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The Collier Institute for Intellectual Inquiry and Innovation Fund stands as a testament to Keith Collier’s enduring passion for knowledge curation and intellectual curiosity. Founded through Keith’s visionary efforts, the Institute and fund serve as a collaborative network connecting academic-minded experts. This initiative ensures that the principles of intellectual curiosity, research and discovery that guided Keith’s life continues to inspire future generations.
Keith Collier, born in Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1977, was a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated as valedictorian from Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre in 1995. His academic journey took him from Penn State University, where he studied architectural engineering, to Cornell University, where he earned his MBA. Keith’s career in financial services and investment research saw him rise to Head of Asset Allocation Research at BNY Mellon in New York City. He also attained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Keith’s life was driven by a deep passion for lifelong learning and interdisciplinary knowledge application. He had a unique ability to recognize foundational patterns and make connections between concepts, ideas, and people. His intellectual creativity and tremendous memory allowed him to solve problems rapidly and connect with people across generations and experiences.
In early 2024, Keith was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer (glioblastoma), which proved resistant to standard treatments. Despite this, he remained committed to his vision of fostering intellectual curiosity and knowledge curation. The Collier Institute aims to spotlight advancements in science, technology, arts, culture and society through an annual academic research journal. It also plans to organize a collaborative “ideas retreat” and networking conference for academics, creators, intellectuals and thought leaders.
Keith’s hope is that the Institute will stand as a beacon of intellectual curiosity and a testament to the power of knowledge curation, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond his own life’s journey. He emphasized the importance of his network of personal and professional relationships, which he nurtured and supported throughout his life. The Institute will foster an in-person forum for future connections and networks to expand.
Keith Collier’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, research, and discovery. The Collier Institute represents his commitment to these principles and his hope to leave a lasting impact on future generations. To all intellectually curious explorers, Keith’s message is clear: support this effort to continue his life’s passion and cause.
Working together makes our community stronger. If you have a cause near to your heart and want to make a difference here in Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond, please call us at the Luzerne Foundation or visit www.luzfdn.org for more information.