Keefer retires after 29 years at VWC
by Brenna Rapp

Dr. Verne M. Keefer is leaving after teaching biology for the past 29 years at VWC.

In addition to biology, Keefer has taught ecology, general zoology, environmental science and marine biology. Keefer has also planned many January and summer terms that have dealt with nature, preserving the environment and outdoor activities in a variety of locations.

“I’ve been everywhere from the Rocky Mountains to Nicaragua,” said Keefer.

For the past 10 years, Keefer has taken students to Central America. There they learned about the native people and tried to help solve some ecological problems such as poor soil and lack of firewood.

Keefer not only got the chance to set up January and summer terms, but also worked with Dr. Lawrence Hultgren to design a social ecology major. Social ecology combines natural and social sciences to examine relationships that involve the natural world.

Keefer is very proud of the students who took part in trying to save the natural ecosystems on campus in the spring of 1992. He remembers how the student body of VWC pulled together to help save the beech trees on campus that were due to be cut down to make way for the creation of Smith Drive.

“The effectiveness of the students was great to get the Board of Trustees to change,” said Keefer.

But Keefer has noticed a change in students over the years.

“Most students are less likely to put time into academics as they used to,” he said. “There’s an erosion of work ethic.”

Keefer has no regrets about teaching almost three decades, but is looking forward to retirement.

“I’m ready to relax,” said Keefer. “I’m going fishing and enjoy nature.”

Keefer is also building an energy-efficient retirement home in Middlesex County, Va.

“There is lots of wildlife,” said Keefer. “Blue herons nest there.” While he is not planning to do any research, Keefer is keeping all options open.