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The Diocese of Stockton (Calif.) has announced that it is honoring Dr. Henry Zeiter, a member of the Thomas Aquinas College Board of Governors, and his wife, Carol, with the Bishop’s Award for “Life of Service to the Poor.” Said the Most Rev. Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton, “Their lives embody the concepts of charity and social justice and are shining examples of faith, courage, and service to God and community.”

A world-renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Zeiter has traveled to China, Lebanon, the Philippines, and Bulgaria to perform surgeries for the needy and to pass on his skills and knowledge to local physicians. Mrs. Zeiter has been active in raising funds to construct and support a Stockton homeless shelter. Together the couple also supports numerous Church, philanthropic, and educational causes — including Thomas Aquinas College.

The Zeiters have given extensively to the construction of several new buildings on campus, including Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, as well as to the annual financial aid fund. In 2010, in honor of their decades of generosity, the Zeiters were inducted into the College’s Order of St. Albert.

Dr. and Mrs. Zeiter see their support of the College as very much in keeping with the service to the poor for which the Diocese of Stockton is recognizing them. “When I used to go to poor areas of the world, I never wanted to give them a fish; I wanted to give them a fishing pole,” said Dr. Zeiter in 1999. “I think the same thing is going on at the College. It’s a place that teaches people how to fish.”

“Henry and Carol have been faithful and generous benefactors to the College, particularly committed to helping our students with financial aid,” says President Michael F. McLean. “We are delighted that the Diocese of Stockton is celebrating their efforts, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved honor.”

 

Posted: July 26, 2011