MCC Daily Tribune
MCC Proud: Meet Eric Wheeler
MCC Proud is spotlighting Eric Wheeler a week early in recognition of his role as emcee for the upcoming Employee Recognition Ceremony. Join us on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2pm in the MCC Theater, located in the Robin and Tim Wentworth Arts Building, as we celebrate our retirees and honor staff for their years of service.
Wheeler is the Associate Director of Veteran Services and an adjunct professor at Monroe Community College (MCC), where he has worked for almost 19 years. He is also a proud alumnus of MCC, having graduated with an A.S. in Liberal Arts in 2000. Wheeler went on to receive both undergraduate and graduate degrees at SUNY Brockport.
As an adjunct professor, he has taught a wide range of courses, including history, speech communication, career development, and college orientation. His career at the College began with instructing military history courses. “Many people view history as a list of dates, names, and events. To me, studying the past allows for a deeper understanding of the present and the ability to empathize with those around us,” added Wheeler.
In addition to teaching, Wheeler serves on a number of committees, including Commencement and Employee Recognition. He is also responsible for coordinating the College’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
“The two greatest things about working at MCC are our students and our colleagues,” said Wheeler. “I have worked with so many students from the first time they walked on campus until they walked on stage and graduated, and to see them work so hard, overcome obstacles, and reach their goals is amazing.”
He added, “There are so many faculty and staff members who go above and beyond for our students each and every day, and to celebrate them and highlight their hard work and effort at the Employee Recognition Ceremony is something I am passionate about.”
Wheeler is a veteran of the United States Army and Navy, sharing that he wanted to serve his country since he was a young child. “I always admired members of the Armed Forces and respected the sacrifices they made for our freedom,” said Wheeler. “My father is a proud Navy veteran, and following in his footsteps meant a lot to me when I left for Navy boot camp as a 17-year-old right out of high school.”
As a Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Wheeler served as an Operations Specialist and as a Navy Seabee.
Wheeler transitioned to the Army because it offered an opportunity to learn new skills while continuing to serve. While in the U.S. Army Reserve, he served as a Sergeant in Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations. He deployed overseas to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge in the late 90s, and later served on active duty as a senior instructor after 9/11, training soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Serving in the military at a young age instilled a commitment to public service,” said Wheeler. “After serving in uniform, it is an honor to work with veterans and their family members on campus and assist with their transition from the military to higher education.”
His military service fostered a strong sense of responsibility to continue serving beyond the uniform, motivating his active involvement in numerous veteran organizations.
Wheeler developed a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face during and after their service, as well as the importance of camaraderie and mutual support. These experiences inspired him to stay engaged with the veteran community, where he advocates for fellow service members, supports veteran-focused initiatives, and helps strengthen networks that promote professional development, wellness, and reintegration.
Organizations he supports include the Monroe County Veteran Services Agency, Warrior Salute, Honor Flight Rochester, the Veterans Outreach Center, and the Gold Star Families Memorial of Greater Rochester.
“The group that I feel needs the most support is our Gold Star Families, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost a family member while in service,” said Wheeler. In fact, he was on the committee that built the local Gold Star Families Memorial in White Haven Memorial Park and helps plan various ceremonies to support Gold Star family members.
Wheeler added, “I have also volunteered for Honor Flight Rochester and helped escort local veterans to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect together at their memorials.” MCC’s Vet Club, which Wheeler advises, has attended the homecoming ceremony at the airport several times.
In addition to community organizations, Wheeler serves on a number of veteran-related boards, including SUNY’s Council for the Advancement of Military Students, Monroe County’s Veterans Advisory Council, and the Veterans Upward Bound Advisory Board.
In honor of his work with veterans and his dedication to public service, Wheeler has received a number of awards. However, he is most proud of his Golden Apple Teaching Award from WROC Rochester.
“I taught a section of the College Orientation course off campus for veterans in the Warrior Salute program,” said Wheeler. “The award is about them, and our community partners, not me. I facilitated the class... they did the work.”
Prior to joining MCC, Wheeler held a number of interesting roles, including curator at The Strong Museum, where he became the first curator of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games.
“When I was an undergraduate history major at SUNY Brockport, I did an internship at the museum at the recommendation of my faculty advisor,” said Wheeler. “I was fascinated by how you could interpret history through artifacts and exhibitions.”
The museum later offered him a job as a curatorial assistant while he was in graduate school. That entry-level position led him to become a curator.
“As curator for the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, I got to meet some of the icons of the industry and the people who made some of the games I played when I was a kid,” added Wheeler. “My favorite memories are of traveling around the country with colleagues on trips to collect artifacts and collections for the museum.”
He also served as a Deputy Sheriff with Monroe County.
Outside of MCC, Wheeler is a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Fun Facts About Eric
- Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
- Eric: Field of Dreams. James Earl Jones' monologue is classic, and the ending scene of the movie makes me cry every time.
- Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
- Eric: The New York Yankees! Go Bombers!
- Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
- Eric: That I did not complete college the first time I went. I stopped out and did not come back until I was an adult student. This helps me understand and work with our adult students, many of whom have the same experience.
- Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
- Eric: Hate getting up early (unless it is to see the sunrise over the ocean) and love staying up late.
- Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
- Eric: Always choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. Always.
- Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
- Eric: I want to drive Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, the historic Main Street of America, with the top down on my Jeep and stop at diners and little shops along the way.
Image Caption: Eric Wheeler standing at the podium and speaking during the 2025 Employee Recognition Ceremony.
Attached Files:
Eric Wheeler.jpg
Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
05/20/2026