Events@E A The Keffer Family: 100 Years at EA and Counting
L to R: Sarah Keffer ’17, Bill Keffer ’84, Jack Keffer ’14, Brooks Keffer ’47, Alison Keffer, Hon., and Grace Keffer.
The Episcopal Academy has been honored to have countless family legacies attend the school. Since our beginning in 1785, generations of families have entered our doors to learn and become an integral part of our community. This year, we had a unique celebration as Jack Keffer ’14 graduated exactly 100 years after his great grandfather, E. Brooks Keffer, Class of 1914.
Jack was honored with the esteemed Class of 1877 Award at commencement—“awarded to that member of the graduating class who has shown the greatest proficiency in scholarship, combined with a proper interest in athletics, true strength of character, and popularity among the members of the class.”
During those 100 years, Jack’s grandfather Brooks Jr. ’47, his uncle Ted ’81, and his father Bill ’84 also joined the ranks of Episcopal alumni. His sister, Sarah, will graduate in 2017, and his mother, Alison, has been a teacher at Episcopal for 24 years.
Not only have the Keffers excelled while here on campus, but Brooks ’47 went on to serve on the Board of Trustees, acting as the school’s attorney for many years, as well as the president of the Alumni Board of Managers. In addition, his wife, Grace, was the second president of the EA Mother’s Association (now the Episcopal Academy Parents Association).
In fact, the Episcopal history is rich with the Keffer name. E. Brooks Keffer of 1914 was described in his Tabula as the “class cherub,” as well as the “first athlete of the class.” Brooks Jr. ’47 “tackled every task he has undertaken with vigor and determination to do a good job. He has gained the respect and admiration of many of his classmates.”
In celebration of 100 years of Keffers at EA, Brooks ’47 and Grace have established a scholarship fund to assist current students whose parents unexpectedly need assistance in making their tuition payments. Their “Esse Quam Videri” Tuition Assistance Fund is a wonderful way to mark the occasion and add to the school’s endowment at the same time.
And so the legacy continued with the next two generations of Keffers being active participants in the EA community and displaying great leadership and service.
We are very proud of all our graduates, and it is rewarding for the school to have alumni who want their children to experience the same education and character development as they did. Their commitment to endowment and financial aid only strengthens our community and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the EA education is available for many, many years. On this special occasion, The Episcopal Academy thanks the entire Keffer family for their ongoing commitment and support.
Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in the Junto Club or Vestry, the Keffers have left their mark on EA. This includes Jack who, in the 2014 Tabula, was voted “most likely to work at EA” and as having “the most school spirit.” In fact,
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