Wheaton Among Princeton Review’s Best Alumni Networks

“Wheaton attracts students and prepares alumni who think deeply, care sincerely, and take seriously Christ’s directive to be salt and light in the world,” said Cindra Stackhouse Taetzsch who serves as Senior Director for Vocation and Alumni Engagement at Wheaton and as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Alumni Association.

In 2016, Wheaton launched the Center for Vocation and Career (CVC), a direct response to multigenerational alumni voices calling for enhanced career training resources to help students transition from the classroom to the workforce. Since then, alumni across the world have rallied in support, contributing their valuable time and financial resources to equip current students with the tools they need to make an effective and holistic impact in their respective fields. From hosting career mentorship groups to helping students connect with future employers, Wheaton’s alumni in healthcare, business, science, ministry, the arts, and everything in between are committed to Wheaton’s mission to build the church and benefit society worldwide.

“There’s something sacred about reaching back and helping students prepare to be effective in their work for the kingdom soon after they graduate,” said Stackhouse Taetzsch. “We alumni don’t do this to boost our own egos. We do this to glorify God.”

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the national average landing rate for college graduates was 82.4%. Amid an unstable job market and particularly competitive graduate school application cycle due to COVID-19, 97% of 2020 Wheaton graduates landed jobs, graduate school studies, or other pursuits of their choice within six months of graduation. Similarly, the class of 2021 demonstrated a 98.9% landing rate, underscoring the exceptional motivation of Wheaton graduates and a testimony to the caring alumni network surrounding their next steps, however uncertain.

“Some of you don’t know yet what your next chapter will bring, and the alumni family can be a great source of encouragement and connections for you,” Stackhouse Taetzsch told the class of 2022 during the undergraduate Commencement ceremony. “Wheaton alumni look out for each other, and we love to connect with other Wheaties. More than 25,000 alumni are on LinkedIn, so go for it. Reach out for career advice, life advice, or just a listening ear. You are now part of one of the strongest alumni networks in the country.”

— Eliana Chow