Letters of Thanks

newest - 12/17 - 12/18 - 12/19 - 12/22 - 1/12 - 1/21 - 1/30

12/17

Thank You

Dr. Ryken, Thank you for being a patient and gracious boss - slow to anger and easy to work with.

-Anonymous

Thank You

You are making the decisions that no one should have to make. And you still show us so much grace. Thank you!

-Anonymous

Thank You

A HUGE thank you to ResLife and staff! Paul Chelsen, Justin Heath, Allison Ash, and all the RDs do some pretty amazing work with us students and deserve so much more love. They care so much about each individual and our well-being. Thank you thank you thank you.

-A Happy Dormer

Thank You

Thank you for completely changing the course of my sister's life through your unwavering proclamation of Truth! She had walked away from the Lord before she came to Wheaton, but through the Godly teaching and mentoring of her Wheaton professors, she returned to Him and developed a deeper relationship with Him than she's ever had in her whole life! She also met her husband at Wheaton, and she's now working at a church in youth ministry pouring into the lives of high schoolers. Thank you so much for playing a huge part in helping to alter the course of her life!

-Anonymous

Thank You

Thank you, Wheaton College faculty and staff. You created an environment that was incredibly challenging and yet safe. You were there for me at the hardest moments of my emerging into adulthood, and you graciously accepted me when that process led to my lashing out. I hope to be worthy of the privilege of having been able to study under your tutelage.

Thank you,
Bill Stanford, Class of 2012

Thank You

Thank you Wheaton for providing such a unique opportunity for evangelicals to engage in challenging and rewarding intellectual investigations within the context of orthodox Protestantism. I know that I have personally benefited enormously from the familiarity I gained with the best of contemporary secular and Christian scholarship and from the lifelong friends I've made. I feel well equipped to share the Gospel and advance the Kingdom because of the difficult decisions that are made to keep Wheaton College running. Thank you!

-Matthew Arildsen

Thank You

Thank you for authentic integrity

-Ruth

Thank You

I can't imagine the position you must be in right now, trying so hard to obey God but getting negative feedback on all sides. Thank you for continuing to press into the Lord through this.

-Nicole Kennedy

Thank You

Thank you for staying true to the mission

-Stephen Kaiss

Thank You

Thank you so much. Most students never think about departments such as purchasing or grounds, but the work that every department does is extremely valuable. During my time at Wheaton there have been a very small but vocal minority of students that aim to criticize the institution and its visible administrators in every decision and stance affirmed by the college. The silent but vast majority do not agree, and submit earnest thanks to the lovely administrators that keep our beloved college running. Thanks!

-Jacob Biedebach

Thank You

Thank you for making all of your decisions after spending time deep in prayer with brothers and sisters. Thank you for your gentleness, respect and love in response to anger and protest. Thank you for not returning what you have received.

-Jasmine Melby

Thank You

As a member of the community I would like to thank Dr. Ryken for his grace and commitment to truth on this issue. We are honored to have such a man of integrity in such a responsible position in Wheaton. May you continue to have the wisdom and discernment needed in this situation.

-Bev Ruby

Thank You

You have given us a framework for growth that has guided our whole life.

-Lou (Turner) Cole

Thank You

I am so thankful for the Christian education I received at Wheaton. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to be an administrator at the school right now and I am so grateful for the sacrifices of those who are leading the school through such turbulent waters. My 4 years at Wheaton were so formative and through my time at the school I encountered Jesus and learned how to love and know him better and I would not trade that for anything. Thank you for allowing younger students to have the same experience! You are in my prayers.

-Anonymous

Thank You

Thank you for preserving the vision of our school for this generation and generations to come.

-Lesley

Thank You

We are not alumni but our son, Doug Goebel is and now our granddaughter attends Wheaton. We are so grateful that Wheaton College has kept their standards high and leadership strong all these years and especially now when so few do. May God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

-Dave and Joyce Goebel

Thank You

Thank you for holding firm against the tide of our shifting culture. Thank you for remaining faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus - the only hope for salvation.

-Ryan

Thank You

Keep fighting the good fight

-Camielle

Thank You

Thank you for loving Jesus through it all.

-Scott Clausen

Thank You

Thank you for standing up for what we believe in!

-Matthew T. Williams

Thank You

I am thankful for Wheaton College's unwavering goal to follow the Lord and the teachings of the Bible. They seek to pass that on to every student that enters campus, and in my case they succeeded.

-Matthew Griffiths

Thank You

Thank you for standing firm in a world that buckles at every turn. Thank you for not being afraid. Thank you for holding your faculty, staff and students to a higher call. Thank you for providing me with a rigorous education. Thank you for employing coaches who showed me how to be a man after God's own heart. Thank you for giving me lifelong friends. Thank you for leading me to my incredible bride who shines God's light wherever she goes. You are an amazing institution filled with the best of people. Don't stop being great even when the world hates you - I am so proud to be an alumnus!

-Jeremy Amos - Class of 2001

Thank You

Thank for being the Beacon of Light in our darkened world.

-Lamond Banks

Thank You

Thank you for doing the right thing!

-Ricki Giersch

Thank You

Thank you for standing for grace and truth

-Anonymous

Thank You

Thank you for holding fast to the divinely revealed truth of Scripture. God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Son - He alone is God, Who in merciful love conquered everything against sinful humanity through His Son; and that Son said no one is coming to His Father except through Him.

-Russ LaPeer 1970

Thank You

Thank you for standing for Biblical faith!

-John Craig Colbert

Thank You

You have demonstrated an ongoing passion for attracting professors who are always willing to take time to talk, counsel, coach, and share their own lives with students who are looking for examples of godliness in the real world. Thank you!

-Dave Moorhead

Thank You

Thank you so much for standing strong!! We stand with you and pray for you!!

-Beverly Smith

Thank You

Thank you, administrators, for your value for excellence in our shared work. I see the administration working hard and with devotion to the institution, students, and Christ-centered mission, and it inspires me to work in a similar fashion. Peace and goodwill to all!

-Anonymous Staffmember

Thank You

In our too-hasty rush toward compassion we forget that it's possible to have clear differences without diluting love. Thank you, Wheaton, for clear thinking

-Randy Peugh

Thank You

Thank you for standing for the truth of God's Word and being faithful to it in the face of cultural pressures to water it down and/or compromise. May God continue to shine His light through the dedicated staff and students at Wheaton College as they teach and learn how to live out their faith, showing themselves approved unto God a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.

-Marlys McFall

Thank You

Two summers ago, I attended a camp sponsored by Wheaton called HoneyRock. I was assigned two counselors: one who was about to graduate from Wheaton and another whose dad was a professor at Wheaton. This camp had changed my life and my spiritual walk with God. I found so much peace and love at this camp. Praise God for putting these two counselors in my life exactly when I needed it. Thank you Wheaton for having this amazing camp (where financial aid can be provided) and for training the counselors. Thank you Wheaton for creating an environment where serving others is a priority. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

-Natalie

Thank You

We thank our Lord God for Wheaton College's continued seeking a biblical balance between orthodoxy and orthopraxy, biblical faith and Holy Spirit-inspired works, for the glory of God and the extension of his kingdom.

-Bruce MacPherson

Thank You

Thankful for the intelligent, wise, loving leadership in standing, communicating and staying true to the non-negotiables of our faith.

-Donna Kramer

Thank You

Thank you for your faithful witness to Jesus across many generations.

-Lee Phillips

Thank You

Thank you, Dr. Ryken, Wheaton College Staff, Faculty, Board, and Administration for your unwavering stand for truth. Please, never bend from it. You have our deep appreciation for providing three generations of this family a priceless Christian education. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

-Will '52 and Ginny '52 Hohm

Thank You

Thank you for remaining committed to an orthodox theology while keeping an openness to new thinking and discussion. And thank you for always remaining focused on the person rather than the issue. As a same-sex-attracted student, I found it an incredibly safe place to learn and grow and understand how to live faithfully as a child of God in and through unique challenges. I'm a church leader now largely because you showed me how healing and hope-giving Christian community can be.

-Anonymous

Thank You

Thank you for your faithfulness to God's word. It is a rich blessing to be at a place like Wheaton where we are taught what it means to be faithful stewards of the truth and then shown through your courageous and humble example what that looks like. It is so easy to criticize and so much harder to stand for something.

Thank you so much.

-Andrew Lindquist

Thank You

Thank you pursuing excellence in all you do.

-Beth Phillips

Thank You

Thank you for your commitment to the love of Christ!! The world will not understand and will hate because it hated him first. Keep fighting the good fight!!

-Caleb Eaves

Thank You

Thank you for providing an Christ centered environment for four amazing years! I met amazing people and made friendships that will last a lifetime! I was taught by professors who were intelligent and smart and really cared for intellectual growth but also my spiritual wellbeing.

-YungJuen (class of 2006)

Thank You

My most sincere gratitude for all you do!

-Samantha Beeler

Thank You

I am thankful for a Wheaton president who cares about the students (he was reading stories in Fischer dorm the other night!) as well as the spiritual health of the campus! Thank you, Lord, for Dr. Phil Ryken!

-Anonymous

Thank You

Thank you for seeking truth and love and not compromising either. Thank you for providing a safe place to doubt, the tools to dialogue, and the foundation to stand on.

-Emily Labutta

Thank You

Thank you, students! As a former employee and wife of a 30 year administrator who pours his heart and soul into Servant leadership...thank you. So much of the work done is for "unseen fruit." But YOU are the reason. To provide a place of acedemic excellence that fosters loving, compassionate servants is the highest call! Your words of thanks mean more than you know. YOU are the big "why," so, whatever the "what" is...it's worth it!

-Anna Dawson

12/18

Thank You

Thank you for the foundation that sent me to Africa after a 36 year career, Exchanging success for significance.

-Larry Allan Sherman '73

Thank You

Thank you for standing for the truth of God's Word!

-Thurman Hayes

Thank You

I am so very grateful for the quality of education I received at Wheaton. You continue to maintain the high standard of living "For God and His Kingdom" in an increasingly antagonistic environment . I am honored to be part of the alumni of Wheaton where Jesus is honored and exalted as the only Way to the Father. THANK YOU.

-Ruth Leaf

Thank You

I am thankful that I was at Wheaton College when I was going through my spiritual-forming years. I disagreed with the college in spiritual matters and left at the end of my junior year. I bummed around the country until the draft caught up with me, spent a few years in Viet Nam, and became an alcoholic for 20 years. I am thankful for the seeds of learning right from wrong planted in me by my parents and Wheaton College which stood me in good stead as I found sobriety, celebrating 30 years sober this past October 15th. Professors like Dr. Kilby, Dr.Bechtel and others instilled in me a passion for discovery. That passion has been transformed into a desire to conquer my fears and lead by serving persons who are chemically addicted; pointing them toward freedom through Jesus Christ.

-David L. Pritchard ('67)

12/19

Thank You

Thank you for acting to maintain your integrity as a Christian college in a compassionate and thoughtful manner. You have maintained standards and treated all involved with kindness even as you have been subjected to hasty judgements. In doing so, you model Jesus in a way that your critics cannot logically deny.

-Isabel Hanekamp

Thank You

As a parent of a Wheaton graduate I thank you.

-Frank J. Gibson

Thank You

Thank you for providing me and so many other students a great, Christ-centered education. Thank you for speaking the truth in love, and for seeking to remain faithful to God's Word no matter what.

-Jed Sanford

Thank You

Thank you, Wheaton, for standing with Christ & His Kingdom. Thank you for bringing my son & his wife together, & for their excellent Wheaton education. Thank you, Wheaton, for the experiences my younger son is having now - learning & growing in friendships, in academic & athletic pursuits, & in passionate relationship with the Lord. Thank you for coaches pointing my son's to Jesus. Thank you for coaches & athletes covering me in prayer through two battles with cancer. Thank you, Wheaton, for standing on the only firm foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ & His Word!

-Debbie Harris

Thank You

You and other Christian colleges are what enables evangelical and orthodox Christianity to continue to each next generation.

-Randy Malone

12/22

Thank You

Thank you for being a safe place for my daughters to grow in their faith AND prepare academically for whatever God might have in mind for them. You are Godly examples of standing firm for Jesus and Biblical truth in the midst of an increasingly hostile culture. Thank you for loving well and rejecting compromise.

-Chris

Thank You

Thank you Wheaton faculty and community for fearlessly bearing the name of Christ, in all the hope, joy and gravity that this means for our world.

-Amanda Iglesias

Thank You

I am not an alum (except through wishing), but a high school English teacher who has sent as many students as I possibly can to Wheaton. Thank you to Dr. Leland Ryken for being my mentor through all of your books, thus helping me to be a much better teacher than I naturally would be, and to the current Dr. Ryken for leading the school so well. Thank you for standing firm and for being a light in the darkness, thereby training our kids to do the same.

-Huntley Cooney

Thank You

Thanks for remaining faithful to the Truth!

-Rob Solem

Thank You

I am deeply grateful for how much I received as a grad student when I was at Wheaton. Thank you for continually seeking to be faithful to our Lord Jesus.

-Adam

Thank You

Thank you so much for handling this situation in a professional manner despite the amount of pressure coming from all directions. I'm glad to see that you still recognize Biblical truths and the Statement of Faith as bedrock for the college's mission and reason for existing.

-Lars Jacobson '87

1/12

Thank You

Thank you for staying firm for Christ in a culture that relentlessly pressures us to conform to it. You are greatly appreciated and we are very proud of you! Stay strong!

-Randy Chapek

Thank You

Thank you for standing up for Wheaton's statement of faith & beliefs, President Ryken. In these days we, as Christians, need to be strong, courageous & "for Christ & His Kingdom".

-Peggy J. Colson

1/21

Thank You

Thank you for standing up for the truth of Scripture, in spite of the pressure and stress. I continue to pray for Phil Ryken, Stan Jones, and the leadership of Wheaton College. Stand STRONG on the principles of Christian faith set by God in the Scriptures.

-Joy Lockner

Thank You

I'm thankful for the steadfast faithfulness of Wheaton leadership in the face of criticism and pressure to do what is popular. John 16:33 "...In this world you will have tribulation. But have courage, I have overcome the world." We support you and pray for you to have courage to "continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you learned them." We need Wheaton. The world needs Wheaton.

-Amy VerHoef Johnston

Thank You

Thank you so much, Wheaton Leaders, for the 4 years that I had at Wheaton. I came to Wheaton from an unchurched environment and a sexually, physically, and verbally abusive home. I had an eating disorder for 4 years as a teen. I was converted to Christ at age 16 as a result of my struggles in life. I went to Wheaton as a very new believer in Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I ended up at Wheaton College in 1985. My time at the College transformed my life. For the first time in my life, I had Christian teachers and mentors in my professors, coaches, and peers. I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the gift of Wheaton College in my life. There is no place like Wheaton. Thank you.

-Anonymous '89

Thank You

Thank you President Ryken and the Administration for standing for truth, for Christ and His Kingdom, even when it makes you a target. Thank-you Wheaton College for being a place that my daughter could grow in her faith, her knowledge, and for being an environment in which she could truly thrive. Praying for God's continued blessing on the Ryken Family and Wheaton College.

-Laurie

Thank You

Thank you, President Ryken and administration, for holding to, defending, and proclaiming Truth in an ever hostile world! We support you and are praying for you daily! For Christ and His Kingdom-only and always!

-Stella Colan Wilson ('87) and Family

1/30

Thank You

Thank you, Wheaton for helping me to recognize God's own "hasty rush toward compassion" in sending his only Son. And thank you, Wheaton for helping me recognize that God did not "stand firm against shifting culture" and instead sacrificed His only son for all of us desperately in need of salvation.

-Rachael McQuillan

Thank You

My children have been blessed by some of the most amazing God-fearing, God-glorifying teachers in the world. Wheaton graduates. Thank you for pouring into your students a love that can only come from the Father. Thank you for bearing His shame and the scorn of a World that does not love Him.

-Nancy Pacchioli

Thank You

Blessings.

-Butch Maltby

Thank You

My 50th reunion is coming up. Being born in an Armenian-Greek evangelical family, who was persecuted in the Middle East, I thank God for Wheaton-my "growing place". I am thankful for what God has done and for what He will do.

-Joyce

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