Growing up in a section of West Philly known as “The Bottom,” was an experience that inspired a young man to seek excellence. Darryl Kegler despite the negative temptations of his community chose a different path. A path, which lead a young man towards a life of fighting the injustices and inequalities in his community. He led young men in the quest to convince a local Catholic Parish to sponsor and purchase equipment for a football team. After a visit to a local private elementary school, he insisted his school (Alain Locke) have a science competition and a basketball team like the one visited. These are the acts that led his peers as a young man to refer to him as “Da Mayor”, “Professor”, and “Pres”ident. Regardless of the adjective, they all refer to a leader.
Darryl Kegler was educated in the Philadelphia school district. He attended John Bartram HS for Human Services (1984) where he graduated with a full four-year college academic scholarship. Darryl graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges (1988), where he was an active member of the college community. Darryl was a focused student with the ability to complete a major and minor, while completing teacher certification requirements as extracurricular. Darryl was selected by students to be the class day speaker for his graduating class. Darryl graduated not as just another number, but as Class President and a member of Hobart Colleges Senior Honor Society.
Darryl was instrumental in spearheading the fight for his college to divest its interests in companies doing business in Apartheid South Africa. As class president and campus leader, he opened the door for minority students to gain greater access to campus employment and inclusion. He was out front on the importance of recognizing the multicultural concerns of those with smaller voices on campus. As well as, bridging the gap between the local residents and the college community.
Darryl was a school teacher before embarking on a successful professional career in the Pharmaceutical industry with Pfizer Inc. After fifteen years of distinguished performance and promotions he became a casualty of the economy. With a strong intestinal fortitude he started his own institutional concession company in partnership, securing contracts with Drexel University. He has translated his negative unemployment into positive opportunities for others.
Darryl has always maintained a strong civic commitment to his community. From organizing block clean-ups, to helping the senior members of the community, Darryl is there. Darryl is an active member of West/ SW Philly Block Captains Association and a member of the 52nd St Business Association. In addition, he is a volunteer assistant head football coach at St. Francis DeSales Catholic School. As evident in his mentoring and college advisory roles, the future of young people is his concern. Darryl is the first to take the time to speak, counsel, mentor or correct a young person, before sending them on their way a better person because of the encounter. It is these encounters that employ him to be a drum major for the causes of our young people and those incapable of fighting for themselves.
Darryl is the proud father of three beautiful children and resides in the Cedar Park Section of West Philly.