooking,

away on February 15, after a year’s progression of ALS. Her loving family was at home by her side. Through her diagnosis and disease, she remained steadfast in her positive outlook on life, enjoying it with a smile and her usual strong will, never asking why. Mary graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in art and history and earned a Master of Arts in museum education from George Washington University. She was curator of education at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in Alabama. It was there she met Michael, her adoring husband of 38 years. She worked at the Henry Sheldon Museum, where she retired in May of 2023 as the associate director. Mary was also generous with her time, volunteering with the Bristol Friends of the Arts and the Middlebury College Museum of Art. She sought out several charitable causes over the years, supporting the arts and humanities.

1985

golfing and vacationing every year at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif.

Kate Wilford Carraher, 73, passed away at home on January 20 surrounded by her family. Kate graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in government and earned her M.B.A. from the University of New Mexico. She became the first female yacht broker for Sparkman & Stephens in New York City. Kate loved the water and was an extremely talented sailboat racer. Regardless of the event she was racing in, she always said it was the most fun beating her friends. She was a member of the Tred Avon Yacht Club for 50 years and three other clubs. Kate volunteered for both Pegasus Therapeutic Riding while living in Greenwich, Conn., and Talbot Special Riders.

1978

Mary Ward Manley, 67, passed

Jill Denise Stanton , 60, passed away Aug. 30, 2023, following complications from a stroke she suffered two years ago. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After Wheaton, Jill moved to Gainesville, Fla., where she took a job as director of a program supporting independent living. She loved her work and was in turn loved by the people who she looked after. She was also deeply loved by her family and friends.

Friend of the college

Seiji Ozawa , world-renowned conductor and Wheaton 1994 honorary degree recipient, in February

Relatives

1957 George Fiero Jr., husband of Ellen Clark Fiero, January

1957 James Horend, husband of Jean Brennan Horend, January

1962 Jonathan Jones, husband of Marjorie Gelb Jones, February

1969 Gustavo Cisneros, husband of Patricia “Patty” Phelps Cisneros, December 2023

1978 Lawrence Cowen, husband of C. Anne Murray, October 2023

2012 Janet Cobb, mother of Lindsey Cobb, November 2023

What a view!

The Wheaton community gathered all around campus to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The Counseling Center and Health Services provided protective glasses.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Planning the future.

“Wheaton has been a significant part of my life since the first day of orientation. I had the opportunity to explore my interests, develop my skills and discover my passions. I played varsity lacrosse, participated in clubs and student government and was a dean's intern for the Admission Office. I also completed two internships that prepared me for my career. One summer I was at the Boston Stock Exchange and for two summers I was at Cantor Fitzgerald in Boston, where I ultimately went to work after college and spent 23 years there. I am grateful for the education and experiences that Wheaton provided me, and I want to give back. That is why I created an endowed scholarship to fund internships. I also made a bequest for a portion of my estate to go to Wheaton to leave a lasting legacy and ensure that the college continues to thrive and grow.”

John Talanian Jr. ’93

Wheaton Board of Trustees vice chair

Cantor Fitzgerald, retired senior vice president/partner

Paul Daniele Home Inspections, owner

For information, call the Office of Gift Planning at 508-286-3393 or visit giftplanning.wheatoncollege.edu.

KEITH NORDSTROM

Invest Today. Inspire Tomorrow.

Wheaton Fund supporter

“At Wheaton, I received a scholarship endowed by the Hood family. My sister came to Wheaton a year after me, and she also received the Hood Scholarship. I would not have been able to go to Wheaton without that support. I was able to create my own major and find faculty who were incredibly kind to me and supported me all the way. I didn’t know how my life would evolve after graduation, or what I would ever be able to do for Wheaton philanthropically. However, when I was able to pay it forward, I set up a Wheaton Fund internship. For me, giving back is the natural and right thing to do. I hope others feel the same.”

Kristen Shea Bettencourt ’89

Couples therapist

Established a named Wheaton Fund internship (2019–2027)

Mary Lyon Leadership Society and 1834 Society member

Wheaton Fund