THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603290232
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
As president of the Student Government Association at the Chesapeake campus of Tidewater Community College, Gerald Gibbs gets things done.
``He has made an effort beyond anything we could have expected,'' said Yvonne S. Battle, student activities specialist. ``When he sets his heart and mind to do something, he doesn't let anything get in his way.''
While the new building on campus was under construction, TCC students were without a lounge. Gibbs set about looking for an alternate place where students could unwind. He requested funds from the student activities budget for three gazebos. Picnic tables were also erected on college grounds and arrangements were made for additional food service.
According to Battle, Gibbs always went through the right channels to get things done and developed a good rapport with other students.
``It's like there's no stopping SGA President Gibbs,'' Battle added. ``Many people with physical limitations may not have taken on the challenges that Gibbs did. He'd take on a challenge which would look as big as a mountain and use it like a steppingstone to help students.''
Prior to his graduation in 1987, Gibbs played football for Indian River High School, where he also earned the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
He didn't lose his enthusiasm for football when he joined the Army. But an accident during a game at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., on Sept. 6, 1990, ended his playing days and changed his life. A spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the neck down.
``Football was my No. 1 sport,'' he said. ``I played it at the high school level for three years.''
Support from his family has helped him cope with his disabilities.
``I don't know where I'd be without my mother and father,'' he said. ``They told me not to let my disability stop me from doing the things I want to do. They have encouraged me to keep going, to go after my goals, like going to school.''
What advice does he share?
``Do not let anything stand in your way. Strive to be the best that you can be.''
Full name: Gerald Gibbs
Hometown: Chesapeake
Fond childhood memories: ``The first time I played football at Indian River rec center and playing baseball in the B.M. Williams Community League.''
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Full-time college student
Hobbies: ``Computers, and I enjoy watching football. I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan.''
Last book read: ``Black Ice'' by Lorene Cary
What's your favorite game? ``Backgammon. I'm pretty good at it.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``Blue because that's my favorite color.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``A lion. It started out as my sign. I'm a Leo. Some people say that I'm in control of things and know how to handle a situation.''
What irritates you the most? ``When I hear people talk about a specific issue, but they don't take the time to try to rectify the situation.''
Favorite type of music: Slow music
Favorite movie: ``I like horror movies or action-packed movies.''
Can't resist: Sweets
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``To be able to walk again. That's something I pray about each and every day. It's something I'd like to see the government put more into - looking into spinal cord injuries.''
Favorite TV program: ``Coach''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Red Lobster
Favorite way to spend a day: Just relaxing
What would you choose for a last meal? Seafood ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP
Gerald Gibbs
by CNB