Alumni Spotlight
Amanda Wachsmuth ’00
Majors: Math and English
Occupation: Proprietary Equities Trader
BS, Evangel
University, Math and English, 2000
MA, Fuller Seminary, Biblical Studies
and Theology, 2003
MS, Northwestern University, Statistics, 2003
Since July 2003, Amanda Wachsmuth has been working as a proprietary
equities trader (mostly NASDAQ stocks) for Maverick Trading in Chicago.
She is a screen trader, who trades electronically rather than on the
floor of an exchange.
As far as ministry goes, Amanda ushers for Wheaton First Assembly and attends a Friday morning prayer meeting for traders at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. According to Amanda, she has plenty of witnessing opportunities with her co-workers.
Evangel has had enduring effects on Amanda’s life through relationships built with members of the faculty and other students. She shares, “I was so richly blessed by faculty members at Evangel. Many of them have become like extended family members who are always excited to hear my latest news and have given me good advice during crucial times even after I graduated from Evangel. Not only were they enriching to me academically, they were invaluable to me as a spiritual resource through prayer, wise counsel, and example.”
Friends that Amanda made while at Evangel from Spence 3rd South also continue to enrich her, and whether near or far they provide a network of support and prayer.
Amanda’s college experience was highlighted by opportunities to pursue multiple passions at once. In the course of one week, while attending upper division math, literature, and Bible classes, she might have been preparing to present a paper for KME (math club), organizing an Epiphany coffeehouse, proposing a bill on student senate, leading devotions on her floor, playing handbells, or preparing for a small part in one of her friend's drama class productions.
Amanda continues to nurture her love for the arts by volunteering at the Elgin Symphony (the second largest professional symphony in Illinois). Furthermore she is training as a docent (volunteer tour guide) for the Chicago Architecture Foundation, using the speaking and teaching skills honed at Evangel to instruct visitors in the art, history, sociology, and engineering of buildings in Chicago.
Reflecting upon the education Amanda gained at Evangel, she says, “I think of faces rather than rooms.
- In the Humanities Department, there
was Dr. Nelson, who first inspired me to be an English major through
his love of story, drama,
and satire; Dr. Edwards, who challenged my creativity to compare
the seemingly incomparable and who encouraged all of us to be active
members
of the arts community through a love of theatre and opera; Miss Vekasy,
whose ironic sense of humor banished my fear of criticizing 'famous'
authors and freed me to express real opinions; and Mrs. Robertson,
whom I
can still count on to share a good laugh and whose energy for life
I hope
to emulate.
- In the Biblical Studies Department, Dr. Martindale’s
marvelous Genesis class inspired me to study the literary artistry
of the Bible further; Twila Edwards, who urged me to go on from Evangel
to seminary, setting the stage for another formative period in my
life; and Dr. Berg, whose Doctrine and Hermeneutics class prepared
me well
for seminary.
- In the Science and Technology Department, Dr. Bernet’s clever math proofs challenged me, and I still enjoy visiting him to hear the latest Evangel developments when I am in town. Dr. Tosh both gave me the training and helped me to establish the resume (through papers he helped me write for KME) that allowed me to get into Northwestern's Statistics program. He remained an invaluable resource throughout the program and continues to be an inspiring teacher, mentor, career and life counselor, and friend all wrapped into one. I continue to cherish both him and his family as my family in Springfield.”
While Amanda is not sure of all God has in store for her future, she says, “I know that attending Evangel was a key decision in the development and formation of my character, career, relationships and ministry. Evangel has played and continues to play a crucial role in my life.”
For alumni who work in downtown Chicago, Amanda and several other alums invite you to join them at 7 a.m. for breakfast the last Thursday of each month at Maxim's on the corner of Clark & Madison.