It is a distinct honor for me to address the class of 1964 today. This class, in particular, brings back many pleasant memories, as you had a significant influence on the trajectory of my professional career. Graduating from the University of Washington in 1960 with a BA in history, recently married and a father of a four-month-old child, I had no clear direction for my future. I decided to pursue teaching and approached the principal of Garfield, as well as my former football coach John Boitano, seeking employment. Consequently, John offered me an assistant coaching position, while department head Claude Wilson promised to hire me to teach a language arts class, with the potential to eventually teach a U.S. history course. Needing a job, I accepted their offers.
In the fall of 1961, newspapers reported that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was invited to Seattle by Rev. Dr. Sam McKinney of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and Principal Frank Hanawal invited Dr. King to speak at Garfield. Rev. McKinney knew I was a new teacher at the school and invited me to meet Dr. King backstage in the auditorium afterwards. It was one of the true highlights of my life, and from that moment forward, I was committed to incorporating Black history and culture into my classes rather than relegating such information to a mere footnote.
In the early summer of 1963, I had a picnic with my brother Gary and his family. Gary, an assistant U.S. attorney, suggested I apply for a special agent position. On a whim, I applied without expecting a positive outcome.
The class of 1964 had a hopeful outlook, especially after MLK’s march on Washington in August 1963 and his “I Have a Dream” speech. I felt America was moving in a positive direction and that my class shared this optimism. Was I naive?
On November 23, 1963, President Kennedy was assassinated. The students’ empathy and the notes of support, along with a recording of Kennedy’s famous speeches, deeply touched me. On December 9, 1963, I received a letter from J. Edgar Hoover offering me a special agent position, and I reported to the U.S. Department of Justice on January 27, 1964, to begin training. I was assigned to Kansas City, MO, and then Philadelphia, PA. In Philly, I witnessed severe poverty and crime, prompting me to pursue a master’s in education administration at Temple University. Soon, I got a job offer back on the West Coast and was hired by the University of Washington as a football coach and assistant to the VP of University Relations, returning to education.
Upon completing my PhD in political science, I taught at the University of Washington, Florida State University, and Seattle University, and served on the Seattle School Board. My longest tenure was with The Boeing Company, where I served as Corporate Director of Education and Training for nearly 20 years.
With love and respect,
Carver Gayton