In Memoriam: Shawn McKeown

	Shawn McKeown

Shawn McKeown, who had a long association with Full Sail University, passed away May 28 in Orlando, Florida. He was 50.

A 1990 graduate of Manheim Township High School, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McKeown earned a specialized associate degree in recording arts from Full Sail in Winter Park, Florida. He traveled the world as a lighting tech with World Championship Wrestling until it disbanded. He continued his travels with popular rock bands, including New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, P.O.D., and Sevendust. After that, he returned to teach at Full Sail, marry, and start a family.

When the university started giving advanced degrees, he earned a BS in entertainment business and a MS in education media design and technology. At the time of his death, he was employed by Full Sail as program manager -- show production. He worked for Full Sail for over 20 years, holding a variety of teaching positions, including department chair and course director. During his time there, McKeown taught and mentored hundreds of students, many of whom have had successful careers in the lighting and production industry.

McKeown was the son of Karen McKeown, of Lancaster, and the late Walter McKeown. He is survived by his wife Brenda (Wiker); sons Taylor and Josh; stepdaughter Cathie (Jared Weaver), of Brownstown, Pennsylvania; his sister Shannon (Andy Gates), of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law Bryan Harmes, of Lititz, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Beau, Luke, and Everlee Weaver; and numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no funeral, but a celebration of life will be held on June 14 at Full Sail University. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/a255905e) set up for the family.