President's Memorandum

A Powerful Reminder

“ I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” — Acts 20:24

Attending the Fourth Lausanne Global Congress in Incheon-Seoul, South Korea, was an unforgettable experience—a powerful glimpse into the rich diversity and unity of the global church. With over 5,000 delegates from more than 200 countries gathered, it was a profound reminder that the church transcends all borders. We stood side by side, worshiping the Triune God, each person contributing a unique language, culture, and identity to this beautiful mosaic. The Congress may have been the most globally representative gathering for the Great Commission since the Day of Pentecost.

Wheaton College played a significant role in this global gathering. Over 150 members of our community were present—students, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents—all contributing in various capacities. Our students stood out, not only as volunteers but also as participants. Their hard work and commitment were recognized and appreciated by many leaders, reflecting the heart of service that we seek to cultivate in all our students.

One image from the Congress has stayed with me: a few of our students wearing white rather than blue lanyards. These lanyards identified those preparing for ministry in countries where evangelism is restricted and Christians may be persecuted. Seeing our students ready to share the love of Jesus at great personal risk moved me deeply. This is Wheaton’s mission in action: to equip students to serve Christ wherever he calls, regardless of the cost.

Dedication to the gospel has always been at the core of Wheaton’s identity. For generations, Wheaton alumni have answered the call to serve as missionaries, Bible translators, and church planters, carrying the message of the cross and the empty tomb. Wheaton remains uniquely positioned to prepare students to serve as Christ-like leaders in every sector of society. We continue to equip them with the spiritual formation, theological training, and global perspective necessary to bring the gospel to all peoples, tribes, and nations.

The Congress was a powerful reminder that there is much work to be done in global evangelism, and Wheaton still has an important role to play. The participation of our students in both volunteer service and strategic discussions with global leaders signals that the next generation of Christians are preparing to take up the mantle of leadership for evangelism. These students are not merely following in the footsteps of past generations—they are shaping the future of the global church, prepared to lead in innovative ways while remaining faithful to the gospel.

As I shared with the Congress, leadership for evangelism must always reflect the servanthood of Christ, following our Savior’s example of humility and sacrifice. This is the type of leader Wheaton seeks to provide for the global church: servant-hearted leaders who will faithfully carry the Great Commission forward. I am confident that Wheaton’s influence in global evangelism will continue to expand. Our alumni are serving around the world—in places like Nepal, Ghana, Poland, Costa Rica, and China—and our current students are preparing to follow wherever the Lord calls them. Through the far-reaching impact of Wheaton’s mission, we are blessed to play a part in God’s global work.

None of this would be possible without your faithful support. Your generosity enables Wheaton to provide the kind of Christ-centered education that equips students for vital ministry. Together, we are helping to fulfill the Great Commission and bring the hope of Christ to all nations. Thank you for standing with us in this vital work.

Philip Ryken
President

Equipped to Flourish

Wheaton Associate in Profile: Casey Balikian ’17

When Casey Balikian ’17 arrived at Wheaton College from San Diego, something about the campus zeitgeist was discernibly foreign.

Foreign—but also unquestionably welcome.

“Wheaton was the first place in my life where book knowledge mattered less than glorifying God,” he says. “People didn’t just want to understand, they wanted to understand from a Christian perspective.”

Balikian was drawn to Wheaton’s Biblical and Theological Studies program by a desire to emulate a beloved high school youth pastor.

Although Balikian retained interest in Bible and theology, he found his worldview significantly broadened by Wheaton’s liberal arts curriculum. After taking a macroeconomics course to fulfill a general education requirement, he fell in love with the field and added business/economics as a second major.

As a favorite class, Balikian cites “Wealth and Poverty of Nations” with George F. Bennet Professor of Economics Jason Long ’96.

“That was where I became aware of a connection between investment and human flourishing,” he says. “I began to see tangible ways to impact the lives of disadvantaged communities through financial investment.”
More recently, as an associate for three years at a private equity firm specializing in middle market buy-out investments, Balikian has been sharpening his skills in preparation for the management of his own newly acquired fund, through which he plans to positively impact marginalized populations.

Highlights of Balikian’s tenure at Wheaton include his participation in baseball and men’s basketball. He met his wife Kathyrn Calhoun Balikian ’17 while studying with Wheaton in the Holy Lands and enjoys sharing an alma mater with older brother Riley ’13 and cousin Michelle Phillips ’14.

As a Wheaton Associate (along with his wife) since 2020, Balikian says his reason for giving back to the College is simple. “My time at Wheaton changed the way I think about the world,” he says. “The Wheaton Fund helps others have that same experience. The world needs Christians who engage in lifelong learning and act as faithful stewards of their gifts for Christ and his kingdom. Wheaton is a place where Christians are trained and equipped to live that way.”