At Laredo College’s Fall 2025 Commencement, the student respondent felt right at home delivering an inspiring speech to his graduating class, celebrating with them two years of hard work and achievement.
The story of Jack Keefer, 71, is one of resilience, reinvention, and an insatiable love for learning. The Minnesota native and U.S. Army veteran graduated with an Associate of Arts degree. His selection as student commencement speaker reflects not only his academic success, but also his vibrant presence on campus. His age has never been a deterrent. In fact, it underscores his message that college is for everyone.
Keefer’s journey spans decades and countries. Born in Iowa and raised in Minnesota, he left home at 16, joined the Army at 17 and spent years traveling and working in construction across the country. Later, life took him to Mexico, where he married and built a career teaching English, eventually becoming the school’s director despite not having a college degree. He continued teaching privately before turning to higher education through online classes.
He eventually found his home in Laredo, and with it, a new purpose. His English Composition class at Laredo College sparked a passion that changed everything. “I think I might actually have some talent for writing,” he said. That realization led him to an immersion in literature and language, parsing through texts, and penning essays that reflect a thoughtful, playful mind. Readers of his work will find sentences that envelop them, drawing them into a grammatically impeccable imaginary journey embellished with descriptive language.
“Tree leaves had prematurely begun their perennial multicolor transformation. Soon all the foliage would be shed until spring. Spectacular yellow sunlight bathed a sea of sky so hypnotically periwinkle that, if you had stared at it too long, you might have felt yourself rising to swim in the serene blue,” he writes in one of his essays.
His talent for words and his love for learning were evident from his very first day at LC, according to English professor, Amelia Arguijo, who praised him for his enthusiastic participation in classroom discussions. “His eagerness to learn and ask questions encouraged other students to engage, leading to lively discussions. Jack is an outstanding student,” Arguijo said. “He narrates his life experiences in a very unique way – giving each piece of writing his personal touch. He is a natural writer whose personality shines inside and outside of the classroom. Students look for Jack not only for academic guidance and tutoring, but also for everyday advice. They look up to him. He is a great role model.”
Keefer’s commitment to helping others is evident. He had business cards printed and a shirt that read, “Hi, I’m Jack. I’m a student at Laredo College.” He was hired as a part-time Language Arts tutor, formalizing his love for teaching and helping fellow students. Keefer was actively involved with various student organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa and IMPACT Student Organization.
A first-generation college student, he is the quintessential LC student and an overachieving learner with an unending respect for education and the people who make it possible. “When I came here, I was so impressed and so amazed by all the great people and so many opportunities available here, like the workshops offered by CLASS and other departments,” he said.
Jack and Nettie Keefer at the LC Commencement Ceremony
Through the power of the written word, Keefer has found a way to create entire new universes filled with opportunities, challenges, and experiences. His essays mirror his own way with words — eloquent, immersive, and larger-than-life. At the end of the day, he’s just Jack, a Laredo College student seeking a meaningful way to fulfill one of his deepest desires: to get a college education and be an outstanding student. As he graduates, one thing remains certain: Laredo College could not have a greater supporter or spokesperson than Jack Keefer.
His passion for learning and love for Laredo College are undeniable, and his talent as a writer unmistakable. He will continue his studies at Laredo College in the spring, pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership, proving that his journey is far from over.
Keefer’s essays and other written work are at go.laredo.edu/Jack.
(Joana Santillana is Director of Community and Media Relations at Laredo College. A proud product of Los Dos Laredos, Joana has a deep passion for news, storytelling, and literature. When she’s not spending time with loved ones or sharing the great things happening at LC, you’ll find her immersed in fantasy and thriller novels.)
