At Laredo College’s Fall 2025 Commencement, the student respondent felt right at home as he delivered an inspiring speech to his graduating class, celebrating two years of hard work and achievement.
Jack Keefer’s story is one of resilience, reinvention and an insatiable love for learning. At 71, the Minnesota native and U.S. Army veteran graduated with his Associate of Arts. He was chosen as the student commencement speaker, a role that reflects not only his academic success but his vibrant presence on campus.
His age has never been a deterrent. In fact, it underscores his message that college is for everyone.
Jack’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. After that chapter ended, he continued teaching privately before turning to higher education through online classes. He eventually found a 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 immerse himself in literature and language, parsing through texts and penning essays that reflect a thoughtful, playful mind. Reading through his work, you find sentences that envelop you, drawing you into a make-believe journey embellished with descriptive language and impeccable grammar.
As one of his essays reads: “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.”
Jack’s talent for words and his love for learning were evident from his very first day at LC. Amelia Arguijo, his English professor, praised her former student, noting that his enthusiasm stood out in the classroom, especially during classroom discussions.
His eagerness to learn and ask questions encouraged other students to engage, leading to lively classroom 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. Also, his personality shines inside and outside of the classroom. Students look for Jack not only for academic guidance/tutoring, but also for everyday advice. They look up to him. He is a great role model.”
His commitment to helping others is evident, and he even printed business cards and a shirt that read, “Hi, I’m Jack. I’m a student at Laredo College.” He was later hired as a part-time Language Arts Tutor, formalizing his love for teaching and helping fellow students.
Moreover, Jack was actively involved with various student organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa and IMPACT Student Organization. A first-generation student who proudly dons his Laredo College shirt, 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 and things available here, like the workshops offered by CLASS and other departments,” he said.
Through the power of the written word, Jack 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 student at Laredo College, looking for 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 bigger supporter and cheerleader 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.
