Kenneth and Janet Keene’s history of support and generosity to the University of Florida has helped many students pursue careers in mathematics and statistics. Ken is a 1947 graduate of UF with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He also studied at the University of Michigan where he earned a master’s degree in actuarial sciences. He retired as senior vice president and principal for the New York firm of Johnson and Higgins in late 1987.

Janet Keene grew up in California and began working as a flight attendant for American Airlines in 1961. She and Ken married in 1968. From their home in Connecticut, they regularly visit California, Florida and New York. Janet has been renovating and improving houses as a hobby since 1981.

Their longtime commitment to UF has made significant improvements to the physical plant of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This encompassed the restoration of two major historic buildings on University Avenue and a large room in Dauer Hall (now known as the Keene Faculty Center).

Ken Keene said, “My family consisted mainly of less than affluent school teachers living in and around Orlando. The University of Florida opened doors for me which I could not have otherwise afforded at the time