From collection Person List
By the late 1960s, Wheaton Academy found itself in a perilous financial position. Wheaton College had slowly diminished its funding of the school and planned to stop support entirely, instead focusing on its own mission and agenda. Although administrators of both the College and Academy hoped the Academy would survive, they also acknowledged the school’s cash flow problems. It is believed that discussions were held regarding the sale of the Academy’s assets to meet its debts. In a letter from October 1968, Wheaton College President Hudson Armerding wrote to the Academy board, “I emphasize that I regret very much indeed that the prospect of terminating the Academy looms before us.”
This was the financial situation Charles Strobeck walked into when he became the new chairman of the Academy Board in November 1969.
Charles Strobeck had graduated from Wheaton College. Though he never attended the Academy, his five daughters all graduated from the school. His commitment to Christian education led him to take the role of president of the Board at the Academy, but the Board had only until the end of the school year to find the financial backing to keep the school alive.
Strobeck led negotiations with the College, and in the end, offered a proposal that received unanimous approval. Among the provisions were that the College forgive $75,000 of debt and the Academy change its name to Wheaton Christian High School. The College would cut financial ties with the Academy, and the Academy Board would take over ownership of the school as a non-profit corporation consisting of parents, alumni, and friends of the school. Strobeck’s family was among several that mortgaged their homes in order to assume the debt of the Academy.
The transition was not easy. Money was tight, and there was a period of quick turnover in administration. In 1974, the Board hired Bill Newell as the new administrator. Strobeck met with Newell almost every Monday, and under their leadership, the Academy found its footing and then thrived. From 1974 to 1982, enrollment at the Academy tripled.
Strobeck also helped develop and implement the “Building for Today and Tomorrow” building campaign. Phase One, launched in October of 1978, included the construction of a new library complex and classroom facilities.
Due to Strobeck’s vision, commitment, and determination, the Academy survived these “dark ages.” Today, he is often credited with saving the school.
This was the financial situation Charles Strobeck walked into when he became the new chairman of the Academy Board in November 1969.
Charles Strobeck had graduated from Wheaton College. Though he never attended the Academy, his five daughters all graduated from the school. His commitment to Christian education led him to take the role of president of the Board at the Academy, but the Board had only until the end of the school year to find the financial backing to keep the school alive.
Strobeck led negotiations with the College, and in the end, offered a proposal that received unanimous approval. Among the provisions were that the College forgive $75,000 of debt and the Academy change its name to Wheaton Christian High School. The College would cut financial ties with the Academy, and the Academy Board would take over ownership of the school as a non-profit corporation consisting of parents, alumni, and friends of the school. Strobeck’s family was among several that mortgaged their homes in order to assume the debt of the Academy.
The transition was not easy. Money was tight, and there was a period of quick turnover in administration. In 1974, the Board hired Bill Newell as the new administrator. Strobeck met with Newell almost every Monday, and under their leadership, the Academy found its footing and then thrived. From 1974 to 1982, enrollment at the Academy tripled.
Strobeck also helped develop and implement the “Building for Today and Tomorrow” building campaign. Phase One, launched in October of 1978, included the construction of a new library complex and classroom facilities.
Due to Strobeck’s vision, commitment, and determination, the Academy survived these “dark ages.” Today, he is often credited with saving the school.
