Keath Gerald, Foundation’s New Acorn Scholar Engagement Manager, Looks to Use Personal Story of Resilience to Inspire & Motivate Salem’s Students

Many of Keath Gerald’s peers at William Paterson University worried most about making it to class on time, enrolling in the correct courses and earning the best grades. But the Plainfield, New Jersey, native confronted a much more significant life-or-death crisis of his own: having to undergo heart and liver transplants while earning a college degree.

Determined to never allow his health challenges to stand in the way of his educational pursuits, Gerald persevered and eventually graduated with not one but two degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Both of his transplants were also successful, and today, Gerald says all is well as he begins his career as the Forman Acton Foundation’s inaugural Acorn Scholar Engagement Manager.

“As tragic as my story may sound, this chapter of my life is really something I pride myself on,” Gerald said. “Despite multiple hospital stays, countless medications and even an IV sticking out of my arm, I still made it to graduation. I’d love for my story to serve as a lesson in perseverance. With the right mindset and the right support system, there’s not a lot that can stop you from achieving your life goals.”

Gerald is primarily focused on engaging the Foundation’s Acorn Scholars - those students now using their Acorn Fund account to pay for college - especially those seeking additional support along their post-secondary educational journey. His goal is to mentor these students, help them navigate around any roadblocks in their path, and, ultimately, celebrate with them as they graduate and attain their degrees. Recognizing how challenging a college education can be, he is prepared to offer personalized and meaningful support that is tailor-made to position every Acorn Scholar for optimal success. 

“This is a very unique role in that I get to work with very unique students,” Gerald said. “My job is to be their cheerleader, to say to them, ‘Yes, you are enough. You can do this.’”

Gerald is no stranger to New Jersey’s schools. Prior to joining the Foundation, he spent a number of years teaching middle and high school special education in the North Jersey towns of Lodi and Bloomfield. Those formative classroom experiences taught him the value of community partnerships and impactful connections with students.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve loved being around people,” Gerald said. “I enjoy getting to know their story, where they’ve been and where they’re heading.”

Learning the stories of the Foundation’s Acorn Scholars and Salem’s student body is high on Gerald’s agenda. He hopes to soon become a familiar face around town, someone Acorn Scholars can feel comfortable approaching with questions, concerns or requests for advice once they’ve made the transition to college life. 

“It’s so important to motivate young people, especially in Salem, and let them know that college is an attainable goal. Some of these students are first-generation, and they are completely unfamiliar with the higher education landscape. So, even by teaching them about the FAFSA application or certain hidden fees, I can make a measurable impact on their college experience,” Gerald said.

Believing strongly in the mission of the Foundation, Gerald sees limitless potential for Salem’s students. His ultimate goal is to make all of the city’s students Acorn Scholars, knowing full well how transformative a support system like the Acorn Fund can be.

“At the end of the day, the Acorn Fund is more than simply a financial investment in a student’s college degree,” Gerald said. “It is a source of empowerment, a mechanism by which we can guide students to realize their fullest potential. Salem has so many students who are destined for great things, and I know I speak for the Foundation when I say I want the absolute best for them all.”

In light of his medical history, Gerald remains an active member of the NJ Sharing Network, an organization committed to registering organ donors. When he’s not visiting one of Salem’s schools or mentoring an Acorn Scholar, he can be found painting or running in a local half-marathon.