Homecoming lauds Gaiter, Wheaton
Eva Pitts
News Editor
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Campus News
| |
|
Gaiter, the Residency Training Program Director and Chief of the Division of Family Medicine at Howard University Hospital, received his bachelor's degree in biology from TSU in 1979.
Wheaton, who retired in 2006 as interim vice president for University Relations & Development, received both his bachelor's degree in agriculture education in 1948 and his master's degree in animal science, biochemistry and economics in 1953 from TSU.
Shereitte Stokes, vice president for University Relations and Development, said he first met Gaiter on the campus of Howard University, describing the alumnus as a "modern day Horatio Alger."
A contact report on file in Stokes' office explains Gaiter's path from growing up in a condemned house in North Nashville to struggling as an undergraduate.
Gaiter worked two jobs to support his young family--and ultimately became a well-known, respected medical doctor in Washington D.C.
"Everything he touches is a walking commercial for greatness," Stokes said. "Too many times we find reasons why we can't achieve.
"(Gaiter) had every reason to fail, but he succeeded," Stokes continued.
Gaiter has distinguished himself as an expert on H1N1, formerly known as swine flu.
Washington's NBC affiliate interviewed Gaiter on the methods of testing against H1N1 as well as discussing the importance of vaccination.
Gaiter credited his success to Wheaton, who he recalled helping him stay in school when Wheaton served as the university's financial aid director.
"I would not be here today without (Wheaton)," Gaiter said. "He was able to assess my (financial) situation and put together a packet to make things less stressful for me and my family.
I shall be forever appreciative and grateful."
Alice Henson, office manager in TSU's Office of Financial Aid, worked 32 years for Wheaton, calling him "the best (boss) that anyone could have."
Henson said she remembers Wheaton's as a "workaholic." She highlighted his staying late and raising money for students to attend the university, as well as promoting teamwork among his staff.
"Even after he left, he would still call (the office) to get students into TSU," Henson said. "If we had bosses like him today things would be better."
Patricia Clayton, assistant to the vice president for University Relations and Development agrees that Wheaton worked hard to ensure students remained in school.
"The greatest thing he did was (raising) the millions of dollars for students financial aid," Clayton said. "He (reached) out to students who needed money and a lot of them came back to personally thank him."
Wheaton's two children, Kevin and Rise also attended TSU.
Wheaton explained that his initial intentions after finishing his undergraduate years were to return back to his Bay Spring, Miss. hometown to become an agricultural teacher. However, teaching veterans in Shelbyville, Tenn. during the summer changed his opinion on city life.
Walter S. Davis, the second president of Tennessee A & I State College, convinced Wheaton to come back to the university to enroll in graduate school and afterwards, appointed him to the financial aid director position he became known for.
"I appreciated the fact that people make contributions to the university campus," Wheaton said. "I appreciate the opportunity, and that people noticed I did a good job."•
Be the first to comment on this story