Dr. Keener was a friend and mentor to many of us at Warren Wilson and my story probably isn't unique. He was my teacher, choral director, and academic advisor and while I had an absentee father he became that person for me all those years. I wasn't the best student and in fact dropped out after my junior year to "get my act together." I planned to take a year off and return for my senior year. It turns out that the board which determined whether students continue pursuing the teaching field didn't think I was worthy of the privilege. I can certainly see why considering my academic history. Nevertheless, Dr. Keener stood up for me before that group and told them that "Inspite of his history and lack of maturity, I truly believed Jerry has something special to offer and will be a good teacher some day." (Paraphrased) They took him at his word and let me continue. I came back, did well academically, and graduated. This past spring I retired from 33 years of teaching high school. I've been married to a wonderful lady for 39 years. I have a wonderful son and two grandsons. God has been good to me and I hate to think how different my life would be if Dr. Keener hadn't loved me enough to stand up for me. I will always love him for that. He impacted so many lives and will be deeply missed.