University photographer Derrick Turner has spent decades capturing scenes of Michigan State University and engaging with countless Spartans along the way. One Spartan in particular — the late MSU President Clifton R. Wharton Jr. — left an indelible impression on Turner, first as a high school student and throughout his career at MSU. Turner shares memories of Wharton’s influence after his recent passing.
In September 1977, I was a junior at Northern High School in Flint, Michigan. My decision to skip classes for a tour of Michigan State University ultimately changed my life forever. It was the day I met MSU’s president, Dr. Clifton R. Wharton Jr., during a scheduled lunch in Shaw Hall. President Wharton came over and welcomed us to campus. At the time, I had no idea he would become a pioneering giant in academics, the corporate world, global economics as well as an esteemed statesman. That day was also the first time I walked around campus and took photos.
Many years later, in 2002, I reconnected with Dr. Wharton and his wife, Dolores, at the gala dinner for the new Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. By this time, I had discovered my unique ability to find and photograph heart shapes in nature — specifically throughout MSU’s vast campus — in my capacity as university photographer. And I had the perfect photograph to give them: a 5x7 print featuring the Wharton Center for Performing Arts framed by spring blossoms curved into a natural heart. Soon after, Dr. Wharton, who by then was the former chairman and CEO of TIAA-CREF, sent me a letter thanking me for the gift.
In 2015, I was fortunate to photograph Dr. Wharton’s return to campus after the publication of his autobiography, “Privilege and Prejudice: The Life of a Black Pioneer.” I took the opportunity to let him know I still had that thank-you note on TIAA-CREF letterhead.
Fast forward to 2022 when Teresa Woodruff was MSU’s interim president. She informed me that she would be visiting the Whartons at their home in New York in December. Upon hearing her plans, I told her that I was in possession of a binder full of photos taken during Dr. Wharton’s years as MSU’s 14th president. I asked if she would take the book with her, along with the message: “Compliments of the university photographer.”
More recently, when I learned that Dr. Wharton was facing some health complications, I reached out to the Whartons through MSU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman, asking the couple for a signed copy of Dr. Wharton’s autobiography. The book arrived three days later, with a note from Dr. Wharton’s son, Bruce Wharton, that said, "Thank you for your kind words, Derrick. Not only do you have the last signed copy of his book, but it was the last time he ever signed his name. Appropriate that an MSU photographer, like you, should have it.”
For more than 35 years, my unique job has provided me the opportunity to showcase the beauty of MSU to the world. I’m honored that my MSU story starts with Dr. Clifton R. Wharton Jr.