V. Raymond Edman

Visit our Edman exhibit.
Victor Raymond Edman was nominated as acting President of WheatonCollege the same day that Buswell was fired from that post. Edmanserved in this role for almost one year until January 11th 1941 when hewas elected as the fourth President of Wheaton College. Edman startedhis career at Wheaton College in 1936 as a professor of history andsocial sciences and by the time he became president he was well knownand well liked around campus. During Edman's quarter century ofpresidency the college experienced much growth and many memorablemoments: 14 buildings were built on campus, the student body increasedby 50%, there was a spiritual revival on campus, the office of chaplainwas established, Wheaton students fought in three wars, and WheatonCollege's centennial was celebrated, all this amongst many otherevents. Edman served as president until 1965 when as per his request hewas appointed as "Chancellor of Wheaton College" so as to not be incharge of the administrative tasks. Edman servedin this role to the best of his abilities, but failing health held himback as he suffered from several heart attacks over the next two years.On September 22, 1967, Edman gave his last Chapel speech. Speaking onbeing in the presence of God Edman's heart gave out, and he collapsedon stage, dying at the age of 67 after having served Wheaton Collegefor 31 years.