The Wesley Foundation is a Campus Ministry to the college. This ministry is sponsored by the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church. Housed near the entrance to the campus beside the Alumni Center, the facility is available for meetings, receptions, relaxation, and study. Individuals are encouraged to drop in at any time. Campus groups and organizations are invited to schedule meetings and activities here. Participation in Wesley Foundation programs and the benefits of the Foundation's services are not limited to any particular religious affiliation, but are open to everyone in the college community. A prayer chapel is available on the second floor for persons of any faith.
The first Wesley Foundation was established on October 13, 1913, at the University of Illinois under Bishop James C. Baker. While organizing the foundation, he chose the name "Wesley Foundation' to emphasize two spheres of outreach. Wesley refers to John Wesley the founder of the Methodist Church and first campus minister at Oxford University, while Foundation was selected to mean an "open movement," an ecumenical movement available to all college students.
All Wesley foundations found in the United States, and in other countries across the world, are all bound by the same, single purpose. to serve as a Christian community for students in any form of higher education. Although sponsored by the United Methodist Church, Wesley welcomes students from any and all denominations and backgrounds with open invites for anyone to come as they are. The foundation's main goal is to be a place of hope, joy, and authenticity where students can build meaningful relationships with one another and with God.
All Wesley Foundations across the country all trace their roots back to the United Methodist Church. They were largely formed as an offshoot of the church in order to reach more secular sides of society, such as local schools and colleges. The foundations largely follow the same doctrine of the Methodist church but will welcome anyone of any religion/belief to attend their meetings.
The Wesley Foundation has reached into almost every corner of the United States, and many countries beyond boasting two hundred and fifty locations all across the world today. The original Wesley Foundation continues its own ministry to over 1500 students yearly.
