239 Faculty CLOSING CHAPTER Professor of physical science Dr. Keith Schramm completed his final semester of teaching in the Chemistry Department in fall 2023. After coming to Harding in 1992, he finished his 31-year career and relocated to Mount Dora Christian Academy in Mount Dora, Florida to teach chemistry for the 2024 spring semester. “I was supposed to retire this past May of 2023, but Dr. White asked if I could stay on until this December of 2023, so I did,” Schramm said. “Mount Dora Christian Academy, being affiliated with the Church of Christ, reached out to Harding looking for chemistry graduates to come and teach for them. I called them myself and offered to come and teach just for the spring semester of 2024.” Schramm was missed by many students and faculty. Department chair and professor of chemistry Cindy White spoke on her experience teaching alongside Schramm. “He is an amazing teacher, instructor and colleague. He has given me so much help and advice over my 12 years of teaching, and I don’t know what I’ll do without him next year,” White said. “I consider him a dear friend, a wonderful mentor, and someone who has taught me much.” Schramm was known for his general chemistry classes and beloved by many students. His dedication to both the content and the students proved evident by the relationship created with his students. Senior medical humanities major Mckenzie Paden spoke about her time being under Schramm’s tutelage and what she enjoyed about his classes. “I had him as my first-semester general chemistry professor, and he still knows my name and greets me in the hallway,” Paden said. “He was very helpful to me when I had questions, and was always willing to sit down with me and make sure we were on the same page and understood.” White watched Schramm’s relationships with students for years and saw how he exemplified Christ each day. “He is loved and respected by all of his students, who learn so much more about chemistry after taking his class because of how well he teaches it,” White said. “He exhibits Christ and the fruits of the spirit in his life, and his kindness and personality allow him to get along well with the faculty and students.” Schramm enjoyed his time at Harding but knew it was time for the next chapter. He changed his retirement plan in order to accommodate the needs of Mount Dora and was excited to be able to help. However, it was evident that his presence would be missed. “His care for his students and knowledge about chemistry are some of my favorite qualities,” Paden said. “I knew if I had a question, I would always go to him first because I knew he would explain it well, and his knowledge would help me understand.” Schramm displayed the meanings of Christ to many students and continued to do so at Mount Dora. Many students and faculty were happy for him and his new journey. Schramm was happy to finish the year out at Mount Dora schools, but looked forward to his final retirement. Written by Sophie Thibodeaux Harding bids farewell and honored Dr. Keith Schramm’s 31-year legacy after his final semester.
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