Victor Raymond Edman was nominated as acting President of Wheaton
College the same day that Buswell was fired from that post. Edman
served in this role for almost one year until January 11th 1941 when he
was elected as the fourth President of Wheaton College. Edman started
his career at Wheaton College in 1936 as a professor of history and
social sciences and by the time he became president he was well known
and well liked around campus. During Edman’s quarter century of
presidency the college experienced much growth and many memorable
moments: 14 buildings were built on campus, the student body increased
by 50%, there was a spiritual revival on campus, the office of chaplain
was established, Wheaton students fought in three wars, and Wheaton
College’s centennial was celebrated, all this amongst many other
events. Edman served as president until 1965 when as per his request he
was appointed as “Chancellor of Wheaton College” so as to not be in
charge of the administrative tasks. Edman served
in this role to the best of his abilities, but failing health held him
back as he suffered from several heart attacks over the next two years.
On September 22, 1967, Edman gave his last Chapel speech. Speaking on
being in the presence of God Edman’s heart gave out, and he collapsed
on stage, dying at the age of 67 after having served Wheaton College
for 31 years.
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