Long time DSPS counselor retires

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LEAVING DELTA: Rodney Keeney retired on Oct. 31. PHOTO COURTESY OF DELTA COLLEGE

Rodney Keeney, one counselor working in the Disabled Students Programs and Services department, retired on Oct. 31 after working at the college for 25 years.

Keeney, in an interview in early October, said it was scary he was retiring on Halloween.

LEAVING DELTA: Rodney Keeney retired on Oct. 31. PHOTO COURTESY OF DELTA COLLEGE
LEAVING DELTA: Rodney Keeney retired on Oct. 31. PHOTO COURTESY OF DELTA COLLEGE

Keeney graduated from Sacramento State University with a master’s degree of science in rehab counseling.

Right out of college, Keeney worked for the state of Wyoming of five years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

In 1986, he moved back to California and worked for the state as a rehabilitation counselor for deaf, and hard of hearing.

He worked as a rehabilitation counselor for California for three years before he was hired by Delta College.

Asked about any memories of successful students who have graduated or transferred to universities, he responded with one name.

“John Quick,” said Keeney.

Quick is a senior counselor at the San Joaquin County Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

“A number of students have completed several programs,” Keeney said.

Keeney said his successful students have worked in a variety of programs and taken on assorted professions: diesel mechanic, interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing and teachers included.

“I have many memories of successful students who have moved on to be productive in society,” he said with a grin.

Keeney wasn’t just a counselor for the Disabled Students Programs and Services, he was also an adjunct faculty instructor for 18 years, teaching American Sign Language.

His most memorable moments as a teacher where when students came back years later, saying that they had either become teachers or sign language interpreters.

Keeney said as soon as he retires, his memorable office moments will include the staff.

Keeney said he will miss not just the students, but also the staff and the community.

When asked about his plans for retirement, Keeney stated he was going to let his hair down.