Tulane retirement means more time behind the lens

For more than two decades, Richard V. Keller Sr. has enjoyed taking photographs of New Orleans people, festivals and music in his spare time. Now he can pursue his passion more seriously — Jan. 29 was the last day of his 25-year career at Tulane University as a supervisor in the facilities services department.

Keller is one of the longtime Tulane University employees who are exiting the university payroll to pursue new lives and take on new challenges through a Voluntary Separation Program. Friday was the final day for some of those employees, like Keller, while others will delay their departure over the next 12 months, but all will earn benefits such as Tulane tuition waivers and a financial package.

In this article, part of a series on these valued employees, Keller looks back on this career and what’s ahead.

Q. What was your job at Tulane and how long did you work here?
A. I was a support services supervisor in facilities services. I worked at Tulane for 25 years.

Q. What will you miss most about working at Tulane?
A. I will miss talking with the students about this city and its history, and the people I have worked with.

Q. What are your favorite memories of your career here?
A. Memories — being here at Tulane only 90 days back in 1991 and being asked to be custodian supervisor for facilities services. And I’ll always remember how this university supported me and my family when my daughter was killed in 1993.

Q. After you retire, what are your plans?
A. My plans are to continue taking pictures of this city and its people. And I want to spend more time with my wife and do a little traveling.

Q. Is there anything you want to say to your colleagues at Tulane?
A. Remember, take time to talk to and listen to the students who make it all possible for us to be here. Thanks for the memories.