Fall 2009
Taking center stage
One day in 1966 Gardner McFall's life changed forever.
Though it has been 43 years, she can vividly recall the moment as if she were
living it now: She is 14 years old. She is at school in Jacksonville,
Fla., leaving gym, rushing to her next class. She spots her mother and her
mother's friend walking toward her on a pleasantly-warm-for-December day.
Surprised and excited that her mother has come to visit her at school, she
throws her arms around her. "Why are you here?" McFall asks. Her mom
responds: "We've come to get you because your father is missing."(more)
Celebrating 175 years
This year, Wheaton will celebrate the 175th anniversary
of its founding with several months of activities and events, starting with a
Founder's Day celebration during Homecoming Weekend in October. On Founder's
Day in 2008, Professor of History Emeritus Paul Helmreich told the story in
Cole Chapel of Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton, who guided and nurtured the school
during its first 75 years of existence. We think this is the perfect time to
present his remarks again, especially since Sept. 27, 2009 also marks Eliza
Wheaton's 200th birthday. We pair an excerpt of Helmreich's remarks with the
social history of the Dimple, told in text and images. (more)
From Wheaton to Washington
Sitting in his IKEA-adorned apartment in Washington,
D.C., the bald and goateed Robertson ("Rob") Gile '00 is funny and
engaging as he talks about his life. He opens up about his elementary school
years, high school and his time at Wheaton College. He points to Wheaton, where
he graduated cum laude, as being pivotal in helping him focus and set his
sights on the path that led to his career in national security and his new job
as a foreign affairs officer. But ask specific questions about the job where he spends
most of his life and the room falls uncomfortably silent. The smile fades. The
responses become evasive and vague. (more)
