Rev. Vincent E. Keane, Ph.D.
I first met Dr. Keane when he arrived in 1970 as an Associate Professor in the Speech and Hearing Department at SUNY Geneseo – later named the Dept. of Communication Disorders. Dr. Keane was a recent graduate from the doctoral program at the University of Oregon.
Dr. Keane taught a number of Speech-Language Pathology courses in the department for several years and eventually became the Chairman of the Department succeeding Dr. John E. Paul.
One evening, several years after I had graduated from the program I received a phone call from Dr. Keane. He told me that his true calling was to become a Priest and that he was going to resign his position at SUNY Geneseo and return to the seminary in New Jersey to complete his studies. Dr. Keane had originally been enrolled in the seminary however he was asked to resign due to his disfluent speech pattern.
My wife Connie and I went to the ordination of Father Keane in Trenton, NJ. In attendance were a number of priests, two Bishops, and former teachers ranging from his elementary school to his doctoral program.
Following his ordination, Father Keane was assigned to be the Chaplain at Princeton University. While in this role, Father Keane went to the Vatican and was given an audience with the Pope.
Rev. Father Keane served in this capacity for at least 15 years and passed away due to an unexpected illness.
Why did you choose to create a scholarship at SUNY Geneseo?
Father Doctor Keane was an excellent Geneseo professor and also a friend. He is well-deserving of the honor of having a scholarship in his name for the college where he was employed.
What would you want the recipients of this scholarship to know about the person for whom it is named?
It would be fitting that they are aware of a former professor in the Communication Disorders Program who went on to become a priest and created a legacy for himself by being named Chaplain at Princeton University.
Tell us about your Geneseo memory, favorite tradition, or what Geneseo has meant to you.
My Mother attended SUNY Geneseo, a “Normal” School at the time. She encouraged me to attend this small college and like the overwhelming majority who attend Geneseo, I became enamored with the college, the location, and the local townspeople. Following my graduation, I became a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and continue to visit the college when I’m in the area.
What do you hope your recipients gain through this scholarship?
I have always been impressed with the fine caliber of students that Geneseo enrolls. I would like to assist even in a small way their adoration for their chosen college and help create lasting memories of the unique college that it has become.