2026 Distinguished
Adam Egler '11
Adam Egler ’11 is the third of four siblings—Matt ’09, Mike ’10, Adam ’11, and Ashley ’13—to attend Wheaton Academy. As one of the few students who attended WA from eighth through twelfth grade, Adam immersed himself in nearly every opportunity available. Whether participating in musicals, choir, drama, improv, videography, drawing, graphic design, creative writing, physics, or English classes, Wheaton Academy provided an environment where he could grow academically, explore the arts, and pursue excellence to the glory of God.
Following graduation, Adam followed his brothers, Matt and Mike, to Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where he studied computer animation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation in 2013 and began his career in San Diego before eventually relocating to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Over the past twelve years, he has worked as a CG animator on a variety of projects, including LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, VeggieTales in the House, Spidey and His Amazing Friends, and many others.
Adam is deeply grateful for the foundation of faith that was established during his years at Wheaton Academy through chapels, Winterim experiences, and the influence of teachers across every discipline. God used that foundation to sustain him through seasons of spiritual apathy during college, the challenges of building community in a new country, and the grief of losing his oldest brother, Matt, to cancer in 2016.
Throughout each chapter, the Lord has faithfully cared for Adam. Through Centre Church in Vancouver, He provided a community of believers, opportunities for ministry, and encouragement during difficult seasons.
God has also sustained him professionally through the ups and downs of the animation industry and, most recently, blessed him with his wife, Sarah (Giesbrecht) Egler, whom he married earlier this year.
Looking back, Adam sees God’s faithfulness in every stage of his journey. The seeds of faith planted during childhood and nurtured at Wheaton Academy continue to bear fruit as the Lord clarifies His calling and expands Adam’s vision for the Kingdom. For now, Adam is grateful for the opportunity to serve Christ within the animation industry, seeking to honor Him through both his work and his life.
Mike Egler '10
God placed Mike Egler ’10 into a loving family as the second of four children. He grew up alongside his older brother, Matt ’09, and younger siblings, Adam ’11 and Ashley ’13. His parents, Scott and Lauren, faithfully prioritized church involvement and nurturing their children’s faith. Mike remembers praying with his mother to receive Christ at a young age, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey with the Lord.
As a child, Mike loved to draw and create comic books, interests that eventually developed into a passion for animation. He entered Wheaton Academy in 2006, where he continued to grow academically, creatively, and spiritually, and he remains deeply grateful for the teachers who invested in his life.
Mike especially credits Matt Hockett ’95, who gave him the opportunity to create his first animated piece for a school chapel. Hockett also played a pivotal role in directing the Egler brothers toward Full Sail University, helping launch careers that would ultimately take them into the animation industry. Mike’s friendship with Mr. Hockett continued long after graduation.
He is also thankful for Corbett Burick ’94, who encouraged his growth as an animator by providing opportunities to create animated content for LEAST productions and other school events. Through her leadership of the improv team, she also helped Mike develop his creativity and comedic skills.
Mike further recognizes Matt Dominguez ’91 for his mentorship, encouragement, and spiritual guidance during the transition from high school into adulthood. He remains especially grateful for the support Mr. Dominguez provided to the Egler family during difficult seasons in the years following graduation.
After Wheaton Academy and animation school, the Lord opened doors for Mike and his brothers to establish careers in the animation industry and eventually relocate to Canada. Together they dreamed of one day building an animation studio.
Those dreams were profoundly tested in the spring of 2015 when Matt was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing difficulty breathing. Throughout Matt’s illness and following his passing in 2016, the truth of Romans 5:8 became an anchor for Mike: Christ’s sacrifice is the unchanging proof of God’s love. Through loss and grief, the Lord deepened Mike’s faith and reshaped his understanding of success, teaching him that greatness in the eyes of the King far surpasses any achievement the world can offer.
Today, Mike continues to work in the animation industry as both an artist and supervisor. His most recent released project is Iron Man and His Awesome Friends. The Lord has also provided opportunities to serve through his church in Vancouver, including international mission trips, outreach ministry, and support for those struggling with sexual addiction.
Mike is deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness and for the saving grace found in Jesus Christ. Of all the blessings in his life, knowing and following Jesus remains the greatest. There is no one like Him.
