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spring 2006 WHEATON

Scientific Discovery Contemplative Prayer 48089_cover_u1 5/1/06 9:10 PM Page 2

WHEATON COLLEGE EXISTS TO HELP BUILD THE CHURCH AND IMPROVE SOCIETY

WORLDWIDE BY PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF WHOLE AND EFFECTIVE CHRISTIANS

THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN PROGRAMS OF CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION. THIS MISSION

EXPRESSES OUR COMMITMENT TO DO ALL THINGS “FOR CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM.”

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2 1220 29 SPRING 2006

alumni news departments

33 A Word with Alumni 2 Letters from the Vice President for Alumni 5 News Relations 10 Sports 34 Wheaton Alumni Association News 54 Alumni in the News Association news and coming events 56 Authors 40 Alumni Class News Books by Wheaton’s faculty: thoughts from a published alumna

58 Readings Excerpts by Sarah Lambrecht Pollock ’01 Cover photo: Michael Hudson ’89. Chemistry major Noah Thomas ’08 aligns 60 Faculty Voice a laser beam to a confocal fluorescence Amy Black discusses politics and religion. microscope, which is used in analytical chemistry for everything from studying the 61 nature of toxins and bacteria, to Student Profile researching prosthetic materials. To learn A student’s journey of spiritual formation more about the recent changes in science education at Wheaton, see our 62 Wheaton in the World article on pages 14-19. Dr. Mark Amstutz visits Rwanda to study Inside photos: Michael Hudson ’89, pages 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 25, 60, 61, 63. methods of reconciliation.

501 College Avenue Back cover: William Koechling ’72. 64 President’s Commentary Wheaton, 60187 48089_01_11_u1 5/1/06 6:08 PM Page 1

WHEATONcontents 43 62

features

12 Canvassing Nature 24 War and Peace The plein air paintings of art department An alumnus’s firsthand account brings us chair Joel Sheesley ’72 combine beauty face-to-face with the war in Iraq. and simplicity. by Jeremy Weber ’05 by Amy Wolgemuth Bordoni

26 Building Strong Marriages 14 Scientific Revolution Wheaton staff members counsel young What’s brewing in the labs and lecture halls couples on the joys and challenges of of Armerding and Breyer? Find out how married life. science education is changing at Wheaton. by Katherine Halberstadt Anderson ’90 by Jessica L. Allen

29 Wheaton at the Theatre 20 At the Heart of Prayer From small town to big screen, learn Read how the contemplative prayer how The Chronicles of Narnia movement is showing many the power of and The have ties to quiet moments with God. Wheaton. by Katherine Halberstadt Anderson ’90 by Katherine Halberstadt Anderson ’90, with Dr. Christopher Mitchell and Dr. Jerry Root 48089_01_11 4/24/06 1:22 PM Page 2 W hy are you reading this? Marketing theories would say it’s because you’ll receive something you need or want, and therefore our magazine (the “product”) should be written for you (our “consumer”). If that is true, then, what do you need or want that would bring you into these pages? We’ve asked this question in readership surveys, and you’ve told us that Letter from you prefer, above all, stories about alumni.That’s good to know, because Editor the Editor we certainly print plenty of those.This preference also drives the Georgia I. Douglass ’70, M.A. ’94 Assistant Editor magazine’s mission: “to support the strengthening of relationships Jessica L. Allen between alumni and friends of Wheaton by presenting an interesting and Editorial Consultant balanced profile of college and alumni life.” Katherine Halberstadt Anderson ’90 Ranking second in your reading choices is class news, which isn’t Design Consultants Alice Isoz Chrismer ’70 surprising—just look at the amount you send us.You like to keep up Ellen Mardock with what your classmates are doing and—admit it—how they Chrismer Mardock Design Group Class News Editor look in reunion photos. I review scores of college magazines, and few Donna Antoniuk have as much class news as Wheaton and seldom do they include Editorial Advisers reunion photos. One alumna wrote me a few years ago and seriously Marilee A. Melvin ’72 R. Mark Dillon Georgia I. Douglass ‘70, recommended that the magazine print only class news and reunion M.A. ‘94 photos. Now that would make my job easier. Wheaton Alumni Association Editor Other top favorites are stories about faculty and students, and their President Robert D. Dye ’73 accomplishments.And ranking close behind are reports on academic President-elect events and programs. Matthew C. Hsieh ’93 Occasionally I receive a letter from someone asking me—sometimes Executive Director Marilee A. Melvin ’72 daring me—to take on some controversial societal, political, or religious Professor Emeritus issue that is particularly important to that individual. But to do so Leroy H. Pfund ’49 presents some problems, not the least of which is our need to adhere to Alumni Trustee Representatives our editorial policy.Although at times we may choose to address such Robert D. Dye ’73 Charles V. Hogren ’58 events or issues insofar as they dominate college life or the lives of Matthew C. Hsieh ’93

alumni, the primary purpose of the magazine is not to be a forum for Wheaton College controversial debate or discussion. President Wheaton College does not shy away from controversial issues—they Dr. Duane Litfin are tackled daily in the classroom, in public seminars on campus, Provost Dr. Stanton L. Jones in the books and articles by our faculty—and even in the dining hall Senior Vice President over lunch. But not typically in Wheaton magazine, although it may Dr. David E. Johnston ’65 happen. Stay tuned. Vice President for Advancement Dr. R. Mark Dillon Our readers are similar because of their connection to Wheaton, Vice President for Alumni Relations but vastly different in many viewpoints and interests. So, how could this Marilee A. Melvin ’72 magazine possibly provide something of value to more than 40,000 Vice President for Student Development individuals and families strewn all over the globe? Dr. Samuel Shellhamer Let me tell you about my grandchildren . . . Wheaton is published autumn, winter, spring, and special (catalog) by Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187-5593, 630.752.5000, and mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of Wheaton College. Periodicals postage paid at Wheaton, IL (USPS 016326). Postmaster: Please send address changes to Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187-5593. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors or the editors, and do not necessarily represent the official position of the College. © 2006 Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL www.wheaton.edu

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lettersWHEATON WHEATON COLLEGE WHEATON Coping with Cancer also holds a degree from Northwestern classmates, summoning up memories The article “Facing the Valley” by Lynette College [MN]). Her mother’s health long out of mind.And two other alums Hoppe M.A. ’89—with her “thoughts on worsens, but she has, Lynette says, great are actively sharing my commitment healing, pain and suffering, the power of strength of will. Lynette and her husband, to the AIDS struggle in widely different prayer, and God’s loving faithfulness to us Nathan ’89, testify of the Lord’s strength, fields.Thank you. all”—was a real blessing to me. peace, and provisions. And they continue Prudence Todd Moffett ’47 For the past 13 months our son has to minister to their beloved Albanian Masonic Home, KY battled pancreatic cancer and I could so friends, although they now live halfway identify with Lynette: tears at the thought around the world in Minnesota. of leaving her children, pain as a leveler, To Betty, with Thanks the grace of God through every high and The article you wrote on Betty Knoedler low, and the acceptance that healing of the Articles for Everyone ’50 (Autumn 2005) caught my attention. body may not happen at this time. The winter ’06 issue resonated with me Betty helped me survive when I could We’ve seen answers to prayer when the on so many levels.There were articles not have done so otherwise. She actually Lord has chosen to lower fever, to open about things I have done or places I have volunteered to go into the war zones drainage tubes, and to take away the fluid been recently. It also included the with me—divorce court (the walking buildup in the abdomen. But until now, obituary for my husband, Paul Sherman morgue), surgery, the funeral of a child— God has not chosen to heal our David, ’70. Paul died of cancer, so the article on relentlessly encouraging me day after day and as Lynette writes,“We rest the family struggling certainly hit home. when I was in the trenches. She came contentedly in the will of God.” And there were articles on Africa and right along beside me as my friend, Please pass on to her and her family that Katrina. In the summer of 2004, Paul and confidant, and partner in Christ. we have been encouraged by her article I were able to travel with our church to And I am only one of many she cared and are praying for her and her family. Zambia for two weeks. It was a lifetime for. She has achieved more in this life Barbara Entz ’56 highlight for both of us. My daughter than most could ever hope for. It was so Omaha, NE and I traveled to Bay St. Louis, wonderful to see her honored by her . Mississippi, to do hurricane relief over alma mater. I don’t know when I have ever been as Thanksgiving week.When I retire from Patty Whitmer Kreuser ’76 moved by an article in Wheaton as I was teaching, I plan to do much more mis- Elk River, MN by Lynette Hoppe’s article on her cancer. sions work. So, thanks for a magazine that I have been praying for her and her seemed designed with just me in mind. family. Is there any news regarding her Jill Sherman ’71 Student Acts of Service condition? West Linn, OR I read with interest your stories on Kathleen Beliveau ’91 . Katrina relief in the recent issue.The Goffstown, NH I open this enjoyable issue of Wheaton’s Katrina relief effort was not, however, the alumni magazine and learn that an “first-ever Thanksgiving break missions Editor’s note: Although Lynette is assistant professor has won a national prize trip.”The first occurred in 1977, when experiencing greater pain and weakness, for her poetry, then note with pride that a the Student Government sent a group of she was pleased to be able to attend a poet, who graduated only six years after I students to Toccoa Falls College, near class reunion in February at one of her did, is still bungee-jumping (You go, girl!). Stone Mountain, Georgia, that had been alma maters, Moody Bible Institute (she I have to pause to grieve the loss of some flooded by a burst dam weeks before.

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WHEATONletters

The devastation and death that hit this and how it affected students at Wheaton way against the latest scourge seeking to small Bible college touched the heart of in the ’60s. I so appreciated that article. dominate the world—radical Islam. the Student Body President Dwight Donna Wilde Oliva ’65 Moderate Muslims are friends of freedom ‘Butch’ Maltby ’78 who flew down in Yakima,WA in many countries, and help oppose the the aftermath to offer Wheaton’s help. . radicals in their ranks who bring shame Based on that pilot trip,Wheaton’s No, Mr. Kives, you are not alone in your to their religion and threaten the civilized Student Government sent 12-14 students concern.Thank you for your accurate world. By liberating the Iraqi people from during the 10-day Thanksgiving break to admonition that our alma mater does us Saddam’s oppression and forcing a work side by side with Toccoa Falls all a disservice in not applying our princi- showdown with international terrorism students and families. ples of faith to an enduring catastrophe. there, representative government is The bodies had been buried before While those on the religious right speak gaining a foothold in the Middle East, our arrival, but healing and hard work increasingly loudly, those of us educated and the USA has thus far been spared was needed.The Wheaton students at Wheaton would do well to raise the another major attack. worked for eight days (plus driving caliber of national conversation by putting Bill Commons ’59 straight through the night there and forth a balanced viewpoint of Christianity. Harrisburg, PA back), and only God’s grace kept them Dennis R. Plummer ’88 safe and strong enough to accomplish Albuquerque, NM Correction: We are pleased to add two the physical tasks needed. Some of . names to our list of alumni who are the students on that trip were Jim While my classmate, David G. Kives, was college and seminary presidents: In April Cudney ’78, Lynnell Mickelsen ’79, being “radicalized . . . and involved” by 2003, Jeffrey Jack Seume ’76 became Dave Queen ’80, and Dan Yelovich ’79. protesting the Vietnam conflict in the president of Tyndale Theological Seminary Janet C. Fesler ’78 mid-sixties, I was living in East Asia from in Badhoevedorp (a suburb of Alton, MN 1967 on.We gratefully hosted soldiers on Amsterdam), The Netherlands. R&R from the Army,Air Force, and Olin Joynton ’72 is president of Alpena Marines in our home—sometimes Community College in Michigan. Discussion on What to Cover? sharing our Thanksgiving turkey dinner Just a comment regarding the letter from with men from all three. Write Us David G. Kives ’59. I, too, would We were appalled by the way our We want to hear from you. Send us appreciate something in the magazine military personnel were treated by the your letters and e-mails as they relate to regarding this difficult Iraq war. It U.S. media, and mistreated by the radicals material published in the magazine. involves thousands of young people the upon their return home from battle. Correspondence must include your name, age of Wheaton students and surely must Thankfully history records that their address, and phone number. The editor be at the forefront of students’ minds as sacrifices effectively stopped the march reserves the right to determine they live in this country. of Communism across Asia, as Vietnam the suitability of letters for publication I was at Wheaton in the early ’60s and was the last domino to fall.And later we and to edit them for accuracy and length. upon leaving, got involved in the civil learned the Vietnam army even halted Unfortunately, not all letters can be rights movement about which I’d heard the murderous excesses of the Khmer published nor can they be returned. nothing as a student.A couple of years Rouge after they massacred one-third of Editor, Wheaton ago there was an article in the Wheaton the population in Cambodia. Wheaton College / Wheaton, IL 60187 Alumni magazine about the Vietnam War Once again the USA is leading the [email protected]

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newsWHEATON

CAMPUS NEWS ONE Wheaton: First “College of ONE”

Wheaton College is partnering with The Wheaton College became ONE Campaign in its nationwide effort the first “College of ONE,” to make AIDS and poverty history.At a joining civic leaders in press conference held on February 17, addressing AIDS and poverty. Wheaton Mayor James C. Carr and From left: Wheaton Mayor College President Duane Litfin united to James C. Carr; recognize Wheaton as a “City of ONE” Dr. Ashley Woodiwiss, and Wheaton College as the first chair of politics and international relations; “College of ONE” in the fight against College President extreme poverty and global AIDS. Duane Litfin; and David From city halls to churches to college Peyton ’07, president of Wheaton College’s campuses,The ONE Campaign is now a Student Global AIDS coalition with more than two million Campaign. supporters.The City of Wheaton is one of 37 cities and four states across the nation presently endorsing the campaign. Israeli Officials Visit Wheaton to dialogue with American and Native Illinois is taking steps toward becoming a Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Yigal Amedi American youth to learn from one ‘State of ONE,” with a resolution under visited Wheaton’s campus on January 25 another’s experiences and to promote consideration in the state legislature. to discuss the future of Israel in discussion and reconciliation. The College formed its own Student light of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Hosted by the department of political Global AIDS Campaign in 2003, after debilitating stroke. Fellow city science and the Office of Christian U2’s Bono addressed the student body. administrators Benny Katz and Yigal Outreach, the group hopes to “establish Since then this student organization has Hayu joined him in explaining the a relationship with Wheaton, and to not only succeeded in starting an HIV current political situation in Israel as encourage the College to be involved education program in a Latino well as existing projects to integrate in building a peaceful future between community in Aurora, but SGAC students government and community in an Israeli and Palestinian youth,” notes are also planning a trip to , effort to bring peace to the area. Dr.Ashley Woodiwiss, chair of D.C., to lobby on behalf of international Amedi, a member of the Kadima the politics and international relations property rights and the availability of party founded by Sharon in November, department. During the visit, generic drugs. praised the Prime Minister’s work discussions about avenues of involve- The College’s response to the issues of toward peace, which included the ment generated ideas such as sending severe poverty and global AIDS is “driven decision to remove Israeli settlements Wheaton athletic teams to Israel. by our Christian values,” Dr. Litfin said. from the Gaza strip. Hayu said,“One day, other projects “The question is: What, given our The group’s visit was prompted like this will come about, and they unique mission and identity, can Wheaton by their work on Project Jerusalem, will become one big project, and it contribute to the effort against global an initiative led by alumnus Rev. John won’t be called a project anymore. poverty and AIDS? . . .We can’t do Henderson ’74, M.A. ’78, to bring It will be our daily life.This is everything, but we can do something.” Palestinian and Israeli youth to the U.S. our future.”

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WHEATONnews

Thank you, John Deere Foundation—HNGR’s two-day symposium addressing concerns over poverty and underdevelopment in Third World countries was made possible through the generosity of Deere & Company’s philanthropic foundation.

Happy Birthday, HNGR enables interested students to learn where he currently serves as director. The Human Needs and Global about the causes and consequences of “We live in a world of such pain and Resources (HNGR) program celebrates poverty. It also promotes a commitment suffering that evangelical Christians have its 30th anniversary this academic year. to reducing poverty through lifestyle not only a message, but also a mission,” In honor of this milestone, a special and vocational decisions. said Samuel, addressing the student body symposium brought a significant The two-day symposium, sponsored during a Chapel service.“HNGR was number of HNGR’s alumni back to by a $250,000 endowment from the one of the first programs that recovered campus on February 24-25. John Deere Foundation, offered panel the gospel imperative to address poverty, Wheaton College established HNGR discussions, workshops, and interactive hunger, and inequality in the world.” in 1976 in response to concern for conversations with international guests. HNGR director Dr. Paul Robinson, widespread poverty and underdevelop- The keynote lecture,“Transforming Our who is pleased with the program’s ment in the Third World.The program Cultures:A Gospel Imperative,” was longevity, was grateful for the given by internationally recognized opportunity to celebrate with such a development economist and theologian noted scholar. Canon Dr.Vinay Samuel.A graduate of He says of the symposium,“It was an Union Biblical Seminary in Yavatmal, opportunity to consider the 30-year India, Samuel is an ordained Anglican history of the HNGR program, and to priest. His commitment to equip leaders reflect on the changing paradigms of in development led him to help found international development.We learned the Oxford Centre for Missions Studies, that as we have partnered with host a training center for mission organizations worldwide, HNGR has practitioners from the Global South, remained at the cutting edge of theory

Above: With 32 interns, this year’s HNGR group is the largest Wheaton College has sent out in 30 years. Left: HNGR intern Rebecca Blumhagen ’06 is serving in Arusha, Tanzania, with Heifer Project International. 6 48089_01_11_u1 5/1/06 6:09 PM Page 7

and praxis in this field.” explained that the increase is necessary nonviolent resistance.” Current HNGR staff, its two former to keep up with the rising costs of The goal of this “Equality Ride” is to directors, seven international guest maintaining a private academic change the policies and practices of the speakers, and more than 130 HNGR institution.“We believe that our 2006- institutions they visit, including 14 alumni and current students attended 2007 student charges will continue to be Christian colleges that are members of the conference, Robinson said. More competitive with our peer institutions.” the Council for Christian Colleges and than 400 students have participated in Wheaton remains one of the least Universities (CCCU). the program, and with 32 students, this expensive of the nation’s top 70 liberal The College has been selected year boasts the largest class to date. arts colleges, according to U.S. News & because of the Community Covenant’s Robinson said,“It became clear World Report, with pricing that ranks scriptural stance on sexual morality. through our discussions with our 7th in the thirteen-member Christian Provost Stanton Jones explains,“This international guests that poverty and College Consortium. visit is being thrust upon us whether we hunger will be more effectively “The superior return earned on the cooperate with Soulforce or not.We addressed as we move toward an College’s endowment funds over the past believe it is better to engage the understanding that transformational decade is a major reason we have been Soulforce protestors openly, using their development is embedded in able to keep student charges at a very visit as an opportunity to educate our relationship....Jesus’ command that we competitive level,” added Brooke.“The students about the challenge to the love our neighbors as ourselves leads total return on our endowment has teachings of the Bible and the Church inevitably to an intolerance of injustice, averaged 9.5 percent over the last ten in this area, preparing them to uphold hunger, and poverty anywhere.This is years.Wheaton College is grateful biblical truth as they face this issue in the starting point for transforming and for the many generous donations that their churches in the years to come.” redeeming all of our cultures.” contribute to the growth of this Prior to the event, a series of seminars endowment, which ranks in the top will delve into the complex issues New Student Charges 165 endowments in the nation.These surrounding the morality of Announced gifts, along with gifts that underwrite homosexual conduct.Topics include The annual tuition charge for full-time operating costs and capital improve- everything from “Biblical Teaching and undergraduate students at Wheaton ments, continue to be an important part Sexual Morality” and “Civil Rights, will be $22,450 for the 2006-2007 of our ability to maintain affordable Public Policy, and Christian Sexual academic year, according to Patrick charges for our students.” Morality,” to “Ministering in Truth and T. Brooke, controller. Standard room and Love to the Homosexual Neighbor.” board charges for resident students “Equality Ride” Will Come to About the organization’s visit, will be $7,040, making total charges for Wheaton President Duane Litfin says that not full-time undergraduate resident students On April 20-21,Wheaton will be only will Wheaton College continue to $29,490, and representing an increase in visited by 35 people arriving by bus to stand with the ancient witness of total charges of 6.2 percent.Tuition for represent the Soulforce organization, a Scripture, and the monolithic witness graduate master’s students is increasing homosexual advocacy group that exists of the entire Christian church (until 4 percent, from $529 to $550 per hour. to promote “freedom for lesbian, gay, recent times) on this issue of sexual “Wheaton College continues its bisexual, and transgender people from morality, but the college community commitment to keep tuition as religious and political oppression will also respond in Christian love to reasonable as possible,” said Brooke, who through the practice of relentless these visitors.

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WHEATONnews

STUDENT NEWS Katrina Relief Continues More than 150 members of the Wheaton College community—127 undergraduate students; 18 faculty, staff, and graduate students; and 14 of their family members—used their Thanksgiving vacation not only to give thanks, but also to give their time and energy to serve those whose lives have been forever changed by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The group, divided into eight teams, left on November 18 and 19 for different sites on the Gulf Coast, most staying in and assisting churches involved in the local relief efforts.Their work with five people living in one FEMA Kinesiology Student Wins Award projects varied from gutting houses to trailer.They went out of their way to putting up drywall, cleaning up rubbish, serve us juice while we worked, and The National Association for Sport and demolishing condemned buildings, asked us to take breaks and rest.The Physical Education (NASPE) will honor repairing roofs, delivering meals, and grandmother even made us a fried rice Jason A. Schisler ’06 as Wheaton’s compiling social service materials for dish for lunch. Seeing how little they outstanding kinesiology major of the hurricane victims. had and how much they gave convicted year.The NASPE is the premier And while the work was labor- me of my own selfishness in a life- organization dedicated to strengthening intensive, many found inspiration in changing way.” basic knowledge about physical activity, talking with the people affected by the He adds that returning to Wheaton physical education, and sports, and storms.“Most people had incredible after viewing the devastation in Biloxi putting that knowledge into action in stories to tell and the best and only thing was one of the most difficult parts of an schools and communities across the we could do was to listen,” observed experience he hopes he will never forget. nation.The award recognizes outstanding Richard Lyon ’99 a staff member who “The sight of our pristine community students majoring in the health sciences, went to Biloxi, Mississippi. He adds, actually made me cry,” he admitted. from recreation and sports management “These were truly survivors of Katrina, He also came away with a renewed to pre-physical therapy. Only one student not victims. . . .Their hope was vision for the value of short-term per major from each institution is humbling; their perseverance was missions trips. He says,“I was continually recognized each year. More than 200 inspiring.” amazed at how much people willing to students from around the country will be He remembers one Vietnamese family give up their time and energy can honored at a ceremony during the 121st in particular.“This family lost their accomplish. Our trip would not have Annual Convention of the American home in the storm, but they were been a success if not for dozens of Alliance for Health, Physical Education, thankful just to be together even though volunteers making sure everything went Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD), it must have been quite uncomfortable smoothly.” sponsored by ESPN’s “Play Your Way.”

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FACULTY NEWS was no piano at the hospital auditorium, Joy Collins, a longtime Steinway Surprises Music friend of Wheaton’s Conservatory, Faculty in Russia contacted a colleague in Hamburg, Conservatory Director Tony Payne and who then contacted a colleague at professors Terry Schwartz, Gerard Steinway Piano Company in New York, Sundberg, and Carolyn Hart returned who then contacted colleagues in from their concert tour in Moscow, Moscow. Russia, last August with a number of “We were the beneficiaries of the stories; but none as providential as beautiful six-foot Steinway piano—the the story of the Steinway. best we had on our tour,” Dr. Payne In addition to performing at St. reported. Four local news crews covered Andrew’s Anglican Church, at the the story of the gracious loan of the Evangelical Church in outlying piano for the hospital recital by Vladimir Kolchugino, and at the historic and Andre Roslyakov of Blues Brothers downtown Central Baptist Church, the Steinway. group visited the All Russian Children’s “We thank God for the opportunity to Clinical Hospital. be of service in Moscow,” said Dr. Payne. Wade Chair Dedicated “In each venue we found an “As Christians, it was plain to us that Dr. Chris Mitchell, director of the enthusiastic welcome, but none more God had helped us help others through Marion E.Wade Center, was inaugurated than the hospital appearance,” noted the quiet generosity of the Steinway as the first Wade Chair of Christian Dr. Payne.When they learned there Piano Company.” Thought in a ceremony on March 16. In addition to teaching in the Bible and After their Russian ministry tour, faculty members from the Conservatory of Music shared their program theology department at Wheaton for at the home of Joy Collins. The evening featured an elegant Russian dinner followed by the gift of music. Left to right: Conservatory faculty, Drs. Gerard Sundberg (baritone) and Terry Schwartz 13 years, Dr. Mitchell has directed the (trumpeter); Tom Song (tenor) from Suwon, Korea; Wheaton student Cally Payne (flutist); and Wade Center for 11 years. Conservatory Director Tony Payne (pianist). The endowed chair position, named after C. S. Lewis enthusiast and ServiceMaster founder Marion E.Wade, was established by an anonymous donor to be filled by the director of the Wade Center, and to encourage scholarly contributions on topics that relate to the seven authors of the Wade collection (which include C. S. Lewis and J. R. R.Tolkien).The position will also support related program development as the Wade Center seeks to meet the ever-growing demand for its resources.

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WHEATONsports

Recap FOOTBALL opened the season nationally ranked and finished with a 7-3 record. Seven players earned All-Conference honors;Andrew Studebaker ’08 earned All-Region accolades; and kicker Andrew Day ’06 was selected as a Division III All-American and an Academic All-American. WOMEN’S SOCCER ended with a 21-3 record, its 11th straight CCIW Congratulations to Women’s Basketball Coach Beth Baker, who was selected as the CCIW “Coach championship and 9th NCAA Tournament of The Year.” Her team was nationally ranked for the entire season, winning its second consecutive appearance. Jen Binger ’06 earned All- CCIW championship and its first conference crown since 1998-99. The women also won their second American honors for the second CCIW tournament championship, becoming the first program to win more than one CCIW tournament consecutive season, and Laura Koontz ’07 in the four-year history of the tournament. Wheaton made it to the 16th round in the NCAA also earned All-American recognition. Tournament for the first time in the school’s history, and the team’s 25-5 record set a new team record. Elizabeth Fox ’07 earned All-CCIW First Team honors and was named to the D3Hoops.com MEN’S SOCCER was 16-5-2 and made All-Central Region Third Team. Jill Trenz ’08 and Brittany Cooper ’07 also earned All-CCIW honors. its Div. III-leading 28th postseason appearance. Stephen Rigby ’07 earned All- American honors, and he and Justin WOMEN’S GOLF had a strong effort at MEN’S BASKETBALL upset #3-ranked Risma ’06 earned Academic All- the CCIW Championships, finishing 3rd Augustana and #7-ranked Illinois American. Coach Joe Bean will retire at at the conference meet. Wesleyan.Wheaton’s consecutive victories the end of the 2006 season. SWIMMING The women won their over the powerhouses marked the 1st time WOMEN’S TENNIS ranked 20th in Div. 9th consecutive CCIW championship in the 6-year history of the D3Hoops.com III, posting an 8-0 record, winning its and finished 11th at the NCAA Div. III poll that a program had wins over 2 teams league-best 11th CCIW championship Championships. Kaitlin Marko ’08 won in its Top-10 in the same week.Tony and its 1st since 2001.All-American 3 events at the CCIW Championships, Bollier ’06 was named to the All-CCIW Elizabeth Maclellan ’06 and Jordan Hook was named “Most Valuable Swimmer” at Second Team and to the D3Hoops.com ’09 ended regionally ranked. the meet, and earned All-American All-Midwest Region Third Team.He CROSS COUNTRY The women won recognition in 2 events at Nationals.The averaged 15.9 points per game and set a their 3rd consecutive CCIW champion- men’s 9-year reign as CCIW champions school record with a 92.9 free throw ship. The men finished 2nd at the CCIW snapped as Carthage narrowly defeated percentage. Jordan Kemper ’06 earned Championships, 5th at the NCAA Wheaton at the conference meet, but the Third Team All-CCIW honors, leading Midwest Regional, and 13th at the Div. team shined at Nationals with a 7th- the league in rebounding this season. III Championships. place finish.Wheaton’s 7 swimmers at WHEATON WRESTLING saw success VOLLEYBALL posted a 21-15 record and Nationals earned All-American recogni- this winter from a solid core of young finished 5th in the CCIW.Three freshmen tion.Tyler Dobelbower ’06 repeated as wrestlers led by Brent Skorup ’08, who volleyball players, Annie Himmelhaver, an All-American in the 200-yard won the 133-pound weight class at the Hannah McGinnis, and Mallory Sullivan, individual medley, and Sam Gyorfi was School of Engineering earned All-Conference honors. an All-American in the 50-yard freestyle. Invitational.

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by Amy Wolgemuth Bordoni

Family Matters One volleyball player gets some extra support from her biggest fans.

As Kayla Bohlen ’06 warmed up for the 1-year-old cousin—closed out the first game of Benedictine’s Eagle Classic tournament weekend by throwing her a on October 28, 2005, she knew it was big graduation party at their hotel a significant moment.After four years as Saturday night. Kayla’s mother, Julie a member of Wheaton’s women’s Bohlen, explains,“She’s the oldest of volleyball team, the co-captain and setter 35 grandchildren on both sides of would be playing in her final collegiate the family, and she is so sweet to each tournament.Yet she had no idea how of them that they all look up to her. meaningful that game would be. They wouldn’t miss being at a party for At 3:00 A.M., 50 of Kayla’s family her for anything.” members boarded a chartered bus in Julie adds that the surprise was well Hastings, Nebraska, in order to make it worth the effort.“On the way back, we to the tournament by the opening asked the kids to record the weekend’s match. Kayla’s father had been planning most meaningful moments. Many of the surprise for a year to celebrate his them said that just seeing Kayla’s daughter’s graduation. Only Kayla’s expression when she saw us made sitting coach, Jennifer King Soderquist ’77; her on that bus for all those hours worth it.” fiancé, Justin Risma ’06; and the family The oldest of five children, Kayla were in on the surprise. Kayla never saw grew up on a farm in Hastings and it coming. played volleyball throughout middle “I was warming up and someone school and high school. Her aunt, an said ‘turn around.’ There was a huge all-American volleyball player in college, blob of people in the bleachers, holding was her role model. signs and wearing t-shirts and buttons While Kayla debated between with my name on them.Time stood Nebraska Wesleyan and Wheaton, she still for a second. I could not believe admits that once she visited Wheaton, that they were there,” says Kayla.“I there was no other choice.“In a perfect Kayla Bohlen ’06 still get tears in my eyes just thinking world,Wheaton would have been in about it.” Nebraska,” she says.“It was really hard to cousins plan to follow in her footsteps Since Kayla was the first in her family be the first to leave home. But now by going to college out of state, but to attend college outside of Nebraska, I’m so glad I went away.” the October weekend definitely made many of her family members hadn’t had After graduation, Kayla is looking an impact. the opportunity to watch her play forward to a June wedding and then “At Christmas, we talked about the collegiate volleyball.After two days of plans to begin dental school in surprise visit a lot,” says Kayla.“Some of cheering, Kayla’s fans—everyone from the fall to become a pediatric dentist. my cousins said it was their favorite her 68-year-old grandfather to her There’s no word yet if any of Kayla’s memory of the year.”

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canvassing nature

A recent benefit for the College’s Community School of the Arts highlighted the beauty of local

Like fruit plucked fresh from the vine, the plein air paintings of the visible world. of Joel Sheesley ’72 may perhaps be best described as simple, “During those hours I concentrate with such intensity that succulent gifts. if the sun were not sailing across the sky, I’d have no idea that And a “gift” is also the term the artist uses to describe time was passing at all,” says Joel. the act of capturing nature’s exquisite beauty within each small Plein air painting (more familiarly termed “painting landscape in his series. from life”) hails from 19th-century Europe and steers clear of With a collapsible easel, brushes, oil paint, and a keen formula and meaning, instead allowing an artist to absorb a eye, Joel hikes or rides his bike to parks or forest preserves scene and recreate his vision in the moment. Disciplined by time in and around Wheaton. In the two or three hours before the sun and the crudeness of technique, the artist is reduced to a drifts away, he attempts to fully respond to the complexities simple visual vernacular.

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landscapes as painted in plein air by art professor, Joel Sheesley ’72. by Amy Wolgemuth Bordoni

Joel Sheesley ’72 has been teaching art at Wheaton for the last 32 years. His studio works, which are well known for their realistic representation of everyday suburban life, have been exhibited in galleries in New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and throughout Illinois. To see more of Joel Sheesley’s art, visit www.joelsheesley.com.

It is an exercise for Joel — a way to stay alert and learn Nothing is so gratifying for Joel as seeing someone to see. He began trying his hand at this technique about four connect to a painting and want to spend time with it. For some, years ago, and today he paints outdoors in every season, noting the familiarity of the place may be the draw. For others, the that one painting a week would constitute an ideal year. subtle, quiet details, like the way the sunlight burnishes the marsh Not all survive, however. Some are thrown away. Others, reeds or the long shadows on a snowy path, draw the eye and Joel will spend an additional h