The Touch of Goodness
History has provided us with no shortage of incredible women. Some have broken barriers in business. Others have spurred change in their communities. And others have stood boldly in the face of adversity. Lettie Pate Whitehead, as it happens, did all three.
Born in 1872, Lettie Pate grew up in rural Thaxton, Virginia. Living among elderly female family members who lacked formal education and financial means, she noted the struggles they endured as a result. In 1894, Lettie married Joseph Brown Whitehead, an attorney and entrepreneur, and the couple settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they had two sons. By the early 1900s, Mr. Whitehead had found success in bottling a popular fountain drink called Coca-Cola, and he and Lettie relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to further the venture.
Knowing that I’m receiving support in the name of Lettie Pate Whitehead, a highly accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, is inspiring. I hope to continue the tradition and serve as an example for younger women, as well.
Kristen Laaman
Tragedy struck in 1906, however, and Mr. Whitehead died of pneumonia, leaving Mrs. Whitehead to run the business herself. Under her leadership, the company would achieve great success. By 1934, Whitehead became the first woman in the U.S. to sit on the board of a major corporation, having been appointed to the Coca-Cola Company’s board of directors.
The 1930s and 1940s brought new challenges. In the span of five years, both of Whitehead’s adult sons died. Devastated by loss, she devoted herself to faith and philanthropy, giving generously to many charities throughout Georgia and Virginia until her death in 1953.
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
—Lettie Pate Whitehead
Today, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation provides support for the education of female students and for the care of elderly women in nine southeastern states. The foundation devotes most of its resources to the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship program, which provides scholarship assistance to deserving female students with financial need. The foundation also maintains a special interest in health education, with a significant number of its grants targeting education in the medical, nursing, and allied health fields.
The late Dr. Herbert A. Claiborne Jr. (Med ’47), a longtime foundation trustee, was instrumental in cultivating the foundation’s interest in health education, as well as directing support to the University. Thanks to his advocacy, UVA has been a beneficiary of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation’s generosity for many years, providing support to hundreds of young women.
One of these is Kristen Laaman (Med ’20). Having recently completed her final year at the School of Medicine, Laaman now specializes in general surgery and plans to work in global health. Her Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship enabled her to focus more completely on her studies and career plans, alleviating some of the stress associated with debt.
“The cost of medical school was definitely something I worried about,” she said. “I want to work internationally for an NGO, so I’m not expecting huge paychecks. My scholarship lessened my financial burden, and I’m extremely grateful for the support.”
Laaman also noted the unique connection she feels to Whitehead as a young woman pursuing personal and professional success.
“Surgery is a traditionally male-dominated field,” she said. “Knowing that I received support in the name of Lettie Pate Whitehead, a highly accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, is inspiring. I hope to continue the tradition and serve as an example for younger women, as well.”
To those who knew her, Lettie Pate Whitehead’s greatest legacy was her genuine concern for others. Tucked in the pages of her personal scrapbook is a quote she lived by: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”