Magazine - Fall 2024

The magazine of Wheaton College, Massachusetts

Driven by curiosity

Professor studies invasive species

Troy Watkins

A new chapter in alumni communication

The college held its first White Coat ceremony in October for second-year nursing students in Cole Memorial Chapel. The event is a staple in nursing education and it signals the start of clinical education, which will begin in earnest during the upcoming spring semester.

This issue of the magazine offers a number of examples of innovation at the college, such as the introduction of 4+1 master’s programs and an initiative to make STEM fields more inclusive and welcoming. It also contains many stories that testify to the continuing strength of high-quality liberal arts education enriched by experiential learning and faculty mentorship.

The magazine is evolving, too. From this point on, you’ll see increased emphasis on targeted, digital communications that better reflect your interests and the

pace of change at the college and throughout higher education.

That change includes transitioning the magazine to a single, annual print edition. This decision allows us to dedicate more resources to delivering content that truly matters to you: celebrating achievements, sharing stories from campus, and highlighting the incredible contributions of our alumni network in every space we connect—digital, print, and inperson on and off campus.

However, this is not just about reducing our print cadence; it’s about amplifying our connection to you. We are committed to delivering more personalized communications that resonate with your experiences and interests. Our goal is to keep you engaged and informed about the vibrant happenings at Wheaton and within our extended network.

Strategically, our priorities cen-

ter on expanding our digital outreach, providing you with more opportunities to connect, engage and collaborate. Whether it’s through networking events, online forums, or local gatherings, we want to ensure you feel part of our dynamic community, no matter where you are.

In addition, we encourage our Class Secretaries to play an active role in sharing class notes and news about your peers. Your contributions are invaluable in keeping our network lively and interconnected. We will be offering a space for peer-to-peer notes in 2025.

We look forward to seeing how these changes will strengthen our bonds and enhance your experience as a member of the Wheaton family. Thank you for your continued support and engagement!

WHEATON MAGAZINE

Vol. 115, No. 1

Assistant vice president for marketing and communications, and editor

Michael Graca

Designer

Paul Battista

Multimedia producer

Keith Nordstrom

Marketing coordinator

Sophie Clarkin ’23

Associate editor and writer

Troy Watkins

Vice president for marketing and communications

Suzi Robinson

Wheaton, The Magazine of Wheaton College (ISSN 1068-1558), is published 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

Members of Wheaton’s inaugural cohort of nursing students, following the White Coat ceremony.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Mindful education

Wheaton is in demand. This year, the college welcomed 538 new students, the third largest group of incoming students in Wheaton’s history. This success continues a remarkable trend. At a time when enrollment is declining at many institutions, Wheaton has seen a 68% increase in applicants for admission since 2019, steady growth in overall enrollment, and continued improvement in the high school GPA of enrolled students, with an average now of 3.72.

Key to these results is the breadth of academic choices that we offer students within the flexible Compass Curriculum that allows for double majors and minors. Our programs range from the arts, business and biology to film, philosophy, psychology and language study, not to mention new majors, such as nursing, design, marketing, finance, digital media and communication and criminal justice, restorative justice and criminology. Wheaton’s emphasis on experiential learning: WheaGo, sophomore experiences, semester in the city, summer entrepreneurial internships, faculty-led study away, and applied liberal arts programs further ex-

pands students’ options.

This academic array presents a potential challenge to students: how to choose. Making the most of all that Wheaton offers requires not only expert guidance from faculty and staff but also ongoing reflection by students, considering their interests and experiences now and their goals for the future. Doing this well can be learned, and this learning will benefit students during their undergraduate career and long afterward. We seek to ensure that it is an integral part of the Wheaton educational experience.

To that end, and building on the successful Filene Center, Wheaton opened the new Life and Career Design Institute (LCDI) this summer. The idea for this new organization emerged from the Experiential Learning Task Force, a brainstorming group of alumni leaders, trustees, faculty and staff that I convened shortly after I joined the Wheaton College community. The group

was charged with developing bold and detailed recommendations for transforming the college’s historic emphasis on experiential learning into a signature program that brings together varied offerings into a holistic, integrated plan that extends from matriculation through graduation and beyond.

In keeping with that goal, the institute offers the job and internship search guidance that students previously found in career services, but it does so within the context of a broader, more ambitious and more impactful mission: offering students a holistic and integrated approach to their learning, their experiences and their planning—in and out of the classroom.

This integrated approach to life and career planning is inspired by the concepts detailed in the book, Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by William Burnett and David Evans. The institute’s offerings adapt the principles of design thinking to aid students in charting their own learning path at Wheaton and after college. It’s an individualized and collaborative process that is rooted in selfreflection and consideration of all aspects

Michaele Whelan, president

A student considers priorities while working on a card-sorting exercise in a life design workshop.

Student leaders discuss methods for effecting change with Kathleen Potter, director of life and career navigation.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

PHOTO BY PEMA

AROUND THE DIMPLE

Zendaya’s “Challengers” movie scenes filmed on campus

Tennis courts, Haas, dining halls, students and alum get screen time

With a beautiful campus, a polished team of professionals to support logistics and many potential actors to cast as extras, Wheaton College is always ready for its close-up. Most recently, the college enjoyed some screen time in the 2024 movie “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” features Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Haas Athletics Center, Chase and Emerson dining halls, and Wheaton’s tennis courts are featured. Zendaya posted several behind-the-scenes photos that displayed the college on Instagram.

Several media outlets, including The New York Times, Boston.com, WBUR.org and Country & Town House magazine, noted that some scenes were filmed on campus.

A Wheaton student who was cast as an extra can be seen in the stands in a pivotal scene. Isabel Pongratz ’20 also was an extra in three scenes in Chase, on Chapel Field and at the tennis courts, where she sat in the stands a few rows behind Faist’s character watching the match and dramatically gasping with the crowd when directed.

“I was in a scene in Chase where Zendaya and Faist’s characters were having an argument of some kind,” said Pongratz. “They placed me outside the vestibule of Chase’s entrance. At the end of the scene Zendaya storms out, so every now and then she walked right past me!”

Setup and filming took place on campus

in June 2022. The weeks of preparation by the movie crew prior to filming included a facelift for the Wheaton tennis courts, the creation of stadium seating and adding “sponsor” logos, and transforming areas of the campus to look like Stanford University.

Pongratz, who double majored in theatre and English, said the three days of filming in which she was involved included a lot of waiting in a staging area and a lot of walking around campus.

“It was so fun!” said Pongratz, who was an assistant director of the Wheaton Fund when the movie crew came to

campus and is now a development manager at the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in Boston.

In addition to playing a role in this motion picture, the Wheaton campus was one of several Massachusetts locations chosen for filming scenes in “Don’t Look Up,” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. Parts of the HBO Max series “Julia” were shot here and the campus also was used as a location for “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women,” starring Luke Evans and Rebecca Hall.

Mike Faist (left) stars as Art and Zendaya as Tashi in “Challengers.” This scene was shot in Chase Dining Hall.

Isabel Pongratz ’20 was cast as an extra in three scenes shot in Chase, on Chapel Field and at the tennis courts.

PHOTO BY NIKO TAVERNISE / COURTESY OF METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.

Welcome to Wheaton

Ah, the thrill of a new academic year! The Dimple fills with students hurrying to class or relaxing on the lawn, music wafts from open residence hall windows and event flyers paper the bulletin boards again.

The 2024 fall semester kicked off with extra energy, as the college welcomed the third-largest cohort of new students in 190 years. Who are they, you ask?

538

new students, including 27 transfer students

members of the Class of 2028 enter with a high school GPA of 3.90 or higher (Overall, first-year students average GPA is 3.72.)

212

new students call Massachusetts home

140

new students plan to major in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines

140 members of the new student cohort (26%) represent multicultural backgrounds states and 30 countries are represented by the college’s new students

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

AROUND THE DIMPLE

Eleven students and grads win scholarships

Leila Barackman ’22 credits her Wheaton education with building up her confidence to face challenges head-on

“Wheaton allowed me to think about my options outside of what I thought was possible for myself,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but Wheaton pushed me to think outside the box and encouraged me to shoot for the stars and incorporate different experiences into the realm of teaching.”

Barackman will spend the year teaching English to schoolchildren in Madrid as a Fulbright scholar.

Altogether, 11 Wheaton College students and recent graduates earned prestigious international scholarships that support scholarship and experiential learning. They are the latest in a long line of Wheaton scholars to win such awards. In 2024, the U.S. State Department identified the college as one of the top Fulbright-producing institutions in the country.

The success of Wheaton students in capturing scholarships for advanced study does not happen by chance, said Associate Professor of English Winter Jade Werner, who serves as the college’s coordinator of the Scholar Development Advisory Committee. Other members of the committee are Senior Professor of the Practice of German Laura Bohn Case, Senior Professor of the Practice of English Angie Sarhan, Associate Director of the Center for Global Education Alida Gomez and Senior Student Success Advisor Susan Friedman.

“We are creating a culture in which scholarships and fellowships are seen as something to which any student can aspire,” she said. “The prerequisite is that you have to have passion for it and be willing to work at it.”

The results testify that the culture is taking root. In addition to Barackman, two other recent grads won Fulbrights:

Steven Legg ’22, who will spend 10 months teaching English, assimilating himself further to German culture and mastering his verbal language skills; and Emile BautistaBekken ’23 who is learning the Kazakh language, his seventh, while teaching in Kazakhstan. Will Coleman ’22 will travel to Japan to work as an assistant language teacher through the competitive Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.

In some cases, students receive scholarships that further their education as undergraduates. For example, Bessie Reina Figueroa ’26 applied for and won a Projects for Peace grant to promote mental health literacy and destigmatize the topic in El Salvador. Syd Alves ’25, Clara Gonsalves ’25, Maggie Hart ’26, and Davina Sinkiewicz ’25 won Gilman scholarships, awarded by the U.S. State Department to fund study abroad for students with financial constraints.

“Above all else, Wheaton has a resource for everything,” Alves said. “Being a firstgeneration college student, I had no idea how any of this worked. I never thought I was going to go abroad, so really having people who know what they’re doing, who have done this before, encouraging me and holding my hand every step of the way has been really wonderful.”

Carlos Yu ’24 tells a similar story about the support that helped him win a Watson

Fellowship to travel to Nigeria, Singapore and Hong Kong to understand storytelling as a mode of resistance and community building.

“I have to give immense credit to my professors,” he said. “When I’m in their classes, I feel like they really know me. A lot of them have pushed me, sought me out for certain opportunities and

Carlos Yu ’24

Bessie Reina Figueroa ’26

advocated for me immensely.”

Professor Werner notes that the process of applying for a Fulbright, Watson or other competitive scholarship—from writing proposals and essays to preparing for interviews—pays dividends in helping students clarify their future goals and tell their stories in compelling ways.

Daphne Giampietro ’25 agrees.

Although her application for a Beinecke Scholarship did not win her the award, the biology major said that she earned something more valuable. “It helped me see my desires and dreams more clearly,” she said.

“I started writing my application back in October and by the time I’d reached draft 13.0, I became decisive in what I

wanted to do. I looked back over my life and found the connections that pulled me towards a future where I could see myself prospering. I was able to push through rough times and rough drafts to produce something I was proud of.”

It’s a message that Jillian Riveros ’22 shares with the students that she mentors in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship, a prize she won in 2021.

“Applying for scholarships isn’t easy and you don’t always get them,” Riveros said. “I want to remind people to be persistent and keep pushing through and keep applying even if you don’t get it the first or second time. If it’s really your dream to do something, then don’t stop.”

This spring, Riveros won a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) Oxford-Cambridge scholarship that will allow her to pursue her doctoral degree in biomedical research at the University of Cambridge.

Steven Legg ’22

Jillian Riveros ’22

Leila Barackman ’22

AROUND THE DIMPLE

Art with a message for the birds and for humans

Senior’s large-scale mural in Chase Dining Hall windows aims to prevent collisions, raise awareness

Nearly one billion birds die by colliding into windows every year in North America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Caitlin Perrigo ’24 is using her background in art to take action, raise awareness and offer some protection at Wheaton College.

Perrigo is a double major in visual art and biology. For her senior seminar in biology, she conducted an independent study on “bird strikes” that combined her areas of study. She then created a public art installation inspired by her research.

Her large-scale mural, titled “Wings and Windows,” was installed in Chase Dining Hall in May. It aims to prevent birds from colliding into the windows while promoting conservation and education.

“‘Wings and Windows’ works as a conservation tool by removing the reflection of the glass. Birds will recognize the window as a solid object and avoid it,” Perrigo said. “I try to think about ways that my artwork can be placed within the environmentalist movement.”

She worked with Associate Professor of Biology Jessie Knowlton, who teaches ecology, ornithology and conservation science courses, to collect data about bird strikes on campus through daily surveys in collaboration with the Wheaton Birding Club. Associate Professor of Visual Art Kelly Goff and Beard and Weil Galleries Director Elizabeth Hoy provided additional support in the creation of the design and its execution.

The art installation, made of perforated vinyl, depicts several native bird species, including the Yellow-rumped Warbler, the Dark-eyed Junco and the Golden-crowned Kinglet.

To make the mural, Perrigo first created drawings with pen and ink, she

said, then scanned them. She edited them with Adobe Illustrator, then created an expandable design.

The Friends of Art—a group of alums, current students, faculty, staff and local residents—also assisted Perrigo by donating funds to help with materials for her installation. A sign company printed the mural, which is approximately 6’ x 26’.

Perrigo began the project last year after taking an ornithology course with Knowlton. Chase, which has walls of windows, was chosen as the installation location because of its prominence on

campus and the high rate of bird strikes, she said.

In 2023, Perrigo received a Beinecke Scholarship, which provides $35,000 for graduate studies. After graduation, she plans to attend Maine College of Art and Design to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree. She will continue to focus her work on ornithology. Perrigo said, “I think artists and their work shape culture and I hope my work starts conversations and creates action.”

—By Elsie Carson-Holt ’24

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Caitlin Perrigo works on installing her artwork with assistance from Elizabeth Hoy, director of the Beard and Weil Galleries.

Entrepreneurship Summit prepares students for success

Guest speakers and panelists provide insights and advice

Wheaton’s first Entrepreneurship Summit was held April 24, 2024, in Hindle Auditorium, where participating students acquired new skills, insights and connections from industry leaders of various fields.

“We want students to understand that entrepreneurship, education and training is not just about exploring ideas or identifying opportunities to create or manage a business, but a skill set that can be acquired to develop themselves,” explained Ellie Paris-Miranda, the Diana Davis Spencer Endowed Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship.

In her opening remarks, President Michaele Whelan stressed the value of a well-rounded Wheaton education in pursuing goals.

“A liberal arts education is the perfect preparation for a successful entrepreneur,” she said. “Strong critical thinking ability and developing the skills to make meaningful difference in the world, are hallmarks of a Wheaton liberal arts education, and I think are the essential ingredients for social innovation and

effective entrepreneurship.”

Karina Holyoak Wood, the founding executive director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Rhode Island, gave the keynote address at the summit, which attracted more than 200 participants.

“Entrepreneurs assess and identify opportunities, solve problems and meet needs,” she said. “They organize resources and provide leadership to launch and grow a venture. They create values for themselves and their community.”

Following the keynote, students elected to participate in a choice of four breakout sessions: art and social impact, health care entrepreneurship, technology and resources for startups, or business law

and education. Each one-hour session was led by a panel of speakers and industry experts who are or have worked in companies, organizations and higher ed institutions such as Peloton, MIT, Harvard and Tufts.

Kristina Piasecki, professor of the practice of business, and Tania Schlatter, professor of the practice of design, also were among the speakers at the event.

Paris-Miranda joined the faculty in January to help broaden entrepreneurship learning opportunities and resources for students. Leanna Lawter, associate professor of business and chair of the business and management department, said. “Ellie worked tirelessly to engage students and used her deep roots in the entrepreneurship ecosystem to spearhead a highly successful event.”

Primary sponsors of the summit were Diana Davis Spencer ’60 and Board of Trustee member Kendra Malloy and John Malloy, who are the parents of a Wheaton Class of 2022 graduate.

—By Troy Watkins

PHOTOS BY KEITH NORDSTROM

President Michaele Whelan extols the power of the liberal arts to fuel social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Karina Holyoak Wood (left), the founding executive director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Rhode Island, offers advice during a panel breakout session.

Student takes leading roles offstage

Senior works at professional theater, wrote and produced original play

Joey Del Santo ’25, got his first role in a play when he was in preschool, playing Medusa the jellyfish in an adaption of the children’s book Swimmy. He credits that experience for starting his love of theater.

“It really helped me gain some confidence,” Del Santo said. “I was very shy when I was young. And so my parents put me in a couple of different theater camps and programs during the summers.”

Through those experiences he found the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, R.I., where he took acting classes, later interned and now works as the education administrator, which he loves. In June, he also produced Disney’s “The Lion King, Jr.” at the Stadium.

At Wheaton, Del Santo is a theatre and music double major and president of the Kresge Theatre Company. During the spring semester, the company presented his original play, “Definitive,” to a packed house in the Kresge Experimental Theatre in Watson Fine Arts.

He got the idea for “Definitive” during the COVID-19 lockdown. Like most people, he spent a lot of time watching Netflix.

Unlike most people, his time in front of the television led him to write and produce a play. His creation was inspired by political dramas like “The West Wing,” “Madam Secretary” and “Designated Survivor.”

He wrote one scene of what eventually would become “Definitive” in a playwriting class at Stadium Theatre. He then forgot about it until he was preparing to take “Advanced Playwriting” at Wheaton, where he completed the script.

The play examines the intersection of ambition and love. It tells the story of a

married couple, a journalist and politician, at pivotal points in their careers.

Soon after they each start new jobs they find themselves facing “a crisis of identity” and struggle to pick up the pieces of a marriage that seems doomed to fail.

Del Santo relates to the theme of ambition that is so central to his play, considering that has co-produced full plays with the Wheaton Theatre and Dance Department and helped get the Kresge Theatre Company started.

“I was interested in being an artistic director and running a theater company. So, I evolved Cafe Theatre, which was the student theatre club, into Kresge Theatre Company,” Del Santo said.

Another theme central to “Definitive”

is LGBTQ+ rights, as the journalism of the main character focuses on homophobia in Belarus, where he is reporting.

Professor of Theatre and Dance

Stephanie Burlington Daniels said that “‘Definitive’ asks audiences to think about what happens to us when we push away who we really are … this gift from Joey encourages us to value the diversity of our stories and to have pride in the telling of them.”

All this would not be possible without the Wheaton Theatre and Dance Department and “the collaborative atmosphere that is created here,” Del Santo said. “At Wheaton, everyone wants to help see art come to life.”

—By Elsie Carson-Holt

’24

Joey Del Santo ’25 stands in the Kresge Experimental Theatre at Wheaton College before the start of rehearsal for the original play that he wrote and produced.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Transforming course work into original research

Two students among first to represent Wheaton at Northeast Modern Language Association

Undergraduate Forum

Gabby Wilbur ’24 and Sydney Alves ’25 recently participated in the Northeast Modern Language Association Undergraduate Forum (NeMLA)—possibly the first Wheaton students to do so. At the March 2024 event, each student presented original research among peers representing institutions from across the country.

“These national conferences give students a chance to see the real-world impact of their humanities scholarship, and it helps them hone their skills in conducting and presenting their research,” said Winter Jade Werner, associate professor of English. “I believe this is the first time we have had Wheaton students participate in the conference.”

A double major in English and philosophy, Wilbur presented her research titled “Colonial Encounters and Epistemic Virtue and Vice in The Hikayat Abdullah.” She was first introduced to the literary work during a senior seminar led by Werner last spring. Wilbur then took José Medina’s modern theory of virtue and vice epistemology and applied it to this mid-1800s autobiography by Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir, considered the “Father of Modern Malay Literature.”

Werner encouraged Wilbur to submit her research—originally sourced from her final seminar—to the NeMLA Undergraduate Forum, and upon

acceptance, accompanied Wilbur and Alves to the event held in Boston.

“My participation in NeMLA 2024 allowed me to take an interdisciplinary approach to English in my research and to engage with the incredible work of undergraduate students from other institutions,” Wilbur said.

Wilbur’s research illustrated how her majors could work together to help illuminate hidden facets of a 150-year-old text, according to Werner.

“I was glad to see a student take such keen interest in this Malay autobiography,” she said. “Perhaps Gabby’s most important contribution is in how she heightened American awareness of this foundational text.”

Alves, an English major, presented the research she conducted from expanding upon a paper she had authored at the conclusion of a “Postmodern American Literature” course taught by James Byrne, senior professor of the practice of English. According to Byrne, Alves’s research involved re-examining Octavia Butler’s

fictional investigation of American slavery in the seminal Afrofuturist novel Kindred.

“Syd’s paper astutely and effectively showed how Butler’s novel puts a spin on the typical historical fiction genre [that] makes readers question their historical knowledge and the way that history has been constructed,” said Byrne.

Alves gained much from her research and participation in the forum. “Going to a conference and actively engaging in conversation about my research made me realize my potential to do more research, or work toward becoming published,” Alves said. “Preparing for and presenting at NeMLA helped me put everything I’ve learned at Wheaton into practice.”

Wilbur is considering pursuing a master’s degree in publishing, and Alves intends to teach English in high school while seeking opportunities to dance professionally and/or obtain an advanced degree in English.

—By Troy Watkins

Gabby Wilbur ’24 and Sydney Alves ’25 recently presented their research at the Northeast Modern Language Association Undergraduate Forum.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

AROUND THE DIMPLE

Getting an early start

Before they started the academic year at Wheaton, a small cohort of students interested in STEM fields built a foundation of success as Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars.

“The biggest lesson I learned is that no matter what you do in life, you will face challenges, so it is important to know how to overcome them and build a good support system,” said Rubi Gonzalez ’28, who participated in the scholars program from July 8 to August 3, 2024.

The inaugural residential experience introduces incoming first-year students to professional and technical skills needed to meet challenges and thrive in STEM fields at Wheaton and beyond. The goal is to increase participation of students belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM by lowering the barriers.

This summer, 10 scholars participated; six were incoming first-year students, two were rising sophomores who had not previously taken a STEM course at Wheaton, and a rising junior and senior, who also served as peer mentors and teaching assistants.

Based on interests, students were matched with one of five participating faculty members from the biology, psychology, and physics and astronomy departments. Each student worked with their appointed faculty member on research.

Gonzalez is interested in a career in anesthesiology. She spent the summer in the lab of Professor of Biology Robert Morris, learning about how cells work.

“I have always been interested in science, and more specifically, the field of medicine,” Gonzalez said. “When my grandfather endured a heart attack, it was the scariest moment of my life. The painful feeling of not knowing what caused it or how to deal with it was the push I needed to pursue my passion for medicine. So, when I learned of this program at Wheaton, I jumped at the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and form lifelong connections.”

Beyond their research experience,

Gonzalez and the other students also took one course together as a cohort covering a broad range of topics—from laboratory techniques to professional development. The lab-based portion of the course provided a glimpse into how classes run at Wheaton and an opportunity to develop critical thinking, science communication and other skills.

“Most early-stage college students struggle with certain skills like analyzing and presenting data,” said Juvenal Lopez, assistant professor of biology and director of the program.

Lopez collaborated with professors Jani Benoit, John Collins and Jessie Knowlton as well as Raquel Ramos, dean of the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning, to establish the STEM scholars program. It is loosely inspired by a similar program he participated in as an undergraduate biology major at Colby College.

“I found it very useful in developing my sense of belonging because when you start your first day of classes, you already know some students, faculty and staff,” said Lopez, who was a first-generation college student.

“I took that experience and added more professional development. Those soft skills are important to move up whatever ladder you’re trying to climb,” he said.

The Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars program is part of the Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence initiative, which is funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and seeks to create opportunities to encourage broader participation in STEM by students from diverse backgrounds.

Myrsa Prinston ’28, who worked with Professor of Geology Geoffrey Collins researching the planet Jupiter’s moon Europa, plans to major in chemistry. She wants to pursue a career in food science to create more efficient ways to grow food in cities to bring food security to densely populated areas. So she values getting an early start in developing strong research skills.

“The most enjoyable part of this program was the connections I made with the other students and professors, learning from them and hearing about their experiences,” she said.

Professor Geoff Collins examines images from Jupiter’s moon Europa with Alexandra Surrette ’27 and Myrsa Prinston ’28 (right) during the WOSS program.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Introducing 4+1 master’s programs

This year, Wheaton will launch its first master’s programs. The college’s 4+1 Master’s programs will allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years.

Starting in the spring of 2025, Wheaton students in their junior year will be eligible to apply for one of three accelerated programs leading to a Master of Arts in creative industries, Master of Science in environmental science or a Master of Science in business.

“The new 4+1 Master’s programs reflect our unwavering commitment to provide a transformative liberal arts education that gives our students a competitive edge,” said President Michaele Whelan.

“Our core principles of global citizenship, experiential learning, social justice, diversity and inclusion, creativity and intellectual curiosity are at the heart of this endeavor, ensuring that our graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions in an ever-changing world.”

Students can begin exploring accelerated program options during their first or

second undergraduate year. Once admitted into the program, undergraduate students begin taking graduate-level courses during their senior year. Then, after earning their bachelor’s degree, they take two master’s courses the summer after their senior year, followed by two courses in the fall and spring semesters, respectively.

workforce with the potential for higher earnings and faster career advancement.

The 4+1 Master’s programs consist of eight courses equivalent to 32 credit hours.

Following the first post-graduation summer, all master’s courses are online and asynchronous, which gives students the flexibility to work around their schedules and complete their advanced degree anywhere in the world. By fast-tracking their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years, students will accelerate their education and save financial resources. They will also enter the

Interim Provost Karen McCormack added, “Offering advanced degrees is a natural extension of our Compass Curriculum, which gives students the freedom and flexibility to create their own path to success. Students can maximize their potential by immersing themselves in their chosen discipline while leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of colleagues across disciplines. They will emerge as leaders equipped with the depth of a liberal arts foundation and the specialized expertise demanded by today’s workforce.”

The M.A. in creative industries will offer an academically rigorous, experiential and career-facing curriculum with two optional concentrations: film, television and media industries or arts management. The program will provide meaningful opportunities for current and aspiring content creators, storytellers, world-builders, makers, influencers, artists, performers, writers, musicians, filmmakers and other creatives to develop their practice. It also will offer a unique pathway for students who may not aspire (or consider themselves) to be ‘creatives’ but who have an interest in adjacent fields such as business, computer science or marketing. Students will stand out from their competition as they graduate with an advanced degree, specialized skills and a creative portfolio of their work.

The M.S. in environmental science will expand upon skills learned in Wheaton’s environmental studies, biology, and related STEM undergraduate programs. Students will gain advanced professional skills in environmental research, planning and policy through a liberal arts and social justice lens. This program will prepare students to solve complex environmental problems while gaining marketable skills in geographic information systems and advanced data analysis. Students will be well qualified for careers in environmental monitoring and assessment, environmental consulting, climate change adaptation and planning, wildlife and natural resource management, and environmental advocacy.

The M.S. in business will consist of six cross-disciplinary business courses and two elective courses in an area of specialty. Students may select a concentration in either arts management (to learn about the unique challenges facing arts and culture non-profit organizations) or sustainable business (to learn about the environmental and social impact of businesses). Students will engage in experiential learning to gain practical work experience such as cross-discipline strategic decision-making across an organization. Throughout the program, they will develop an e-portfolio utilizing WordPress, an industry-standard content management system. Non-business majors are also encouraged to pursue this accelerated program. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field and an advanced degree in business will make them attractive candidates in nearly any field.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Putting the humanities into conversation with artificial intelligence

Wheaton Magazine caught up recently with Joerg Blumtritt, professor of the practice of digital media and communications, to talk about the artificial intelligence boom and how the humanities can help us better understand and ethically use this rapidly-evolving technology. Blumtritt has spent his career in media research, exploring big data and AI’s increasing impact on social research. As the director of the Wheaton Institute for the Interdisciplinary Humanities (WIIH), he plans to re-balance the conversation, organizing a campus-wide discussion on the perspectives of the humanities as a necessary counterweight to the technological promise and perils of artificial intelligence.

What is pulling AI away from the humanities?

There are two forces. First, technology. We have become used to talking about technological innovation always as ‘the next big thing’. A lot of tech is thrown into the world to solve problems that might, in reality, not be that important. The language of ‘disruption’ is telling. It is less about adding something new than about destroying things that a lot of people actually love, like writing or doing creative work with images.

The second force is the economy of AI. Systems are pushed into the market at an incredible speed. There is no time to efficiently scale, to carefully think about products, or to meaningfully engage in policy debate … This is not an environment where openness or transparency thrive, let alone creativity. The economic forces prevent anything eccentric from emerging. AI is on the way to become like mobile phones—closed, shiny boxes.

Why is it important for the humanities to engage with AI and in what ways?

AI creates ethical problems with a wide range of issues … data bias and discrimination, violations of informational selfdetermination and privacy, undermining of authorship, precarious labor, fake news, libel and defamation, creation of harmful images, and a general lack of accountability and reliability inherent in all machine learning technologies.

The humanities add to the critical discourse. They might suggest alternatives

to the destructive economies of scale at work, and they could propose different, creative and philosophical ways of under standing and using AI.

How will the WIIH address AI issues on campus?

In addition to hosting open discussions about AI with invited guests, we want to contribute to the development of an interdisciplinary AI curriculum, build ing on existing classes and adding new courses on “Understanding AI”. I hope that our work will evolve into a continu ous conversation about AI at Wheaton.

Are there any AI tools that you are particularly excited about integrating into the humanities?

I love working with large text corpora like Google Books or Wikipedia, understanding how to explore and drive meaning from unstruc tured data. I also enjoy chatbots. You can ask ChatGPT to write a poem in dactylic hexameters in the style of Lucretius, and there it goes. Even better, however, is how the bots fail. They are often not able to give correct answers to the simplest questions. Instead they come up with the weirdest hallucinations.

Jeorg Blumtritt, professor of the practice of digital media and communication, is leading the Wheaton Institute for the Interdisciplinary Humanities’s exploration of the humanities and artificial intelligence.

PUBLICATIONS, HONORS AND CREATIVE WORKS

Faculty

Kirk Anderson, professor of French, wrote “‘Extrêmement Pop’: Gainsbourg and Swinging London” for Serge Gainsbourg: An International Perspective, published by Bloomsbury Academic Press.

Nick Dorzweiler, professor of the practice of political science and women’s and gender studies, wrote “Learning to Relinquish Silence: Feministing in Political Science as an Ethico-Political Project” in Feministing in Political Science

Scott Gelber, professor of education, wrote “Does Academic Freedom Protect Pedagogical Autonomy?” for Review of

, associate professor of business and management, co-authored “The Ethical Student Scale: Development of a Organization Management , professor of sociology, Social Problems, Fourth , which was published by Sage College

, visiting instructor of women’s and gender studies, won a travel grant from the American Academy of Religion for the group’s annual November meeting.

Professor Wesley Jacques essay in Slate magazine

Reflection explores loss of TV shows that capture ‘what it means to be young’

Professor Wesley Jacques wrote about media fragmentation and its impact on teens and young adults.

Wheaton College Assistant Professor of English Wesley Jacques recently reflected on the ending of network and cable television shows aimed at teenagers and young adults in an essay in Slate magazine, which provides analysis and commentary about politics, news, business, technology and culture.

In his piece, “The Last Bell: TV was once replete with shows that reflected and prescribed what it meant to be a teen. Not anymore,” Jacques wrote:

“Recently, I’ve felt that the TV landscape, in all its modern sensibilities, seems to be closing the book on a particular image of what it means to be young—no longer a child, but not quite an adult. Teen TV was once as triumphant as it was confounding; to see it become an endangered species is as alarming as it is depressing.”

He takes readers on a trip down memory lane of television’s evolution—from “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Facts of Life,” “Saved by the Bell” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” right up to “Grown-ish” and HBO’s “Euphoria.”

Jacques also notes that in a Tik Tok world, where immediate gratification is on demand on handheld screens, it is not surprising that there has been a shift in the TV landscape. Yet, he laments the shift and explores the implications.

“Ultimately what we lose as teen television passes on is not the inherent difficulty of teenage realities coping with relationships, identity, bodies, and an unfortunately bleak outlook for the environmental and geopolitical future. What we lose is the liminal space that made reality itself most malleable,” he wrote.

“Teenage audiences may have existed in the nickelodeon theaters of the early 20th century, where, for five cents, you could catch a scenic or vaudeville moving picture in cities throughout the country long before the youth-oriented cable network borrowed the moniker. But what television offered teendom was a sort of cultural synchronicity where the images of a youthful rebellion and romance were perhaps erroneously descriptive, but enchantingly prescriptive of a collective reality that viewers were in the midst of together.”

Also, the precious and pretentious language they have. There is a lot on which to work in the humanities.

How are you using AI and how do you want students to use it in coursework?

In my non-academic work, I support media and publishing companies using AI. Personally, translation is the most

useful application of AI for me so far. Generally, the main point for AI in the classroom will be about writing. First, AI can help with inclusion. For students with dyslexia, for example, AI can be of great support. However, since writing assignments only make sense if the students actually do the work, and I am not naive enough to think that students are not using bots, I have reconsidered the homework for my classes.

How does this theme fit into the “Information and Communication Technologies” course you are teaching this fall and with digital media and communication overall? The course introduces communication

by looking at the history of technologies from the perspective of science and technology studies. AI will play a role in two ways. First, we will look at how it is a tool for digital humanities, deciphering the charred fragments from the Villa dei Papiri. Second, we will critique the economy of AI in the course of the general discussion of the tech economy, and in particular deconstruct the narrative of progress.

Overall, AI will be an important tool to understand and for which to develop skills. It will be an object of critical study. And it will be a field for experimentation and creativity.

Athletics program expands

Women’s and men’s water polo begin competition

Wheaton has plunged into two new intercollegiate sports in 2024: men’s and women’s water polo.

The two sports make the college the second institution, after Stanford, to field intercollegiate sports in artistic swimming, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, and men’s and women’s water polo.

They are among 54 NCAA men’s water polo programs and 63 NCAA women’s teams competing.

Gavin Viano, associate vice president for athletics and strategic programs, is pleased with the progress of the programs. “We have 22 student-athletes from 10 different U.S. States as well as two international student-athletes on our men’s and women’s rosters,” he said.

“Applications from prospective water polo players more than tripled in our second year of recruiting, and we expect these application and enrollment numbers to continue to grow, as Wheaton’s name in the water polo global community becomes more well known.”

The women’s team completed its first season in the spring as a member of the NCAA Division III Collegiate Water Polo

Association, playing 13 games against teams from Augustana, Austin, Carthage, Connecticut, Grove City, Macalester, and Washington & Jefferson colleges, and Penn State Behrend.

Nine team members earned AllAcademic honors from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches for recording a GPA of at least 3.2. Wheaton’s collective GPA of 3.63 ranked 14th among all NCAA divisions and seventh in Division III.

Sophia Romo ’27, from Jupiter, Fla., led the women’s team with 14 goals and was a Collegiate Water Polo Association AllConference honorable mention selection.

The men’s team joined the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), an NCAA Division I conference with teams from Augustana, Austin and Washington

& Jefferson colleges, Penn State Behrend, Stanford, University of California Berkeley, UCLA and USC.

All 10 members of the men’s squad hail from outside the Bay State, coming from California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, Ohio and Greece. After six games, Spyros Rapsomanikis, from Kerkyra, Greece, led the team and ranked sixth in the MPSF with 19 goals and was tied for the conference lead with 22 steals.

Fourteen regular season games will be followed by the MPSF Championship Tournament in Los Angeles.

Both teams are coached by GT Ladd, who was a standout water polo player at University of Massachusetts Amherst and served as head coach of the Boston College men’s water polo program for seven seasons.

During the 2025–26 academic year, Wheaton’s new men’s and women’s fencing teams and men’s volleyball team will begin play. Combined with the water polo teams, the five programs will bring the total offered at Wheaton to 26—the first teams added since baseball was introduced in 1996.

—By Troy Watkins

PHOTOS

Spyros Rapsomanikis scored the first goal for the men’s water polo team against Austin College

Ava Biancheri ’28 netted the first goal for women’s water polo and was the team’s second-leading scorer.

Former Lyons pitcher signed by Cincinnati Reds

Stephen Quigley ’22 inks free agent contract

Former Wheaton baseball player Stephen Quigley ’22 signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball organization in August.

Quigley is the 10th player in Wheaton history to sign a professional baseball contract and the second current player. Nick Raposo ’20 is a catcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, playing for the Buffalo Bison, its AAA affiliate. After enjoying a stellar four-year career at Wheaton, Quigley was granted two additional years of eligibility by the NCAA due to the pandemic. He concluded his collegiate career as a graduate student at the University of Connecticut.

Quigley transitioned from shortstop to the mound for Wheaton during his junior year and was named to the D3baseball. com All-Region Second Team as a utility player following the season. As a senior, he struck out a league-high 73 batters, while posting a 2.22 earned run average. The right-handed pitcher was named the Region 1 Pitcher of the Year by both the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and D3baseball.com, was selected a Third Team All-American by the ABCA and earned a Fourth Team All-America designation by D3baseball.com.

At UConn he struck out a team-high 74 batters in 76 innings, earning First Team

All-BIG EAST accolades in his debut season with the Huskies. The Halifax, Mass., native fanned a career-high 87 batters to lead all BIG EAST hurlers in his second season at UConn, en-route to being named to the ABCA All-Northeast First Team.

Quigley finished his collegiate career with an 18-10 win-loss record between Wheaton and UConn with 253 strikeouts and a 3.62 ERA in 266 innings pitched. He was assigned to the Daytona Tortugas, the Reds’ Single-A affiliate, and pitched in relief late in the season and in the team’s playoff games.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Stephen Quigley ’22, signed by the Cincinnati Reds, seen here helping the Lyons to a NEWMAC tournament victory over Babson.

Driven by curiosity and a passion for marine life

Professor Andrew Davinack researches aquatic invasive vertebrates and their infectious parasites

By Troy Watkins

Andrew Davinack vividly recalls the moment he became interested in marine parasites as an undergraduate student.

“I opened a clam for the first time and tried to quantify its health,” said the Wheaton College assistant professor of biology and aquatic biologist. “I noticed these little critters swimming inside and I was enthralled.”

Davinack, who began at Wheaton in 2022, still experiences and exudes that same sense of wonder and excitement in the lab, the classroom and out in the field, where he is contributing to important research to help prevent ecological damage and protect the recreational, commercial and agricultural resources provided by bodies of water in the Northeast.

His scholarship primarily focuses on invasive invertebrates and the parasites that infect them. At Wheaton, he teaches a wide range of courses, including “Principles of Parasitology,” “Invertebrate Zoology” and “Genetics.”

He also runs a research lab in the Mars Center for Science and Technology that engages students in independent as well as collaborative hands-on learning that prepares them for diverse careers in the

biological sciences.

Davinack most recently has been busy with two projects—the Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Invasive Species and the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance Project. The survey, organized, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, is ongoing research to detect invasive aquatic species before they become a problem. In Wellfleet, he is collaborating with Cape Cod oyster farmers to address ecological and economic challenges posed by invasive worms as part of an extensive grantfunded project.

“I’m lucky that my research is connected to a lot of economic things, like the aquaculture industry, which can result in broad impacts,” he said.

“For example, DNA barcoding, which I frequently use in my lab, is being leveraged during biomonitoring surveys in order to identify potentially invasive species on the New England coast. Furthermore, my research on parasites is being leveraged to develop methods for reducing parasite load in commercially reared oysters on Cape Cod.

“I translate this applied angle into my teaching by relaying to students why a particular topic is important in a wider

Professor Drew Davinack (top) shows a student how to pour amplified DNA during a summer STEM program at Wheaton. Davinack (above) holds a sponge, clathria prolifera, that has been dissected to search for invasive inhabitants. The professor (right) and Ava Sheedy ’25 take samples for the 2024 Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Invasive Species at the Save the Bay docks in Providence, R.I.

PHOTOS BY KEITH NORDSTROM

context. For example, understanding the basics of cell division is important because cancer is essentially caused by a malfunction in the cell division machinery so any revolutionary cancer therapy will have to address that malfunction. This provides context for students and allows them to think beyond the material presented in class.”

Drawn to water and “weird stuff”

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Davinack was drawn to the ocean early and spent an abundance of time in coastal waters while he was growing up, which he credits with igniting his passion for marine biology. Surprisingly, when his family moved to New York City, his interest in aquatic life soared.

“I was always near Jamaica Bay,” he explained. “Despite being highly developed, Queens, New York, has salt marshes where you can find crabs and lobster.”

Davinack earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at St. John’s University, where he first studied clams harvested on the Connecticut coast, and a master’s degree in the same subject at Hofstra University, where he began his career as an adjunct instructor.

After completing a Ph.D. in zoology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, he spent seven years as an assistant professor at Clarkson University in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, where he studied freshwater environments while longing for a more robust aquatic setting.

Educated as a marine biologist, he had to learn how the freshwater environment works.

“My research originates from a sense of curiosity and a fascination with weird stuff. I was out of my element studying freshwater, but it allowed me to explore new aquatic habitats.”

When an opportunity to teach at Wheaton arrived, Davinack eagerly took it. He especially relished working near saltwater. (Rhode Island, the Ocean State, is a 30-minute drive from campus.)

“The move here put me back into my element, near the ocean,” he said.

Teaching and conducting research at Wheaton

Under Davinack’s mentorship, students gain hands-on experience and contribute to his research. Two students also have contributed to peer-reviewed scientific articles in Aquaculture and BioInvasions Records.

By focusing on skill-based learning, students acquire experience with techniques applicable to real-world settings,

like at a biotech company, he said. And they can do things several times and learn from their mistakes.

“We use a lot of genetic techniques in my lab, which take a month at most to train a student to use,” he said. “Once we do that, they take charge of the project.”

Ava Sheedy ’25, an anthropology major from Gloucester, Mass., after taking Davinack’s “Introduction to the Biological Sciences” course and learning about his research, enrolled in his “Research Experience (DNA Barcoding)” course.

“It was my first real lab experience and such a welcoming environment,” said Sheedy. “I gained the confidence to ask questions, developed my skills and was eager to become more involved.”

Sheedy decided to add biology as a second major and was so intrigued by DNA barcoding and the world of genetics

Davinack and Sheedy, an anthropology major, collect aquatic life samples to detect invasive species.

that had been opened to her, she joined Davinack’s lab.

“Professor Davinack talks to you in the lab like you’re one of his peers. He has confidence in your skills and that helps grow your self-confidence,” she said.

Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Invasive Species

In August, Sheedy joined Davinack at three coastal Rhode Island locations for his participation in the Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Invasive Species.

“Joining the survey team gave her a more intimate idea of how the process works,” said Davinack. “Most students don’t get to see live animals because DNA work doesn’t require it. Ava saw a lot of these organisms alive.”

Every few years, a team of scientific specialists visit marinas along the New England coast to observe, identify and record marine organisms. They spend an hour at each site examining submerged surfaces. Samples are collected and later identified in a laboratory.

“We can spend from six to 12 hours identifying every organism down to the species level,” Davinack said. “We’re beginning to detect things that should not be here. They’ve been typically found in the Mid-Atlantic, but now they're getting close to New England.”

If non-native species overpopulate an area, they can disrupt the ecosystem, food chain and prosperity of native species. It can be expensive or impossible to remove

invasive species, Davinack said.

He notes that most introduced species rarely become invasive because the habitat may not be suitable for them, but some have survived.

“We have the European green crab here. It’s invasive in the northeast. They can displace native crabs by outcompeting them for food,” he said.

Today, if an invasive species is detected, the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management is notified. If necessary, it will begin an eradication process.

Wellfleet Oyster Alliance Project

In addition to the survey, this spring Davinack began a project in Wellfleet, Mass., a Cape Cod town well-known for its oyster harvest operations and for hosting the annual Wellfleet OysterFest in October.

He is researching polychaete worms that burrow into oysters. “That’s a problem for oyster farmers,” he said. “Ecological and economic problems can arise by having an invasive come in, depending on the type of species.”

With grant funding from the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance, he is building upon a study he conducted last year, which found an infestation of worms in the oysters harvested from one area of Wellfleet Harbor. The project involves sampling these oysters for one year and will be the most extensive continuous study of mud-blister disease in oysters undertaken on the East Coast.

“Climate change and diseases are two of the major issues with shellfish farming today,” he explained. “The worms I study can burrow into the shell. That causes the oysters to have to redistribute energy from growing to repairing itself and they don’t get to market size.”

A dam built in Wellfleet Harbor’s Herring River Estuary has prevented tidal flushing (flow going in and out), which has resulted in high levels of bacteria, according to Davinack. His 2023 study revealed that every oyster in the area was infected. Wellfleet officials are removing the dam to restore tidal flow and the grant will enable a replication of the study to see whether the parasite load will decrease. Each month from May 2024 until May 2025, Davinack is analyzing the oysters’ infection levels.

He hopes to find a window of time when an intervention could eradicate the worm. If so, with additional funding, Davinack said he may be able to use a chemical called Mebendazole.

“It’s used in human and veterinary medicine to get rid of worms, so we’re going to trial that drug on oysters in the lab to gauge its effectiveness,” he said.

Meanwhile at Wheaton, Davinack continues his research into the clams that fascinated him as an undergraduate. He enjoys passing on what he has learned to his students while imparting the sense of curiosity and wonder that often fuels the passion of research.

At Wheaton, Davinack teaches a wide range of courses, including “Principles of Parasitology,” “Invertebrate Zoology” and “Genetics.”

Supporting global diplomacy Anna Schulz ’02 serves as a principal advisor to group at UN Climate Negotiations

By Christianna McCausland

When Anna Schulz ’02 imagined her life after Wheaton, she thought she might become a politician leading policy in a government office or a professor fostering critical thinking on a college campus. She never dreamed she would become a key support for leaders engaged in critical multilateral diplomatic negotiations to combat global warming. And yet, today she dwells in the best of both of her envisioned worlds as the head of the Global Climate Law, Policy and Governance Programme at the International Institute for Environment and Development.

Both diplomacy and education are crucial elements in her job at the institute, an independent policy and action research organization that has engaged in sustainable development efforts for more than 50 years. Overall, the programme aims to strengthen the legal and policy foundations for addressing climate change and to promote governance structures that facilitate effective and equitable climate action globally.

Schulz is one of the principal advisors to the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group at the United Nations Climate Negotiations. She and her team bring important technical expertise, backed by research, to the chair of the group as

it grapples with the impact of climate change.

The negotiations are a series of international meetings and conferences organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty of cooperation among countries and a UN process to discuss, collaborate and combat global warming and address its impact, as well as measure progress.

“The multilateral climate negotiations are the only space where LDCs are guaranteed a voice and where conversations around climate justice and equity can happen,” she explains. “Being able to support and partner with people who should be the moral voice of our planet in terms of solving these issues and enabling that voice to reach a broader audience, is critically important.”

Schulz also mentors emerging leaders

Anna Schulz supports LDC Chair Madeleine Diouf Sarr, Senegal in negotiations.

PHOTOS BY IISD/ENB KIARA WORTH

within the LDC Group.

“Even though I decided not to go into academia, I’m passionate about mentoring,” says Schulz, who spent a year as a professor. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see the next generation of leaders stepping up and passionately taking up the work.”

On a day-to-day basis, Schulz, who is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, manages a team of 12 people who research and assist with technical issues, analysis and strategies related to climate negotiations. Their work includes offering training and educational programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders, working to increase financial assistance for climate-related loss and damage, and assisting in negotiations to support countries in the process of adapting in order to manage climate-related changes

and transition to less carbon-intensive economies.

Her team’s research supports LDC leaders to advance their diplomatic positions at the two main annual climate negotiations that bring together all the UNFCCC governments. One is held each June in Bonn, Germany; the other one in November at the Conference of the Parties, which this year will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Schulz explains that the 45 countries of the LDC group—places like Mali, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Angola and Haiti—have contributed least to climate change, but face its most significant impacts.

The UN states that while the roughly 1.1 billion people who live in these nations have contributed less than four

percent of the total world greenhouse gas emissions, over the past 50 years, 69 percent of worldwide deaths caused by climate-related disasters occurred in LDCs. The International Institute for Environment and Development reports that these countries are vulnerable to climate change’s extremes, which include deadly cyclones, flooding and drought, yet they have the least economic capacity to prepare for, recuperate from and adapt to these disasters.

Developed countries bring huge delegations of professional negotiators to these discussions; LDCs generally have two funded negotiators who are doing the work that in a country like the United States is done by dozens, Schulz points out. Therefore, backing by the International Institute for Environment and Development is essential to helping these leaders create and negotiate on their own behalf.

Watershed moments

The foundation of Schulz’s work in climate diplomacy began at Wheaton, where she double majored in international relations and American politics. It was at Wheaton that her interest in water-related issues (which are tied to climate issues) emerged, particularly how conflict can arise over the resource and, conversely, how conflict can be negotiated and resolved.

“The first summer that I was at Wheaton I interned for my local

Anna Schulz ’02

California state assembly member and decided I was going to be a politician,” she says. “But, by the time I got into my junior year, I realized that I had become really passionate about transboundary water issues. And I decided that was the area I would work in for the rest of my life.”

“The summer after my junior year I spent traveling throughout the Nile River basin on a Davis International Fellowship looking at the complexities of water diplomacy, spending time in Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania,” she says. “Whenever I had a passion for something, Wheaton always stepped up and encouraged me to follow that.”

Schulz also points out that every year she was at Wheaton she successfully secured funding for an internship or international travel that advanced her learning.

Pursuing her passion to explore water issues, Schulz sought and earned a Fulbright Scholarship her senior year to conduct research in Zambia in 2002 after graduation. At the University of Lusaka, she studied the transboundary governance of the Zambezi River, the fourth largest river system in Africa that crosses or forms the boundaries of six countries.

“The Fulbright plunged me into an incredibly different and challenging field research environment—teaching me invaluable lessons about collaborative, intercultural research and the value of lived experiences that were profoundly different from my own,” says Schulz, who was born and raised in Westhaven, Calif. “But it was the more intangible cultural exchange and learning that has driven my passion for the work I do.”

“Darlene Boroviak, who was my advisor in my international relations degree, was pivotal in helping me figure out how to follow what I was passionate about, how to do a self-assessment of what I was interested in,” Schulz says.

Boroviak, now emerita professor of political science, wrote a letter of recommendation for Schulz’s Fulbright application. She recalls Schulz as an intellectual leader.

“It would be difficult not to remember a student who was so bright and eager to learn,” Boroviak says. “Her work was not only thorough but intellectually creative as well, adding new dimensions to standard thinking in the discipline.”

The Fulbright Scholarship itself was essential to Schulz’s trajectory. “Getting a research Fulbright as an undergraduate is very, very rare and I got a tremendous amount of support and resources from Wheaton to make my application work,”

she says. “It was amazing. Incredible.”

International stage

Schulz’s experience in Zambia inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in international and comparative water law at the University of Dundee, Scotland, and a master’s degree and doctorate in international environmental policy and negotiation and conflict resolution at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. While at Tufts pursuing her Ph.D., she assisted in the creation of its first water diplomacy course. She also worked for the International Institute for Sustainable Development, where she wrote for its Earth Negotiations Bulletin as a water expert.

However, she quickly realized that water negotiations only happened every couple of years; the real action was in the larger field of climate change.

Anna Schulz consults with Tuvalu Climate Ambassador Ian Fry at COP24

“So I sold myself as a climate adaptation specialist,” she says. In that position with the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, she provided summaries and analysis of major climate negotiations and fell in love with the work.

“I like the puzzle of it,” she says. “The dynamics among stakeholder groups and the strategies leaders use to drive parties to more ambitious agreements are fascinating.”

After completing her Ph.D., she took a position as a professor at Boston College in 2016, where she taught courses in international environmental science and policy, international organizations, and global climate politics. However, she had come to enjoy negotiation work so much that she left academia after just one year. She went to work at the Global Green Growth Institute, where she was based out of Korea for two years (also working with LDCs) before moving to the

International Institute for Environment and Development in 2019.

Her work today in the world of climate diplomacy is a culmination of her many passions, bringing together research, academics and her knowledge of waterways. Through her job she collaborates with a diverse group of people around a common goal.

It’s demanding work. Although in the post-pandemic world some negotiations and workshops are now virtual (and there’s an intentional move to reduce unnecessary carbon-producing travel), she is routinely on the go. Schulz has been to 70 countries and makes up to six international trips a year. Each of the main climate negotiation meetings takes three weeks.

The issue of climate change is complex and the negotiations are methodical and slow moving. But being a part of the process provides valuable life lessons.

“My career has taught me the value of patience and steady work toward a longterm objective,” she says.

She admits that progress and positive impact from her work can be hard to see. However, she has a lot of faith that the small victories—like seeing reports presented this year that are the result of transparency in reporting rules she helped put into place five years ago—are having a cumulative impact. And there are larger wins, like the creation of a loss and damage fund for countries negatively impacted by climate change in 2022 at the 27th Conference of the Parties.

She stays inspired because she knows the significance of her work.

“I look at my little boy and think about his future,” says Schulz, the mother of a 2-year-old. “And I think about the future of the one billion people in LDCs, and it underscores how incredibly urgent all this is.”

Anna Schulz recently supported the LDC Group in negotiations in Bonn, Germany

All Together Now Building a more connected and engaged Wheaton

Wheaton’s strength is in connection—as a college and community. With a renewed focus on engaging all community members, Wheaton is driving growth as many institutions contract.

Since President Michaele Whelan took office in 2022, the college has developed a vision to strengthen Wheaton amidst rising competition and rapid change in higher education. Key strategic priorities emerged through conversations with faculty, staff, students, trustees and alumni, highlighting philanthropy and alumni engagement as vital to achieving this vision.

“We are enhancing our academics, athletics and summer programs with new majors, master’s degrees, sports and programs,” said President Whelan. “Combined with an enhanced focus on experiential learning and career development, additional student support services and careful financial stewardship and sustainability, Wheaton College is poised to ensure students have abundant lives and careers.”

These strategic initiatives have begun to take shape through increased engagement between alumni and students as well as seed funding for institutional growth priorities.

Merritt Crowley, vice president of Advancement, emphasized the importance of wide-ranging participation in empowering the college to realize its objectives.

“Wheaton’s strategic growth and goals

are ambitious. Our multi-year advancement effort, All Together Now, is a call-toaction for all within the Wheaton community—alumni, parents, friends, students, staff, faculty, foundations and corporate partners—to reconnect. We want to enhance meaningful engagement and create more opportunities for connection among and across all constituencies.

“Whether through volunteering, sharing expertise, or providing philanthropic support, we can strengthen our incredible network, support and grow new academic programs, enhance athletic offerings, increase enrollment, and support our students, faculty and iconic campus.”

Growing support

All Together Now embraces the variety of ways one can have impact. Investing in Wheaton can take many

forms—internships, externships, job opportunities, mentoring students, sharing expertise on a panel or in the classroom, serving in a leadership volunteer role,or funding institutional priorities. Each contribution helps Wheaton succeed.

Nearly 20 years ago, Trustee Emerita Caroline “Cary” Campbell Edwards ’70, P’07, noticed that her daughter, Christina, and her friends were fascinated with creating and watching films. “I saw that films were an increasing influence on them and their culture,” she said. Other colleges were integrating communications and film into their curriculum, and Edwards saw it as an opportunity for Wheaton, which did not offer it as a course of study.

“I felt Wheaton could not be competitive without a film program,” she said. Deeply engaged with and invested in the college as an alum and a parent of Julia ’07, she asked if Wheaton would consider creating a new program.

Edwards joined the Board of Trustees in 2006 and after careful consideration, made a major gift to support the establishment of the film and new media studies program, which began in 2011. Since then, this interdisciplinary area has blossomed. Its majors are among the top 10 most popular for both incoming and graduating students, and it competes well with similar programs at larger colleges and universities—as she envisioned.

“Cary’s generosity has allowed Wheaton to enhance our film and new media studies program with initiatives and features

Caroline Campbell Edwards ’70, P’07.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE ALVAREZ EWENS

Leaning in

that set us apart from other institutions,” said Patrick Johnson, associate professor of film and new media. “For example, Wheaton’s Filmmaker in Residence Fellowship provides full funding for students to join and produce films on faculty-led international trips. The Film Festival Submission Fund provides financial support for students to apply for top festivals. All film and video production courses are offered with zero course fees or additional costs.”

Over the years, Edwards has directed her philanthropic efforts at Wheaton to the arts, science and technology, as well as endowing funds for film and visual studies, scholarships and experiential learning and career development. Earlier this year, she made a $100,000 pledge in challenge funds to further benefit film and new media studies.

Building upon her previous philanthropic efforts, Edwards established a charitable trust that will provide the college with an annual income stream to fund the growth of the film and new media studies program over the next several years.

She contends that the college is uniquely positioned for continued success. Edwards explained, “Wheaton is well worth supporting with philanthropy, as it moves forward with offering global opportunities while remaining a small campus. With the leadership we have, I think we are set to soar. The college is in a place where it could take off and build its reputation. I think Wheaton is really going to find itself.”

A centerpiece of Wheaton’s strategic initiatives is the new Life and Career

Design Institute (LCDI), which offers a holistic approach to life and career planning. Employing the principles of design thinking, the institute aims to help students integrate liberal arts study with co-curricular experiences. Assistant Vice President for Life and Career Design Sean Schofield, who was appointed in April, will lead efforts to expand career planning and experiential learning opportunities.

Trustee Emeritus Keith Peden Hon.’23 and wife Mindy are long-time Wheaton benefactors and made a major gift to LCDI. Peden was an early supporter for the Wheaton faculty’s creation of the Compass Curriculum and the Liberal Education And Professional Success (LEAPS) offerings. An optional curricular enhancement, LEAPS are interdisciplinary pathways that combine courses,

Students collaborating on an independent film project.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

experiential learning and mentorship to prepare students for specific professional occupations.

The recipient of an honorary degree from the college in 2023, Peden is excited about the LCDI’s potential to create a practical return on the investment in a Wheaton education. “If we do this successfully, companies will help fund students’ educations,” he said. “Wheaton’s business curriculum is unique among schools that were founded as liberal arts institutions. Combining those two provides the best of both worlds.”

Giving time

Through increased engagement from alumni and parents, the LCDI will enable students to pursue career options through more internship and research offerings—a key component to round out Wheaton’s liberal arts and sciences education. And alumni will be connected with each other for professional development.

“Alumni can make a significant

contribution to Wheaton through volunteering their time and expertise to assist current students and fellow alumni,” Crowley said. “We are excited to embark on a strategic priority to double the number of alumni engaged and connected to campus and to each other. We want to leverage and enhance the power of the Wheaton network.”

Thanks to the education and assistance that Victor Moitinho ’18 received at Wheaton, he landed a job shortly after graduating, which motivated him to reciprocate as an alum. “I was helped when I was a student, and I feel like it’s the right thing to help others,” said Moitinho, now a senior account executive at Nasuni, a hybrid cloud data platform company. “I like helping out Wheaton students who are looking for advice and are eager to transition to the real world. I always tell people I’m an open book.”

As a former Wheaton lacrosse player, Moitinho especially enjoys helping current members of the men’s lacrosse team to find internship and employment opportunities. He sought and found a way to give back to Wheaton in a way that means the most to him. “I want to take on the responsibility and be a leader to help others … at a place where I sense there is a lot of pride in being a Wheaton Lyon.”

Na’taja Flood ’16 responded to a request from Wheaton to serve as a mentor for the college’s Weiss Women Leadership Program—a week-long personal and leadership development program for a small group of students who are nominated by community members for their outstanding potential.

With experience as a mentor, Flood was a natural fit for the role. She serves as the lead of professional learning delivery at

the AI Education Project—a non-profit that teaches and empowers students in acquiring AI literacy.

“As a woman of color, if I am involved as an alum, I think that signals to my constituents that there is space for us to get reinvolved,” said Flood. Motivated to continue providing assistance, in July she was elected to the Alumni Board of Directors.

“I wanted to join to help the college represent all of our student body in the best way possible to get them to re-engage … I want to help grow and support the undergraduate community … and to make sure that Wheaton can remain this loving, amazing bubble that it’s always been.”

Building upon a strategic plan that highlights the college’s strengths, diversity, equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging are foundational to academic and inclusive excellence, and alums provide invaluable support and expertise.

Building upon successes

Over the next few years, with continued philanthropic support, Wheaton will make targeted increases in student scholarships, curriculum innovation and staffing, enabling the college to support continued growth in enrollment, academics and athletics.

Recently added majors in criminal justice, digital media and communications, finance, marketing and nursing have led to the need to hire more professors of practice—subject matter experts with significant professional experience. Strategic faculty and staff additions will support students throughout their Wheaton education and beyond.

To make a Wheaton education available

Trustee Emeritus Keith Peden addresses graduates at Wheaton’s 2023 commencement.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

to all, financial aid enhancements will enable the college to rival the offerings of its peers. Endowed scholarships and internships will be bolstered and the WheaGo Global program—allowing first-year students to begin college at peer institutions in Australia, France, Greece, Spain or Switzerland and get a head start on Global Honors—will be refined and further developed. International opportunities for nurses to experience health practices and perspectives in other countries are also important.

The new men’s and women’s water polo teams will be joined by men’s and women’s fencing this year and men’s volleyball in 2025.

Furthermore, Wheaton’s beautiful grounds are a source of pride and distinction. Investments in the campus

infrastructure will ensure its continued care and maintenance and upgrading classroom technology will aid the functionality of current facilities.

Celebrating connections

Recently established giving circles provide opportunities to better connect members of the extended Wheaton community to what they cherish most about the college.

Trustee Emeritus David Wagner Hon.’15 and wife Ellen provide an example of targeted philanthropy. They made it a priority to give to Wheaton and recognize the work of a former colleague. David served as the college’s chief financial officer for six years, spent a decade as a devoted trustee, and received an honorary degree from Wheaton in 2015.

The Wagners made a significant gift to the college in memory of Professor Francis “Fred” Kollett, who was instrumental in developing Wheaton’s academic computing and computer science programs. He served on the faculty and directed the Academic

Computing Center for 18 years.

“Fred was a gifted, patient and inspirational teacher, a resourceful visionary, an innovative administrator and a cherished colleague and friend,” said David Wagner. Kollett Hall is named in Fred’s honor and is home to the LCDI. The Wagners aim to support math, computer science and science faculty with their donation, while inspiring others to dream big.

“We hope this endowed fund [The Francis W. Kollett Affiliated Faculty Fund in Math and the Sciences] will help Wheaton capture Fred’s spirit and essence and impart a passion and determination in future Wheaton students to pursue excellence, to accept challenges and to make new discoveries.”

Finally, the implementation of a comprehensive alumni volunteer program and a variety of community-building events will be planned to connect Wheaton supporters to each other and to the college, growing community and connection.

“We hope that our friends, alums and donors will lend their talents and support to assist students on their journey,” said President Whelan. “All together, we will ensure the success of Wheaton’s mission for many years to come.”

Students participating in the Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars program work with Professor Bob Morris.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

David H’15 and Ellen Wagner and family at Wheaton’s commencement in 2015.

PHOTO BY NICKI PARDO

Exploring interior

Professor Tripp Evans’s new book looks at homes, lives of four bachelors

By Troy Watkins

Professor of the History of Art Tripp Evans recently published his third book, The Importance of Being Furnished: Four Bachelors at Home (Bloomsbury, 2024).

His work spans the Gilded to the Jazz ages as it explores the lives and eclectically furnished homes of four New England bachelors and their impact on style. The richly researched book, which The Boston Globe wrote about in its New England Literary News section in June, also serves as a telling collection of mini-biographies.

“In their time, these so-called ‘artistic’ men were as admired as they were suspected by their peers. Praised as style leaders, they were perceived—whether accurately or not—to be homosexual, a label with potentially dangerous consequences in that era,” said Evans.

In recent years Evans’s scholarship has focused on the intersection between American style and sexual identity, seeking to understand the way artists’ private lives have fueled their public-facing work.

There is much to be learned from the history of interior design, and particularly from the careers of these four men—who were among its first professional practitioners, Evans said. He has been sharing those lessons in public programming and at several speaking engagements.

Most notably, at the invitation of Historic New England, Evans has served as guest curator for a major exhibition with the same title as his book—“The Importance of Being Furnished: Four Bachelors at Home,” which opened June 21, 2024, at the Eustis Estate in Milton, Mass.

While conducting research for the

The homes Evans wrote about are now public museums and the focus of an exhibition:

The Charles Pendleton House is a wing at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum in Providence, R.I. A reclusive gambler and a dealer in sometimes-dubious antiques, Charles Leonard Pendleton (1846–1904) amassed an important collection of 18th-century furniture that he ultimately donated to the museum.

The ancestral home of renowned interior decorator Ogden Codman Jr. (1863–1951) is located in Lincoln, Mass. In his designs as in his personal life, his approach combined New England conservatism with a taste for excess, Evans said.

Charles H. Gibson Jr. (1874–1954), a novelist and poet, transformed his family’s home in Boston’s Back Bay into a monument to personal ambition and preserved it as it appeared in the 1890s.

Nationally recognized interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper (1878–1934) created a 50-room seaside home on Eastern Point in Gloucester, Mass. Dubbed Beauport, the eclectic masterpiece was in large part a loveoffering to his nearby neighbor.

book, Evans developed “The American House as Biography” as a Wheaton FirstYear Experience course—a new version of which he is teaching this fall. He also is offering an upper-level seminar on the

history of furniture and interiors.

Both courses look beyond the purely material nature of interior design, seeking instead to understand the private and cultural motivations behind the evolution of our homes, he said.

For Evans, the research for the book enabled him to return to his undergraduate and graduate training. Although he entered college hoping to become a lawyer, when he enrolled in a number of architectural history courses during his sophomore year, he discovered his passion.

Eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, he worked for a year at Christie’s auction house in London and went on to earn a master’s degree and

Professor Tripp Evans at the Eustis Estate, where the exhibition he guest-curated opened in June 2024

PHOTOS BY K. EBNER CREATIVE

design, identity

a Ph.D. in history of art at Yale University, where he was named the Henry McNeil Fellow in American Decorative Arts.

A Wheaton professor since 1997, Evans published his first book, Romancing the Maya: Mexican Antiquity in the American Imagination, 1820–1915 (University of Texas Press) in 2004 and his second, Grant Wood: A Life (Alfred A. Knopf), in 2010, which won him the 2010 National

Award for Arts Writing.

“Of the three books I have written, this one has taken me back to my original interests in architectural history and material culture,” Evans said.

The exhibition Evans guest curated closed October 27. Historic New England hosts just one exhibition each year at the estate, yet this multi-institutional event is a first for the organization.

“Traditionally, Historic New England exclusively highlights its own rich collections,” Evans said. “This is the first show the organization has hosted in partnership with two other institutions—the RISD Museum and the Gibson House Museum—and under the direction of a single guest curator.”

Exhibition captures the styles of (clockwise, from top left): Codman Estate, Beauport, Gibson House Museum and Charles Pendleton House

A year in the life of the Lawrence Preserve

Biology Professor Jessie Knowlton leads students in scientific study

It’s a humid late morning in mid-July. Six Wheaton students share laughs as they wiggle into hip-waders and don widebrimmed hats. They grab their research gear, form a single line and traverse into the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve in Attleboro, Mass. Sun peeks through the canopy of leaves as a couple of students mention their eagerness to get in the water to cool their body temperature on another warm day.

Under the direction of Associate Professor of Biology Jessie Knowlton, the jovial group is conducting a one-year scientific study of the preserve. On this particular day, they are entering the Seven Mile River.

Student field research interns are observing, gathering information and cataloging the insects, plants and animals they find in the preserve, located 10 miles west of campus, off Hope Avenue in Attleboro. Volunteer community members have been asked to visit the preserve at least once each season and to report the plants and animals they observe using a project website created by the Wheaton research team.

Upon the survey’s conclusion, the data collected will be reviewed, summarized and made available to the public. A final report that will be compiled by Knowlton and the students will include

recommendations for maintaining and protecting the preserve’s ecosystem, and for engaging the public in stewardship of the property.

A $10,000 Giving While Living Grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation supports the Attleboro Land Trust’s stewardship of the property, one of several conservation areas it owns and manages.

Knowlton’s team is composed of supervisor Charlie Darmstadt ’24, four seniors and two Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars, who are participating in an immersive four-week program for first-year students designed to reduce the barrier to STEM study.

“The students are using methods that professional biologists use to conduct this

survey,” said Knowlton.

With three habitat types in the preserve (upland forest, river and freshwater marsh), her team set up five plots in each habitat where they survey all the different plants and insects.

The team also installed trail cameras with automated recording devices, programmed to capture five minutes of audio at the start of each hour, every day, as well as motion-activated video cameras.

“We’ll review those recordings with the special software that analyzes the spectrograms that the different sounds make. Using a database of spectrograms for animals, we can identify them to species—including birds and amphibians,” said Knowlton.

Wheaton students (from left) Emelia Pettit ’25, Leah Arnold ’25 and Allen Zhang ’25 talk with Associate Professor of Biology Jessie Knowlton before entering the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve in Attleboro, Mass., for their survey project.

The work began in early June, as the students learned how to identify different species of plants. They catch insects with nets or small insect vacuums, put them in vials, then in a cooler with ice for half an hour to slow them down.

“After taking macro (close-up) photos we can identify them to the family or genus and sometimes the species level, before they warm up and fly away,” said Knowlton.

Students are learning and using new skills that they can apply in the future.

Allen Zhang ’25, an environmental science major, shared that the project has enabled him to efficiently refine his surveying and data collection skills while providing a peek into a career option.

“It exposed me to the practical challenges of the work and the need to be flexible and efficient in problem solving through inclement weather or equipment malfunctions,” he said.

In addition to achieving the Attleboro Land Trust’s goals of documenting the preserve’s species and then considering how to increase its biological value, Knowlton has other outcomes in mind for the project.

“I’m working to ensure that the students collect data in a systematic way, so they can analyze it later. It will help them to explain how much overlap there is among the community of insects there in the river, marsh and forest, for instance.”

Emelia Pettit ’25, an environmental

science major, touted the learning opportunities. She also plans to use the survey data for her senior honors thesis.

“I am hoping to look at vegetation diversity across environments,” said Pettit, who plans to pursue a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology after graduation.

“With the liberal arts education and my research experiences gained here and abroad through Wheaton, I feel prepared for graduate school and confident that I want to pursue a career in environmental research.”

—By Troy Watkins

Students don hipwaders and wide-brimmed hats before venturing into the preserve’s wetlands.

Leah Arnold ’25 and Emilia Pettit ’25 collecting specimens in the Lawrence Preserve.

Allen Zhang ’25 takes measurements to establish a plot for the survey project.

PHOTOS BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Answering the call to lead

Cheryl Vedoe ’74 appointed Wheaton College Board of Trustees chair

When the term of Wheaton Board of Trustees Chair Janet Lindholm Lebovitz ’72 approached conclusion, she turned to a familiar face and recommended a former colleague to succeed her—Trustee Emerita Cheryl Vedoe ’74.

Vedoe served on the board from 2003 to 2018, including eight years working with Lebovitz. She began her term as chair on July 1, 2024.

“I am delighted that Cheryl Vedoe will serve as the board chair for the college,” said Lebovitz. “She has sound judgment, a reflective and decisive temperament, experience working collaboratively and managing change and a complementary leadership style with President [Michaele] Whelan.

“She brings to the role the maturity, expertise and understanding necessary for success; the capacity, willingness and enthusiasm to serve; and, most importantly, a love for the college and a commitment to its future.”

In her 15 years as a trustee, Vedoe served as chair and vice chair of the Audit, Finance and Facilities and Student Affairs committees. She also was a member of five committees: Academic Affairs, Executive, Faculty/Staff, Philanthropy, and Reach and Reputation.

A self-described introvert and a math major at Wheaton, Vedoe recalled in a recent Zoom interview that the college “was a good environment for me to come into my own.”

She took as many math and science courses as possible, graduated magna cum laude and became a software engineer. Vedoe later earned an M.B.A. from Northeastern University.

“Had I gone to a more traditional school to prepare me for software engineering, I would have been in classes with 90 percent men, if not more,” she said. “If I’d been in that environment I don’t know if I would have developed my confidence, because I think I would have been overshadowed by

the number of men.”

She spent her career in the technology field, culminating in 30 years focused on the potential for technology in K–12 education.

“I became very passionate about education, focusing my work on creating and improving educational opportunities and outcomes in the K–12 space,” she said.

In addition to working for Apple under Steve Jobs in the early 1990s, she later served as CEO for three companies, concluding with 17 years at Apex Learning. The privately-held Seattle company started by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen provided digital curriculum for middle and high school students.

She joined Wheaton’s President’s Commission under former President Dale Rogers Marshall prior to her tenure as a trustee.

“I had a consuming professional position and reasoned that anything I did outside of work needed to fit holistically in my life,” said Vedoe. “Being involved with Wheaton has given me a different connection to education and broadened my perspective. My Wheaton education helped to prepare me and gave me the confidence so that I could do the things that I did.

“I’ve been fortunate in my career and my life, and I want to be able to give back. For me, the Board of Trustees was a natural way to get involved,” she said. “When I met Michaele, I felt she brought tremendous knowledge, expertise and strategy to the college, and that influenced my decision to rejoin the board in this capacity.”

In addition to her service to the college, Vedoe has also provided generous philanthropic support as a champion of annual giving over the years. She backed the Mars Center for Science and Technology;

created a memorial scholarship in the names of her parents; and supported the college’s newly created Life and Career Design Institute. She was one of the first leaders to invest in All Together Now, supporting the Life and Career Design Institute and endowing a professorship in business and management.

Vedoe is also a member of the Founders Society, helping to ensure the college’s future.

“I’m very committed to Wheaton, and I have chosen to prioritize the college in terms of where I give back,” she said. “My parents were always my biggest champions and made it possible for me to go to Wheaton. They supported my desire to do whatever I did throughout life. The scholarship is a tribute to them and their support.”

Vedoe is eager to continue the work of the Board of Trustees as chair. “I recognize that higher education is under a lot of pressure. Small, private, residential liberal arts colleges are facing challenges. Change is difficult for all of us, but as the environment for higher education continues to change, Wheaton needs to evolve, grow and adapt so that it can continue to thrive.”

—By Troy Watkins

Cheryl Vedoe ’74

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Taking on a new role

Patrick B. Summers ’94 elected President of Alumni Board of Directors

Patrick B. Summers ’94, P’28, P’28, an alum dedicated to service who first joined the Alumni Board of Directors as alumni/ athletics chair in 2016, was recently elected president of the board.

“One of my personal life philosophies is that we owe it to those who come after us to leave things better than when you found them,” said Summers. “I want to continue the amazing work that past-president Katie Leiby Schneider ’06 supported during her tenure as president. It’s important to increase engagement with our Alumni Association and to hear from them directly about what they need and want from us.”

Since earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wheaton in 1996, Summers has worked in higher education athletics and related areas. He served the Eastern College Athletic Conference for seven years before co-founding PrestoSports, a pioneer of college athletics websites, and acting as its chief operating officer.

Summers has been executive director of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (which includes Wheaton among its 12 member institutions) since 2011. He has shared his knowledge and expertise as a part of numerous NCAA committees for Division III athletics and has lectured at four colleges. His extensive experience has shaped his view and outlook for Wheaton’s future.

“I think it’s important to engage with current students sooner to make sure they recognize the power of their alumni association and how it can support them,” he said. “I am very excited about the launching of the Life and Career Design Institute and want to support the efforts of the college to maximize this resource.”

Courtney Shurtleff, assistant vice president for advancement, is excited about continuing to collaborate with Summers in his new role. “Patrick was a student-athlete and a resident assistant at

Wheaton. He has served on the Alumni Board previously, was a Lyons Athletic Advisory Council member, as well as an admission and career center volunteer,” she said.

“It is only fitting that he leads the Alumni Association. Patrick brings a wealth of work experience to the position and has a wonderful way of listening to many points of views, summarizing the issues and offering action steps.”

Summers lauds the education he received and connections he made as an undergraduate. “I made lifelong friends who have supported and helped me through my life,” he explained. “I sought advice and counsel through some of the most difficult decisions in my life and every time I needed support Wheaton was there.

“The professors and staff encouraged open and respectful dialogue and provided experiential learning opportunities that shaped the way I worked and grew professionally,” he continued. “Overall, Wheaton’s education taught me how to write and communicate effectively and transparently; how to break down and analyze problems, and how to develop a plan to move forward.”

A first-generation Filipino-American, Summers has proudly worked in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to raise awareness for those with whom he shares his heritage.

As alumni board president Summers will serve as an ex-officio member of the Wheaton Board of Trustees. Also, he recently embarked on a new journey as a Wheaton parent, as twin daughters Ella and Lili entered the Class of 2028.

“Their college search was exhaustive, but after a visit to Wheaton where they

met with faculty and staff members to discuss academic programs, resources and support services, it became very clear to them that they wanted to go here,” he said.

“Wheaton genuinely cares about their students’ personal, academic and professional success and what parent wouldn’t want that kind of support and community for their children?” he said.

For many reasons, Summers is excited to get to work in helping promote Wheaton.

“I enjoy connecting with the current students, the alumni, the parents and family members, the faculty and the staff to hear more about their Wheaton experiences and hear their ideas for improvements,” he said.

“Giving back and paying things forward to the next generation of students only makes my experience with Wheaton better.”

—By Troy Watkins

Patrick B. Summers ’94

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Paying it forward

Peter Haas ’06 endows scholarship in memory of Wheaton friend

When Peter Haas ’06 arrived at Wheaton College as a first-year student from a Philadelphia suburb, he didn’t know anyone. Fortunately, he was soon welcomed to campus by Scott Ryan ’03, a senior, whom Haas described as a force of nature.

“It’s hard to be a freshman and when there’s a senior out there who takes an interest in you, it helps,” said Haas. “It’s an affirming thing.

“He had more energy, life and force than many of the people that I’ve known, and his passion and love for theater, and his desire to make that his profession was very evident from the beginning. He showed me through his own example, that you can live your life authentically, in a way that allows people to connect to you.”

Ryan lost a battle with cancer in 2015, leaving wife Rachel and two children. He had thrived in theater since grade school, and performed in many productions, including a semester at the National Theater Institute in Waterford, Conn., as a Wheaton student. And he later enjoyed performing on stage with Wheaton’s a cappella group, The Gentleman Callers.

After Ryan’s passing, Haas knew that he wanted to pay tribute to his fallen friend while helping other students like him. With a generous gift to Wheaton earlier this year, Haas created The Scott Ryan ’03 Memorial Endowed Internship, which will support a current student seeking experiential learning opportunities in theater, with secondary preference given to a student of the arts, history or political science.

“Theater students need practical experience to get a leg up in the world. I hope this internship provides an opportunity

for students to pursue their dreams,” he said.

Haas grew up with access to Philadelphia’s theater and cultural events, which fueled his interest in the arts. He majored in history and minored in theatre at Wheaton, and both have shaped him, personally and professionally.

“I believe in Wheaton’s mission, that they may have life, and they may have it abundantly, however abundance is in your world,” said Haas. “Giving to Wheaton, especially through this gift, empowers the college to take a role in the lives of students by guiding them, but also releasing them to live fiercely in the world. And one of the ways that we can do that is, by having both flexible and dedicated financing that lets Wheaton live out its mission and lets students live out their passions.”

Haas is now a high school history and English teacher at Devon Preparatory School in Devon, Penn., where he has taught for 10 years. He credits Wheaton’s influential professors with helping shape how he saw the world.

“The comprehensive educational experience I had opened my eyes to other perspectives and ideas in an environment that affirmed who I was, but pushed me to grow,” Haas said. “I try to bring that forward as a teacher. By being open to new things we can become better versions of ourselves.”

Haas also ran the theater department for a few years at the Philadelphia-area school where he teaches, and enjoys helping students to self-create.

“I show them the beauty of history, literature and the arts and humanities, empowering them to go out and be a force in their own world,” he said.

Haas develops relationships through connections, much like how his friend ship began with Ryan. This desire to connect prompted Haas to co-host an event in June for Wheaton alums at his brother’s rum distillery in Philadelphia.

“I thought it would be a unique way to bring Wheatonians together and connect them to each other and to my family,” he said. “I hope it’s something that we can do consistently over the years.”

Haas aims to meet the recipi ents of the fund created in honor of his friend, so he can share how his fondness for humanities has positively influenced his life and what it can do for others.

“I find it right and proper that Scott’s memory should live on at Wheaton in the theatre department, helping to empower other generations of Wheatonians to find their love in the arts, and to find a pathway forward into making the world a more beautiful place.”

—By Troy Watkins

I find it right and proper that Scott’s memory should live on at Wheaton in the theatre department, helping to empower other generations of Wheatonians to find their love of the arts.”

Peter Haas ‘06 and Ana Brenescoto ‘15

Otto Distilling Company in South Philadelphia Mason Wallack S’04, Marwan Kreidie, Monika Morris Kreidie ‘85 and Laura Naden ‘04

Standing: David Yager S’72, Gregory Andersson, Scott Nickle ’11, Mason Wallack S’04, Deborah Douglas ’72, Ellen Silverman Nassberg ’66, Elspeth Lodge ’10, Peter Haas ’06 and Tim Haas Sitting: Ana Brenescoto ’15, Phyllis Williamson ’17, Laura Naden ’04, Teresa Montano ’84, Katherine Healey ’84 and Monika Morris Kreidie ’85

PHOTOS BY PETE LERRO

1939

Dorothy Green Smith died May 13 in Danvers, Mass., at age 106. She was a loving aunt to Barbara Brookes ’64. After graduating from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Dorothy embarked on a career in several hospitals, spanning over three decades. She was active in her community and beloved by her neighbors. Dorothy enjoyed participating in a swimming group three times a week at the Danvers YMCA, a routine she maintained well into her 90s.

1945

Elizabeth “Betsy” Callahan Carter, 100, died July 18 in Greenville, Del. She attended Wheaton and Bryn Mawr colleges for her undergraduate degree and later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in occupational therapy. Betsy met her husband, John, in Washington, D.C., and they started their family there. Following the loss of her husband at a young age, she found work in school libraries and at Delaware Technical Community College. Betsy enjoyed traveling; boating and sailing; and immersing herself in the world of books. Above all, she cherished spending time with her friends and family, particularly her grandchildren, Ricky and Heather.

1946

Judith “Judy” Matthews Refo, 100, died May 17 in Henrico County, Va. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Carter Lee Refo. Judy earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wheaton. Besides raising four daughters, she helped administer her husband’s law practice, was a member of the local women’s club and the Country Club of Virginia, and volunteered at St. James’s Episcopal Church in Richmond. Judy made friends easily and loved to entertain and dance. She also relished her visits to Virginia Beach, exploring new destinations and immersing herself in the world of ballet, opera and theater, with a particular fondness for musicals.

1949

Susan Williams Miller of Shelburne, Vt., died June 17 at age 97. Hers would be described by the Chinese as a “happy death,” a serene and fitting transition for a life lived with grace and joy. After her junior year at Wheaton, Sue married her first husband, Charles Burr Spencer. Sue enjoyed attending Broadway

shows and indulging New York City’s vibrant dining scene. An avid tennis player, she also embraced snow skiing and even tolerated the occasional round of golf. After 35 years, Sue and Charles divorced, and she later married Eric Miller. Throughout every phase of her life, Sue exuded grace. A gifted conversationalist, Sue effortlessly navigated any social setting. Though always gracious and wellmannered, she stood firm against bullies and others who exhibited ill-mannered behavior.

1951

Shirley Hearne Franchi, 94, of Peterborough, N.H., died May 20. After graduating from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Shirley married Bill Franchi in 1985. The couple enjoyed walking local trails, attending shows at the Peterborough Players theater and dining at nearby cafés and inns. They also loved traveling abroad and taking overnight road trips to the Maine coast. Shirley and Bill were active in the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church.

1952

Phyllis Hahn Brick, a lifelong Bostonian, died May 29 at age 93. She graduated from Wheaton with a degree in government. Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Donald Brick, whom she had met on a blind date during her time at Wheaton. Phyllis loved to recount the story of how Don had two potential plans for their first date, depending on his first impression of her—either to see a movie or go dancing. They went dancing and never looked back. Phyllis and Don shared a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism and were particularly devoted to supporting Jewish communal organizations. Most important to Phyllis was family, both immediate and extended.

Gloria Buehler Deming, 93, of Chester, Vt., died Sept. 27, 2023. After graduating from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, she married Dale Cooley Deming. They moved to Simsbury, Conn., where they raised their two daughters, Debra and Virginia, and lived until their retirement. Gloria served a term as president of her area’s Wheaton Club. She loved renovating and decorating, cooking and growing vegetables. She was a talented oil painter and artist, and she played the piano regularly. An accomplished seamstress, Gloria made many of her own clothes—a talent

she passed on to all her girls.

Constance “Connie” Hurd Tracy, 94, of Indianapolis, died May 3. Connie graduated from Wheaton with a degree in psychology and later earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Butler University. She was a fifth-grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary School in Indianapolis and a longtime member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Connie had a great love for children, friends and family, music, animals (especially dogs), volunteer work and her faith. Most important to Connie were her four beautiful daughters, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

1953

Gretchen Wheelock Mann Orme, 92, died July 27 in Peterborough, N.H. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Gretchen volunteered for many years at Monadnock Community Hospital, Red Cross blood drives and the Serendipity Shop, all in Peterborough. She also served as troop leader for Cub Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts. Gretchen enjoyed tennis, golf, swimming, skiing and ice skating, and was a founding member of the Sugar Mamas field hockey team. She also loved to dance. Two husbands predeceased her—Arthur Mann, to whom she was married for 33 years, and William Orme, to whom she was married for 29 years.

1955

Joanne “Joan” Tuttle, a lifelong resident of Wilton, N.H., died June 7 at age 91. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music and fine arts from Wheaton. Joan’s strong, larger-thanlife personality contrasted with her diminutive stature. She was adamant about things being done correctly, yet she was a risk-taker. Joan enjoyed playing lottery scratch tickets and Scrabble and was an expert at Bananagrams. Her afternoon indulgence was chocolate ice cream in an elegant wine glass. She loved her six grandchildren and was always ready to embark on imaginative adventures with each child.

1956

Jane Lakin Hershey of Williamsport, Md., died April 2 at age 89. Jane married the love of her life, Richard Hershey, on March 14, 1955. She attended Wheaton and received a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University in 1983. A

humble servant of God, Jane was a member of Zion Reformed United Church of Christ in Hagerstown, Md. Of all her passions, history and historical preservation were at the top of Jane’s list. This deep involvement in all things historical is best exemplified by her beautiful home, Rose Hill, which served as a haven to her active children and families and to countless peacocks and five golden retrievers named Robbie.

1958

Susan Whiteley Payne, 88, died April 28 in Mount Joy, Pa. She attended Wheaton College and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked many years at Black & Decker, where she met her future husband, James. In later years, she took a job as a realtor at B. Gary Scott in Delaware before becoming a librarian—a job she thoroughly enjoyed.

1959

Mary St. Clair Kimball, 86, of Marlboro, Mass., died May 13 surrounded by her family. Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Wheaton, where she was a proud member of the Wheatones a cappella group. In her earlier years, she played tennis and badminton, and also enjoyed windsurfing. An avid bridge player up until the time of her death, Mary also relished traveling the world with friends and family and was passionate about gardening and flower arranging. She volunteered at many organizations, most notably at Boston public television station WGBH during its live TV auctions. Resilient and feisty, Mary could disarm anyone she met with her wonderful sense of humor and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

1960

Diana Doll Logan Boyd, 86, died March 15 at her home in Towson, Md. Diana graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in math, sparking a lifelong interest and career in computers. She was a pioneer in developing both the Multics and Unix operating systems, which formed the basis of the modern internet. Diana met her future husband, Gary, at Bell Labs, and they married in 1964. An avid reader, she also enjoyed bird watching along the Navesink River and seeing her children and their friends ski, sail and enjoy life. Travel was a passion, with cherished trips to Scotland, Michigan, Maryland, Ireland, Alaska, California and anywhere

to visit her closest friends from Wheaton. Diana will be remembered for her strong faith, dedication to the church and, above all, her deep love for her children and grandchildren.

1961

Marilyn Freeland Hildick, 84, died June 29 surrounded by her family. Marilyn graduated from Wheaton with a degree in classics and later earned a master’s in education and library science from Worcester State University. She enjoyed a productive career as a secondary school classroom teacher and then as a library/media specialist. Marilyn spent many happy years in New Hampshire, boating on Ossipee Lake and skiing in the White Mountains. She was deeply blessed by her faith, family and friends throughout her life. Family gatherings, especially Christmas dinners, brought her the greatest joy.

Elizabeth “Betsey” Flather Haddad of Willow Street, Pa., died June 8 at age 84. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in history and later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University. Betsey taught history at Mount Vernon Seminary and College, a private women’s college in Washington, D.C. It was in the nation’s capital that she met her future husband of six decades, Richard Haddad. In her retirement, Betsey enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, being with her cats and gardening. She also was active in the Audubon Society, earning a certificate of accomplishment in natural history field studies.

1963

Carol Ross McGown Blaine, 82, died March 25, 2023, in Kerrville, Texas. Carol attended Wheaton for a year before transferring to the University of Texas, near her childhood home. In college, Carol met her future husband, Robert Blaine; they later married and settled in Houston.

Peggy McGrath Lawrence of Addison, Vt., died April 21 at age 83. She earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from Wheaton, where she made many lifelong friends and met her future husband, John Lawrence. Peggy’s fondest memories at Wheaton were outside of the classroom—and she loved sharing stories from that, and every other, era of her life. She worked professionally as an illustrator and architectural draftsman.

Using mostly pastels, charcoal and graphite, she captured the landscapes of New England and the transformation of its small towns, subjects that were deeply personal to her. She loved sports and was up for any game or puzzle. But above all, Peggy cherished her relationships with her family and friends.

Jean Manning Minichiello, 81, died in September 2023. She graduated from Wheaton College with a bachelor’s degree in government. Her late sister, Janet Manning Babcock, was a Wheaton alumna as well.

1964

Judith Havir Allara, 81, of State College, Pa., died June 29. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wheaton, she worked as a chemist at Allied Chemical and then Stanford Research Institute, where she met her future husband, David. Judith was a kind and generous spirit who greeted each day with a positive attitude and boundless energy. She was a wonderful mother whose love for her children knew no limits. She embraced and befriended people from all walks of life, holding a strong faith in God. Judith held a lifelong passion for music, and singing, in particular, brought her immense joy, especially as her dementia progressed. Even in the later stages of her illness, this joy was always evident to those who knew her. Judith led with her heart and had boundless love to give to her family, friends and many others.

Helen Biddy Allen, 82, died in January. She graduated from Wheaton College with a bachelor’s degree in English.

Evelyn “Evy” Grace Stockton Stewart, a longtime resident of Annisquam, Mass., died July 17 at age 81. She spent her formative years in Sherborn, Mass., immersed in the beauty of nature, family, friends and animals. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Wheaton College and forged enduring bonds of friendship and love throughout her life. Her time working with the Theater Company of Boston not only introduced her to the beauty of her beloved Cape Ann but also led her to meet her future husband, Geoffrey Richon. Evy expressed her creativity through diverse mediums, working with ceramics, paints and creating sculptures that blended both. Her sons fondly recall accompanying their mother on trips to the bustling city of Cambridge. Evy’s

long-standing practice of meditation beautifully weaves together many aspects of her life and legacy. Those cherished moments of solitude are the essence she would most want to share with us now.

1966

Genevieve “Gen” Richardson Leahy, 80, died June 20. She graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Beloved by her friends and family, her wit and humor brought joy to all who knew her. Gen was an avid reader and enjoyed being on the open water with loved ones. Her passion for travel and discovering hidden treasures led her on countless road trips and unforgettable journeys. Her love for her family was boundless, and they will forever cherish her memory.

1973

Barbara Bissell-Howell, 73, died March 18 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Barbara was a force of nature—a passionate advocate for nearly everyone she met. She earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Wheaton College and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. From an early age, Barbara demonstrated an entrepreneurial flair, starting a child care center and a door-to-door marketing company while still in college. Fatefully, at a social gathering, she crossed paths with the man who would become her husband, TV executive and philanthropist Lincoln Howell. Their connection blossomed into a 35-year marriage. Barbara was a nurturing and supportive mother who fiercely protected and encouraged her children. Beyond her role as a mother, she loved gourmet food and travel, often accompanied by an entourage of family and friends.

1977

Lucie Guernsey Kleinhans, 68, died March 22 surrounded by family. Lucie earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Wheaton, where she was a member of the Wheatones a cappella group. Lucie had a distinguished career as a banker, running a worldwide media and entertainment finance business within the film industry. She met her husband, Lewis Kleinhans III, at Chemical Bank. An avid golfer and card player, Lucie was a competitor all her life, even serving as committee chair of games and classes at the Cosmopolitan Club in New York City.

1978

Sara Lane MacAllaster of

Southport, Conn., died April 1 at age 67. Sara graduated from Wheaton with a bachelor’s degree in history. She was active in her community and devoted much of her time and effort to volunteerism. Sara found the most joy in time spent with her family and friends, who deeply valued her empathy, kindness and loyalty. She was a lover of the arts and delighted in singing and dancing along to her favorite tunes. Her preferred forms of meditation were biking, swimming and taking her dogs for walks. Sara was a superfan of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders, yet she also loved to read whenever she had the chance. She adored animals, from her four beloved bichons to the troves of songbirds who visited her daily. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, and her laughter could light up any room.

1981

Elizabeth “Bess” Barnes Carey, 65, died Feb. 11. Bess attended Wheaton and graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University. She had many friends of all ages, a wonderful sense of humor and an incredible way with words.

1990

Michelle Bevilacqua Choate, 55, of Plymouth, Mass., died June 29. She studied English and creative writing at Wheaton, graduating magna cum laude. Michelle’s love of language led her to a career of writing and editing, beginning at Bob Adams Inc., where she met the love of her life. She cherished her family and friends, nurturing deep, lasting bonds with people across the country. A devoted aunt, she was a constant source of support and encouragement for her niece and nephews, enthusiastically attending their concerts, athletic contests, ice shows and other events. Michelle also had a deep affection for animals, rescuing several German shepherds and cats. She found joy in traveling and created many memories exploring the world with loved ones.

Relatives

1962 Robert Forbush, husband of Mary Wyatt Forbush, June.

1962 J. Kent Pepper, husband of Martha “Muffy” Newman Pepper, January.

1970 William McCarthy, husband of Kathie Ring McCarthy, March.

1989 Helen Biddy Allen, mother of Jennifer Allen, January.

2018 Andrea Mistri, father of Alessandra Mistri Uka, April.

Whea Give Back

At the end of each academic year, when college students vacate their residence halls, hundreds of unwanted items get left behind. To put these no-longer-loved objects to good use, Wheaton College’s Residential Life office and the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact organized Whea Give Back.

As students cleaned out their rooms, they donated more than 1,500 items to Whea Give Back, which collected the goods to reuse and upcycle. Donation bins were placed in each residence hall or theme house, and volunteers emptied the bins regularly and brought the contents to the Balfour-Hood Campus Center’s 1960 Room. There, each article was cataloged, sorted and displayed to provide students with an opportunity to peruse the collection and take any items of interest.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college ran a similar collection process at the end of the academic year, then held

a yard sale of the donations for Wheaton and the local community.

“Coming out of the pandemic, we wanted to run another program because there is a significant need to mitigate the amount of waste created during the moveout process,” said Tim Jordan, assistant dean of Residential Life. To reimagine this year’s effort, Jordan collaborated with Leonard Breton, director of social justice and community impact, and Winnie Collins, administrative associate in the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact.

Wheaton connected with area agencies to repurpose its collection. Over 500 pounds of textiles (clothes/shoes/ bedding) and more than 400 pounds of miscellaneous household items were donated to the Epilepsy Foundation.

“We truly appreciate this donation and the ways it helps us help people living with epilepsy,” said Gail Biancucci, sales

director of the Epilepsy Foundation New England Donation Center.

In addition to those materials, four boxes of food were given to the Wheaton Food Pantry and two boxes of paperback books were provided to the Providence Books Through Bars program, which distributes free reading material to incarcerated people nationwide.

A team of 61 dedicated students and staff volunteered to support the Whea Give Back program, and were critical to its success, according to Jordan.

“Being part of Whea Give Back is about actively participating in a communitydriven initiative that promotes sustainability and social responsibility,” said program volunteer Amy Saad ’25.

“By donating items, volunteering time and using resources, we’re limiting the amount of waste and providing opportunities for those in need to access essential items at no cost.”

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

Planning the future.

PHOTO BY KEITH NORDSTROM

“In 1969, I graduated from Wheaton with deep gratitude for the opportunity to earn a college degree, an opportunity that my parents had not been afforded. I was also aware that without the scholarship Wheaton had awarded me, it would not have been possible. For that reason, I have given something to Wheaton every year since, even in the early years when my gifts were very small. In 2011, when our financial situation was more secure, I established an Endowed Trustee Scholarship Fund, which has been a source of great satisfaction, particularly when I have received information on the current recipient. What a delight it has been occasionally to get an email thanking me for my contribution. It is difficult to express to them from this distant perspective how much that college degree has been worth, not only in preparing me to be a public school French teacher, but also to be an educated citizen of the world. What I learned at Wheaton has informed and enriched every aspect of my life as I parent, grandparent, work for and contribute to non-profits, respond to political and social issues, and enrich my inner life. My annual gifts to Wheaton have increased and are now granted through a Donor Advised Fund. I am glad to be able to give back to an institution that has meant so much to me.”

Linda Morrison Zug ’69 Educator and artist

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

Invest Today. Inspire Tomorrow.

Wheaton Fund supporter

“At TalentEd Advisors, the firm that I founded, we work with public schools, colleges and universities, and nonprofits with a focus on creating opportunities for good to grow. In my experience, Wheaton does that, too. What we call the Wheaton Bubble provides the safe and brave space to experiment, fail, to refocus, readjust and try again, in a school community that truly cares. That spirit is why I’ve maintained a connection to this great place and group of people. I give for those who are first generation college students who deserve the opportunity to experience the Wheaton community; I give so that Wheaton can create leaders through sports, clubs, student government and internships; I give because I want to pay it forward. Giving might mean $5 or $5,000, but every dollar matters and goes to creating the experience that you and I remember and cherish.”

Katherine Wieland ’05

CEO & Founder, TalentEd Advisors

Wheaton Alumni Board of Directors member, and chair of the Nominations Committee

Wheaton Fund

Your investment today inspires the dreams of tomorrow. Learn more at wheatoncollege.edu/giving.