Wayne Community College has honored former instructor Kirk Keller by naming a space on campus in his memory.
The Forrest Kirk Keller Stage was dedicated during a special ceremony held in WCC’s Moffatt Auditorium. Keller’s family, friends, and former WCC colleagues were in attendance to remember and celebrate him.
Keller was an instructor in WCC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology and Operations Management programs from 2008 until his passing in 2018.
He was an enthusiastic participant in campus events, many of which took place on the stage named after him.
Executive Director of the Foundation of WCC Emily Byrd spoke during the ceremony about how the stage dedication would continue Keller’s legacy.
“When we come together to celebrate, showcase our talents, and be a part of something bigger than ourselves, I believe that we will be honoring the life of Kirk Keller,” Byrd said.
WCC Associate Dean of Applied Technologies Todd King shared his memories as a colleague and friend of Keller.
Referring to Keller as a “history buff,” King noted how proud Keller was to participate in WCC’s project to make cannons for Fort Macon State Park.
King shared many personal stories of how Keller used his passions to serve others and brought joy to those around him.
Geoff Hulse, WCC Board of Trustees member and close friend of Keller, offered remarks during the ceremony as well. Hulse spoke of Keller’s “big personality” and referred to their friendship as “one of the most valuable things in the world” to him.
Keller and Hulse performed in several stage productions together through the Foundation of WCC and other community events.
Hulse mentioned how much Keller loved his community, calling him “a lover of humanity” who never met a stranger.
“The world was his stage,” Hulse said. “We’re thankful he showed his love on this stage at this campus and in this community. It’s fitting that this stage bears his name. He’d be honored by this.”
The Forrest Kirk Keller Stage naming was made possible by donations from Geoff and Lee Hulse, Jim and Adrienne Northington, and Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield.
