Jim Maynard Keller

U. of Utah 1962-66, HBA degree in Psychology

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 1967-68 Experimental Psychology

U. of Utah Graduate School of Social Work, 1968-69 and 1970-71. MSW degree.

Various courses and workshops since in computing, photography, poetry and more.

Fine Art photography (Semi-pro for a minute or 12 in the late '90's) and Performing Live Poetry (in 17 states to date. (See video below.)

Doing various kinds of political cause work as a volunteer.

Computing and internet (once a geek....)

Karaoke (Love it! '50's through '00's) and Drumming (Finally got a full-on drum kit this year!)

Cooking (simple dishes re-thought) and Dining Out (My fave dish is one I've never had)

Archiving/digitizing/restoring family photos and "artifacts."

Hosting live performing events (just like Assembly days, only rowdier!).

Science and tech (still fascinated by the universe and the ingenuity of people).

The Utah Jazz (I keep hoping...)

Financial markets, investing (just tryin' to read the tea leaves) and politics (something to keep our eyes on, as ugly as they've have gotten.)

Graphic novels. And....

I was a psychiatric social worker and staff training director for a Children's Psychiatric Center in NY for 34 years.

And I will say, for all its ups and downs, periods of disability and wild rides, life's been an adventure and I can't really tell you what "old" feels like yet.

Five countries in Europe (took my Mom in '97), by train and river boat (Eurail Multi-Pass), staying in old hostels and visiting medieval cities and art museums.

Performing at two National Poetry Slam Championships (Austin, TX, '06; West Palm Beach, FL, '09)

A SF Giants game with my Grandpa. Willie Mays hit a 3 run homer, Sam Jones pitched a shutout and I got a foul ball ('59 or '60). A perfect day!

Summer Stock theatre in Provincetown, MA, (tip of Cape Cod) '67 - where I worked with a still unknown actor named Al Pacino.

Democratic National Convention, Chicago '68 (on the outside - not inside, LoL).

Being an "exchange student" at the Intermountain Indian School was witnessing history. But glad those schools are long gone.

Doing a Light Show for a Jefferson Airplane concert in SLC ('68 at the Terrace Ballroom).

Forming a tribute band for rock classics that don't get the air play they deserve.

Setting up a foundation out of whatever estate I might leave (so many causes to choose from!)

Fitting into my favorite '60's clothes I've kept all these years!

Traveling around the world at my own pace (maybe by "tramp steamer"?)

Helping make this reunion and website a success!

One highlight was a 'Viking party' at Kathy Hurst's (sophomore year?)! We fought with 'quarterstaves' we'd made, wore ridiculous costumes, and the party also featured a hot cherry pepper eating contest...

Mr. Dabb (English), Mrs. Bindrup (AP English), Mr. McFarland (Bus driver for me, my sister and then my sister's kids!), Mr. Smout (Debate), Ms. Tolley (French, oo-la-la), Mr. Berlin (German), Mr. Nye (Music) - tho he was only my teacher at Wahlquist (Orchestra), and a shout out to Mrs. Evans (counselor who helped me keep my head on semi-straight - which took some work!)

And back at Wahlquist, I want to give big props to Coach Cottle who really helped me believe in myself. And Mr. Stallings who taught state capitals by turning the learning into a verbal "baseball" game.

Most "colorful" teacher: Mr. Carver (biology).

Also memorable (because he had a very "unique" approach to teaching, and because we all gave him a hard time which he smiled through, leaving me a little guilty about our behavior): Mr. Ashcraft (Plane Geometry)

"Has anybody seen that Tiger,
Has anybody seen that cat?
Kitty-kitty-kitty-kitty,
Kitty-kitty-kitty-kitty,
Where's that Tiger at,
Tiger cat?"

and

"Let's make like a tree and leave!"

Debate, cheering my lungs out at basketball games, having a car Senior year, watching the Warriorettes perform, Key Club, passing in-class notes to girls (hey, I couldn't exactly TXT y'all!)

(PS: I'm pretty sure it was Sandy Garner who taught me how to fold the notes in the shape of an envelope and maybe another way.)

1. You can get through almost anything!!

2. How to tie a tie in a single or double Windsor knot (thanks, Marlin Jensen!)

3. Some teachers really care enough to make a difference, and that's something worth paying forward to others all your life....