Originally published at: https://dev-wheaton-college-blog.pantheonsite.io/uncategorized/55502/
Each summer, Wheaton College offers several Filmmaker in Residence Fellowships that fund students to travel with faculty-led international courses and produce films about the experiences and issues being
studied. Film and New Media Studies major Bridget Murphy ’27 was awarded a fellowship to travel to Ireland with Professors Kelly Goff and Kent Shaw for the course Arts in Ireland. Bridget recently spoke with Patrick Johnson, Chair of the Film, Media, and Communications department, about the experience.
What was the experience like being in Ireland and the work you did for the course?
The village of Ballyvaughan was nothing but welcoming and whimsical. This dreamlike landscape inspired my video art short film as well as my series of light-themed photographs. I did a few physical artworks, including a large collage which supported the message of, “Leave No Trace” as well as some watercolors.
Please tell me a bit about the film/project you filmed?
As we continued into our second day in Ireland, it became clear that a mockumentary would be the best format to represent this experience. Bonding together as a close-knit group of 16 students, we learned to support and live with each other. Throughout my film, I showcase each student’s workspace as well as multiple field trips we went on during the weeks. For the course itself, I produced multiple short experimental films with footage from various excursions.
What was an important lesson that you learned from the experience?
I learned very quickly to always be prepared for any situation, especially with the Irish weather. I kept plastic bags and an umbrella on my person at all times in case I needed to suddenly protect the camera from water. It was vital to have gear prepared ahead of time for quick battery changes in the field.
What were some of the challenges of filmmaking there?
One challenge faced while filming in Ireland was handling the amount of gear I brought while on our outdoor hikes. Our hike up the first large mountain proved difficult due to the incline as well as the weight of my backpack. I made use of a monopod and attached my camera to use it as a hiking stick for balance. In addition to this, I strapped a GoPro to my hat to capture raw footage of the trek, but found that the battery wore out quickly. After the first few days, it became easier to know what gear was necessary for the day, and what gear I could leave in the room. There was always something new and intriguing everywhere we looked, so it was hard to put the camera away.
What was a standout moment that you were able to capture?
One evening, I was walking back to our residence with a few other students and we had decided to take a path through the woods. As we walked deeper into the forest, we emerged into a clearing that was packed full of sheep roaming in a meadow. I was able to get close to them and photograph a few without causing distribution. Most of the animals we had seen at that time were behind fences or through the window of our bus, so being mere feet away from them was unforgettable.
What is the next step for the project and in your journey as a filmmaker/storyteller/creative?
The next step for this project is to finalize editing the mockumentary as well as posting my series of short films. I plan to reach out to my local library to display my series of photographs from the final art exhibition. As I currently study abroad in Athens, Greece, I use my knowledge from Ireland to make use of the environment and culture as inspiration. Upon returning to Wheaton for my final year, I will continue to take courses in both film and business, as well as resuming my role as a teaching assistant for screenwriting classes.
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/academics/field-notes-wheaton-filmmaker-in-ireland/
Monday, Jan. 26 at 4:55 p.m.
Wheaton College will resume normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
All offices and facilities will return to normal operating hours; all classes and scheduled events will take place as planned.
Special thanks to all the staff who maintained essential operations and kept campus walkways, roads and parking lots clear during this 24-hour plus winter storm.
Please keep in mind that cold temperatures forecast throughout the week will cause snow and ice to remain. Continue to take care in walking about the campus since roads, pathways and stairs may be slippery.
Sunday, Jan. 25 at 11:21 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area that will bring heavy snow starting early Sunday, January 25, 2026, and continuing into Monday, January 26, 2026. The National Weather Services is predicting a total accumulation of 12 to 18 inches expected for the area.
Travel will be extremely difficult, according to the National Weather Service. For the safety of all, the college is advising staff and faculty to work remotely on Monday, January 26, 2026. Faculty will alert students to class plans via canvas and email.
In departments that provide essential services, supervisors are responsible for coordinating schedules so that services continue. Staff members should speak with their supervisor and refer to Wheaton’s inclement weather policy and guidelines, if there are any concerns or questions.
Crews will pre-treat campus roads and pathways and will be plowing as needed. We advise students to stay indoors when possible during the storm. However, if you must go out, please be careful as pathways and stairs may be slippery. Chase Dining Commons will continue to operate on normal hours, however Emerson Dining will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The Balfour-Hood Campus Center and the library will be open via card access for studying. Haas Athletic Center, Clark Center, and Pappas Fitness Center will be closed.
We encourage all students, faculty and staff to remain attentive to college email for updates.
Students are advised to ensure that cell phones and other mobile devices are charged, in the event that the campus experiences a power outage due to heavy snow. Please keep windows and doors closed to prevent any weather-related damage. Remember that the use of candles is prohibited inside of residence halls and campus houses.
If you need assistance, please contact the resident advisor on call for your quad via the on-call number posted in your building. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at 508-286-3333.
If there are any weather-related problems or safety issues, please contact Campus Safety at 508-286-8213.
Thank you,
Darnell Parker
Vice President for Student Affairs
Johnathan Millen
Provost
Omaira Roy
Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/on-campus-announcements/winter-storm-update/
If you’ve passed through the Dimple recently, you’ve probably noticed the rows of Wheaton pennants on display, still present after the recent snowfall.
Each pennant represents a gift made during Wheaton’s year-end giving campaign in December, symbolizing the collective support of more than 900 donors who invested in the Wheaton community. Together, these gifts support key priorities like scholarship & financial aid, academic programs and innovation spaces.
Nearly $500,000 was received from 653 donors to support the college’s greatest needs, which provides the college with flexibility to allocate funding to emerging priorities or areas where they are most needed.
Scholarships and financial aid received more than $56,000 from 97 donors, while science technology and innovation was the third most popular impact fund among donors, receiving more than $18,000 to help support students for successful careers in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines through technology enhancements and experiential learning opportunities.
“The pennants are a visible reminder that Wheaton is sustained by a community that believes in its students,” said Michael O’Brien, assistant vice president of individual giving. “When our community comes together, extraordinary things happen. This display is a celebration of that shared commitment. Annual gifts such as these provide funding to support the immediate needs of students.”
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/on-campus-announcements/philanthropy/a-display-of-community-support/
By Zachary Irish, Ed.D., dean of students and Ashley Noyes, assistant dean of students
It is bitterly cold, and the wind is whipping across the Dimple. Students clutch their coats as they walk to the Balfour-Hood Campus Center, excited to reconnect with friends but also anxious about their upcoming coursework. It is move-in day in January and the start of a new semester.
Those same activities that greeted them on a warm day in August have moved inside for the winter months. Although the excitement for a fresh start remains, it can feel very different returning from Winter Break with no sign of spring in sight. As such, we wanted to highlight how to support your student through the winter blues as they prepare for the spring semester.
Whether your student is in their first year, still trying to find their place on campus, or a senior who is worried about what happens after May 16, this is a critical time to keep motivated and stay connected.
Let’s use this information to collaborate and coach our students through this traditionally challenging time.
From opportunities to engage in leadership roles and social connections, we remind students to focus on their growth and personal self-care while engaging the supportive Wheaton community as a tool for a resilient semester.
Opportunities to Engage
There is a lot of programming taking place in the residence halls and around campus, including dance shows and athletic contests. In addition to the smaller programs sponsored by the Resident Advisors and clubs around campus, there are several other events that we would encourage your student to attend. The Dance Fest in February and the spring theater production in April are great events to look forward to. It is also wonderful to see students cheering on their classmates on the basketball court or in the pool. Encourage your student to step out of their comfort zone and have fun at these college-sponsored events. They can view upcoming programs at https://engage.wheatoncollege.edu/ and https://wheatoncollegelyons.com/.
Leadership Opportunities
Additionally, this is the time of year for students to consider their interest in campus leadership roles. In February, several offices come together to highlight leadership jobs available for the summer and fall semester, including but not limited to:
- Resident Advisor
- Orientation Leader
- Peer Academic Advisor or Career Peer Advisor
- Building Managers
These application and interview processes happen throughout the spring semester. Additionally, elections will be held for next year’s student leaders. Clubs will manage on their own timelines, but the Student Government Association offers opportunities for students to represent their classmates in a critical role on campus. The SGA elections are typically held in March. Encourage your student to reach out to the Office of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL) with any questions.
Intentional Social Opportunities and Identifying a Third Space
It isn’t as easy as joining a walk around campus, jumping into an ultimate frisbee game on Chapel Field, or hanging out on the Dimple, but there are plenty of opportunities to engage on campus; it just requires a little bit more intentionality. The campus is also small enough that it doesn’t take a lot of planning to have a group of friends get together to watch a movie in Conger Commons, study together in the Library, or enjoy conversation over food in Chase Commons. Encourage your student to build time for intentional opportunities with their friends and connections. For students who are struggling to make connections, encourage your student to visit the common hangout spaces on campus, including but not limited to Chase Commons, Conger Commons, Emerson Dining, and the Library. On those really cold nights, we have also seen students get really creative and connect virtually, even if they are only a few buildings away from each other. This allows you to hang out in the comfort of your own room but feel like someone is there with you.
We have highlighted a few hangout places on campus in the above sections, but it is critical to identify a third space. A recent article from Boston University commented on this struggling concept given the increase in social media and lack of community infrastructure following the COVID-19 pandemic. At Wheaton, we pride ourselves on our community and the opportunities to gather. Encourage your student to explore these different spaces around campus to see what might work for them and their social circle. Some spaces that are not their room and the classroom where students can socialize are:
- Conger Commons, located in Pine Hall, provides soft seating and a television equipped with technology for laptops and game systems, as well as larger tables for group study sessions, meals and other activities.
- Balfour-Hood Campus Center, located in the middle of campus, is home to the Office of Residential Life, SAIL, the mailroom, the bookstore, the dance studio, and the Fitness Center. It also provides access to a variety of different third space options for students. Students can enjoy a group conversation at the tables and chairs in the Hood Cafe area, where they also have access to the smart dining machines. Other spaces, such as the 1960 Room and New Yellow Parlor, offer larger tables for group projects and meetings, while the Balfour Atrium, Commuter Lounge, and Club Hub provide a more informal setting with a collection of tables and chairs, as well as soft seating.
- Diana Davis Spencer Café, located in the Mars Center for Science and Technology, provides a collection of soft seating as well as tables and chairs that encourage group conversation. Additionally, students have access to smart dining machines in this space.
- Emerson Dining Hall, located in Emerson, includes the 1834 Grill, Starbucks, and smart dining machines, and provides a setting of larger tables and chairs that encourage group conversation.
- Kollett Hall is home to the Filene Center for Academic Success and the Life and Career Design Institute, which provides ample open space for individual and group work. With a combination of soft seating and tables, this area also hosts different career planning programs and tutoring.
- Madeline Wallace Clark Library provides a variety of options from individual desks and study rooms to larger tables and rooms for group study sessions and conversation.
- The Marshall Center, located in the base of the Cole Memorial Chapel, provides a larger meeting space with soft seating for students to have individual or group conversations.
In addition to the opportunities to connect on campus, there is also a lot to do off-campus, including but not limited to ice skating at Patriot Place, seeing a movie in North Attleboro, or taking an adventure into Boston or Providence via the Commuter Rail station in Mansfield.
Personal Self-Care
Feelings of isolation can lead to a lack of motivation and self-care. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of self-care during these winter months. Self-care and healthy coping skills can include:
- Sticking to an exercise plan,
- Eating and staying hydrated appropriately, as well as practicing good hygiene.
- Creating a routine, balancing time for academics and socializing
- Getting good sleep
- Practicing mindfulness and/or journaling
- Listening to music
- Focusing on what you can and cannot control
Additionally, it is important to recognize the mental and physical health resources available to your student. Students can access the Counseling Center during business hours for short-term solution-based therapy or for case management to get connected with an off-campus therapist or provider for longer-term care. Additionally, students have access to the 24/7 mental health support line at the same phone number as the Counseling Center. Counseling services must be student-initiated. Students also have access to Student Health Services available at Sturdy Primary Care Norton, located at 14 Taunton Ave., on campus. Students must call ahead for an appointment. Additional off-campus health services options are listed at https://wheatoncollege.edu/campus-life/student-health-and-counseling/student-health-services/.
Supportive Community
As we discuss every year at Family Orientation, we want to partner with you for your student’s success. We hope the information above is helpful in continuing to coach your student through their college experience. The beginning of the spring semester is an exciting time for all of our students, but it is especially bittersweet for our seniors who realize that it is their last semester at Wheaton. Remind your students of all of the campus resources available to them. We are all here for the same reason: to support your student!
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to a great spring semester.
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/on-campus-announcements/parents/navigating-the-winter-blues-building-support-connection-and-resilience/
The Parents and Family Newsletter recently caught up with Kelsey Pickering, senior associate director of alumni career engagement, who connects students with alums through the Life and Career Design Institute.
What is your background, and what brought you to Wheaton?
My professional background has centered on the non-profit and higher education world, where I’ve always gravitated toward roles that allow me to build strong and authentic relationships. Whether collaborating with colleagues, engaging alumni, or supporting students, I believe that meaningful connections are what truly elevate the college experience.
Wheaton stood out to me because of its close-knit liberal arts community. There’s something special about a place where people genuinely know and support one another. The vision of the new Life and Career Design Institute also inspired me. It felt like the kind of environment where I could thrive, bring my creativity, collaborate with others, and help build something meaningful from the ground up. I love being a piece of the Wheaton puzzle, creating experiences that deepen alumni connections and empower students to grow, discover who they are, and remain connected to Wheaton long after they graduate.
What excites you about the work you do in the LCDI?
What excites me most about the work I do in the LCDI is being part of a truly dynamite team led by one of the strongest and most inspiring leaders on campus. Each person brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ideas to the table, and our team meetings are genuinely energizing. There’s a sense of shared purpose and creativity that makes our work both meaningful and fun.
Over the last year, since the Life and Career Design Institute was introduced, we’ve launched several impactful experiences for students, alumni, and community members, initiatives that are already proving successful and creating real momentum. Being part of this foundational phase is incredibly rewarding; it’s a privilege to help shape something that will influence the Wheaton experience for years to come.
What inspires me most is our commitment to meeting students and alumni exactly where they are. We’re with them at every step, supporting their journeys, celebrating their growth, and helping them navigate future opportunities. I can’t wait to see how the Institute continues to evolve, and I’m truly excited for what 2026 will bring.
Why is it important for students to create strong connections with Wheaton alumni?
Creating strong connections between students and Wheaton alumni is critical because these relationships provide invaluable guidance, mentorship, and real-world insight. Alumni are eager to share their experiences, helping students navigate career decisions, explore professional paths, and understand the skills and qualities needed to thrive beyond college. These connections also give students a sense of belonging to a broader Wheaton community, reinforcing that their journey doesn’t end at graduation but is part of a lifelong network.
At the LCDI, we’re focused on strengthening both alumni-student and alumni-alumni connections to foster engagement, continuity, and a culture of giving back. The alumni I’ve met are outstanding advocates, mentors, and supporters, creating opportunities that help future generations of Wheaton students succeed. These relationships empower students to grow personally and professionally while strengthening the Wheaton community, creating a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come.
How would you recommend students of each class year engage with the LCDI?
Starting with first-year students, they should start by exploring their interests, values, and strengths through their Experiential Learning Plan, which they work on during their first semester in the First-Year Experience class. I’d also encourage them to meet with our talented Career Navigators to start early conversations about their passions, helping them think intentionally about their academic and personal goals.
By Sophomore year, I recommend they deepen that exploration and start to sprinkle in skill-building experiences, perhaps trying one of our Career Close-Up experiences that are offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters. This is also a great time to join student organizations and seek mentorship through alumni connections.
During their Junior year, students should focus on adding to and refining their skills, seeking additional experiential learning opportunities, and utilizing our alumni networks for career and professional guidance. If they haven’t already, they should pursue internships, research opportunities, and other experiential learning to clarify career interests.
When they are in their Senior year, we hope they are engaging with us in the LCDI to solidify their career path, finalize professional goals, and strengthen relationships with mentors and alumni. It’s all about those connections. This is also a great time to reflect on their Wheaton experience, transition confidently into the next stage of life, and stay connected to the Wheaton community.
Throughout all four years, we support students with guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to explore, experiment, and grow, helping them thrive academically, professionally, and personally. You get out what you put in, so don’t be a stranger to our office or staff; we’re here for you every step of the way!
What is the best part of your job?
I love working across both the Life and Career Design Institute and the Alumni Relations office, serving as a bridge between Advancement and the LCDI. One of the highlights of my role is hosting Zoom calls or meeting with alumni in person, and hearing their stories…why they chose Wheaton, what their post-graduation journey has looked like, and the ways they’ve navigated their careers. Every single person I’ve spoken with is genuinely excited that someone at Wheaton is guiding them through the volunteering process. They are eager to contribute in any way, whether it’s an informational interview with a student, hosting a Career Close-Up where they work, offering an internship, serving as a Weiss Women’s Leadership alumni mentor, or speaking in a classroom.
These conversations are energizing and truly bring me joy. They reinforce how meaningful alumni engagement can be, not just for students but for the community as a whole. I’m excited to see what conversations 2026 will bring and how I can help facilitate many more opportunities and connections that make a real impact. I love being a small piece of the puzzle, helping to create experiences that support both our alumni and students and strengthen the Wheaton community.
What piece of advice would you give your college self?
I would tell my college self that it’s okay not to have a plan. There’s a lot of pressure in college to have it all figured out from day one, but the truth is, it’s a little messy, and that’s okay. College is the perfect time to explore your interests, take risks, and discover what truly energizes you. It’s fine if your path changes along the way; sometimes those detours lead to the most meaningful experiences, ones you never imagined. Focus on learning as much as you can, not just in the classroom but through your extracurriculars, athletic teams, internships, and relationships. Build authentic connections with peers, faculty, staff, mentors, and alumni; they’ll guide you, open doors, and offer perspectives you can’t always find on your own. If you have the chance, definitely study abroad. And if you think it might not be possible, have a conversation, or a few, with our Center for Global Education office; they’ll help point you in the right direction.
Most importantly, remember that growth is a process. I’m 41 and still learning every day. You may not know exactly where you’re headed, but the experiences, relationships, and skills you develop along the way will prepare you for success in ways you can’t yet imagine. It’s cliché, but trust the journey, stay curious, and enjoy the ride!
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/student-life-events/life-and-career-design-institute/beyond-the-degree-developing-a-lifelong-network-for-your-student/
Funding to support student experiential learning will open in February. Students who want to access a stipend to fund an unpaid internship should schedule an appointment now to avoid missing deadlines and ensure they can access this resource. Please encourage your student to schedule their appointments ASAP.
The LCDI is hosting three large-scale events in the spring, two of which will be associated with MAP Day, an event dedicated to facilitating a Mentored Academic Pathway for each student.
- The annual Career Fair will take place on March 18, 12:30–3 p.m. in Clark Recreation Center.
- A networking mixer will be held on the evening of March 18, featuring a variety of alumni and employers from the career fair. Students can schedule informational interviews and practice their networking skills with professionals working in industries of interest.
- Wheaton-2-the-World, a day focused on professional and life-readiness, will take place in April.
For more information, visit the LCDI website.
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/student-life-events/life-and-career-design-institute/internship-funding-opens-lcdi-hosts-three-events/
The role of education in building a society in which all people are respected, cared for, and treated as equals will be the theme of this year’s MLK Legacy Celebration keynote address at Wheaton College on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
The talk “Education for Liberation: Pursuing the Beloved Community,” will be delivered by Wheaton alumnus Derron O. Wallace ’07, an award-winning sociologist, educational policy analyst and writer and an Associate Professor of Education Policy and Africana Studies at Brown University.
The event, which will begin at 5 p.m. in Hindle Auditorium, is open to all members of the Wheaton community.
Dr. Wallace’s research, teaching, and public advocacy focus on the dynamics of, and the solutions to, racial, ethnic and educational inequality, nationally and internationally. He is the author of the widely celebrated book, The Culture Trap: Ethnic Expectations and Unequal Schooling for Black Youth (Oxford University Press).
The Culture Trap received a dozen awards and finalist distinctions, including the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outstanding Book Award from the Association of Black Sociologists, the Pierre Bourdieu Award for the Best Book in Sociology of Education, the Oliver Cromwell Cox Book Award for Anti-Racist Scholarship, and Honorable Mention for Best Book in the Sociology of Children and Youth from the American Sociological Association.
In addition to his work at Brown, Wallace currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Education Association Foundation. He has received seven distinguished early career awards from various sections of the American Sociological Association, the American Educational Research Association and the Comparative and International Education Society.
Wallace studied at Wheaton as a Posse Scholar, and graduated with highest honors with a double major in Sociology and African Diaspora Studies. He completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, where he was a Marshall Scholar and a Gates Cambridge Scholar.
A former community organizer, Wallace’s work on youth safety, immigrant rights, fair housing, and public education has been featured by BBC News, BBC Radio, the Guardian, ITV, and NBC News.
Student Creativity Showcase
The MLK Legacy Celebration will showcase student creativity in reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles of equity, justice, and peace. Submissions may draw from Dr. King’s philosophy or respond to current issues in social justice.
Students are invited to create an original piece in any form—written reflection (poetry, fiction, narrative, blog), dramatic monologue or dialogue, spoken word, visual art (photo, painting, sculpture, dance), or music/song. All submissions will be displayed at our Creativity Showcase in February as part of our MLK Legacy program. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Feb. 3 by 5 p.m.
A group of staff from the Marshall Center at the Base will select the top creative arts submissions, awarding $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $150 for third, based on creativity, relevance, and clarity.
Student winners will be announced and their work will be shared as part of the MLK Legacy Celebration program.
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/on-campus-announcements/deal/pursuing-the-beloved-community/
Wheaton earns three digital marketing awards
Wheaton College was recognized in December 2025, when it received three awards in a national marketing competition. The college captured both gold and silver awards in the 13th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards for a pair of submissions in the Online Display Ad category, and also earned a silver award for its Digital Video Ad, titled “Discover Yourself at Wheaton.”
The creative work for this year’s entries was produced by Marketing and Communications staff for the display ads and in conjunction with students and recent graduates for the video, namely Elias Stevens ’25 and Katie Pollock ’24.
“Close collaboration with our students and alumni allows us to tell Wheaton’s story authentically as they live it every day,” said Suzi Robinson, vice president for marketing and communications. “Our team is honored by this recognition, which grew from year-round social content into a national streaming ad campaign. It brought meaningful visibility to the college and gave students and alumni real-world experience they can proudly add to their portfolios.”
More than 1,000 entries were received for the competition, which celebrates outstanding achievements in digital marketing within the education sector. Entries from U.S. colleges, universities, and secondary schools were evaluated by a panel of judges of education marketers, advertising creative directors, and marketing and advertising professionals.
Last spring, Wheaton earned a silver award in collaboration with Carnegie for an Online Display Ad in the 40th Annual Education Advertising Awards.
Originally published at: https://wheatoncollege.blog/marketing-and-communications/award-winning-marketing/
Originally published at: https://test-wheaton-college-blog.pantheonsite.io/uncategorized/55519/