Daniel Pratt, PhD, named first chair holder of the Daniel E. and Alice D. Waite Chair in Science

Friday, March 30, the Graceland University Division of Science and Math was pleased to honor Daniel ‘48 and Alice ‘47 Waite for their generous gift of an endowed chair in science.  The Daniel E. and Alice D. Waite Chair in Science will fund a faculty position in perpetuity and honors the scholarship of the chair holder.

Dan and Alice have given their lives to helping people and furthering education. As an oral surgeon, Dr. Waite has a passion for the study of science and has been integral in supporting Graceland science programs.

The reception was held in Resch Science and Technology Hall on the Lamoni campus, and President Draves offered a welcome to the faculty, staff, students and alumni who gathered. Brian White, PhD, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, gave remarks on the impact of an endowed chair and announced Dr. Daniel Pratt ’81, Division Chair, Professor of Chemistry, as the chair holder.

Pratt recalled meeting the Waites years ago as a young Graceland student when he visited their home and had tea in their living room. “The Waites’ generosity and graciousness have continued,” noted Pratt. “I am honored and deeply humbled to be named the first Daniel E. and Alice D. Waite Endowed Chair in Science at Graceland.”

Rick Isham, Senior Director of Development, introduced Dr. Waite, who spoke about the couple’s allegiance to Graceland and shared that they wanted the endowment to be given while they were able to see the benefit. Dr. Waite, a minister of Community of Christ, closed the reception with a prayer.