Created for Friendship: Dorian Weesner’s Story

By Molly Malick (BA 25)

Friendship has always been important in Dorian Weesner’s life. Weesner understands that fostering an authentic community at college is fundamental to a well-rounded education. Grace College’s vibrant community crafted an environment where Weesner, his hallmates, and nearly everyone he came in contact with, could thrive. 

Upon graduating high school in his hometown of Farmland, Indiana, Weesner’s main qualification for which college he attended was that it must be a Christian school. After hearing about Grace from a friend, he looked into it for himself. 

“I liked what I found,” said Weesner after touring the campus. “I loved its close-knit atmosphere.”

After Weesner thoroughly prayed about his decision, he applied only to Grace. Weesner was thrilled upon receiving notice of his acceptance. 

Once August of 2022 rolled around, Weesner jumped right into life at Grace as a biblical studies major.

“I immediately felt like I was at church camp and college combined,” said Weesner. “I expected Grace to be great, but it was even better than I thought it would be.” 

Quick to befriend everyone he meets, Weesner began cultivating strong bonds with those living in his hall in Omega his freshman year. 

“The community was fantastic,” said Weesner. “We went to nearly every event that Grace had together that year. It was a very lively hall.” 

Walking to class often took Weesner longer than necessary because he was constantly stopping to have quick conversations with friends. The bonds Weesner formed with those in his hall went beyond surface level niceties; they were there for each other through difficult times, too. 

When his mom’s health wasn’t doing well, he messaged his friends that he was going to come back late from a visit home. He also asked them to pray for his mom.

“That was how close we all were,” said Weesner. “We updated the hall when one of us were getting back later than usual.”

When Weesner returned that night, he learned they had prayed as a group for his mom’s health. They made sure he was alright and that his mom was, too. 

“They were there when you didn’t even have to ask,” said Weesner. 

Although Weesner is unsure what’s next for him after college, the genuine fellowship he’s found at Grace has helped him grow in confidence. Weesner is trusting God’s plan to lead him towards the right career path, whether that means pursuing a life in ministry or elsewhere. 

“I was so stressed about my future before college, but the Grace community of professors and students is so welcoming,” said Weesner. “They all care about your future, and they help you recognize and grow in your strengths and weaknesses.” 

At Grace College, we know you were created for more than shallow relationships, a tolerable job, and weeks spent scraping by. You were created for community, knowledge, and eternal impact. You were created for more. Our mission is to help you discover what “more” looks like for you.

To learn more about Grace College, watch this video.