The Marshall Center, now operated from the basement of Cole Memorial Chapel, strives to foster an informative and inclusive environment on campus, uplifting and supporting students so they can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
A picture of Cole Memorial Chapel which contains The Marshall Center in The Base on the ground floor.
Originally known as the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning, it was initially established at Wheaton to specifically help students of color succeed and feel a sense of belonging at the predominantly white institution. Beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, the Marshall Center has been merged with several other campus programs: the Base, Social Justice and Community Impact (SJCI), Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL), and the FirstGen and Low-Income Task Force (FGLI Task Force).
Before this year’s merger, each department existed separately with similar values but distinct purposes. The Marshall Center started with inclusivity in mind, while the other departments focused on specific ways to sustain belonging among Wheaton’s diverse student population.
Social Justice Community Impact (SJCI)
Social Justice Community Impact, now led by Assistant Director Mike Pratt, helped students engage in activism and community involvement. Pratt said SJCI has always worked closely with the Marshall Center and that merging under one roof makes communication and event planning easier. Drawing from his own experience as an undergraduate at Stonehill College, he said it has been eye-opening to work with students professionally to build a more inclusive campus environment.
Religious Life (RSL)
Religious Life provided a way for students of different faiths to come together, practice their religion, and learn about other cultures alongside peers and faculty. Assistant Director Amanda J.G. Napior, who has a background in advocacy for incarcerated individuals, said that where there are power structures, advocates are needed. She added that the restructuring allows students to see the programs in relation to each other and themselves.
First-Gen and Low-Income Task Force
The First-Gen and Low-Income Task Force offered services such as counseling, career guidance, academic advising and financial support. Assistant Director Angelica Mirandou, a new member of the Wheaton community, said she is excited to work with first-generation and first-year students. She highlighted programs such as the Brave, Bold and First Early Arrival Program, the Peer Mentor Program connecting new and returning students, and Intergroup Dialogue, which gives students space to discuss pressing issues. Angelica also emphasized the hope that students will use the resources provided to them for their betterment and success, sharing that she cannot wait to see her first group of first-generation students at the end of their 4 years at the First-Gen Celebration.
The Marshall Center Today
In an interview, Dean of the Marshall Center Raquel Ramos said new students may not notice the changes as much as returning students. Still, the merger allows for more cross-department connections that otherwise might not have been made on all levels. Ramos added that faculty benefit from being able to collaborate more readily on programming ideas.
She further noted that, despite concerns, understaffing does not appear to have hindered the center. Events are being planned to help students learn more about the post-merger programs.
She emphasised that the Marshall Center began as a space for student inclusivity, and it continues to hold that mission today. Across all departments, a shared goal is the success of all students in every aspect of the college experience.