Wilkingson Germain ’04 has been moving at top speed most of his life. As a track and field standout in high school, Germain was recruited by several colleges, but he chose the University of New Haven.

“I was looking for a school where I could receive individual attention and get a great education,” he says.

Once enrolled, Germain shifted into high gear. The finance major completed minors in accounting and economics, competed in varsity track and field, worked part time, and participated in extracurricular activities, such as the Financial Management Association.

“I received such great support at UNH,” he says, “from my teammates and coaches who encouraged me, to the phenomenal tutoring program that helped bridge the gap between the demands of athletic competition and academics.”

His drive was recognized by executives at financial giant GE Capital, and he entered the company’s highly competitive training program after graduation.

“My last rotation was in the healthcare financial services division in Chicago,” Germain says.

“After that, I decided I wanted to stay in the field, but in a smaller company where I could have more of an impact.”

He moved to Ventas, a publicly-traded healthcare real estate investment trust, where he has been racing up the corporate ladder. In addition to serving as director of acquisitions and investments, Germain volunteers at his local food bank. And as a member of the UNH Alumni Association Board of Directors, Germain works to build his alma mater’s reputation and demonstrates his support by funding a scholarship for track and field students.

“It’s exciting to be part of UNH’s progress,” he says. “I feel the University is on the fast track.”

Posted Summer 2011