A PERSONAL LOOK AT . . . Keith M. Wallace
Evansville Courier, The (IN)
DOSSIER
A PERSONAL LOOK AT . . .
Author: Anne Schleper
Keith M. Wallace
Executive Director, Families Thru International Adoption and an attorney
As an attorney, Keith Wallace has handled domestic adoptions. He taught law at Peking University in China in 1990 and 1991and realized a lot of children there needed homes. In 1995, he founded Families Thru International Adoption.
A graduate of Harrison High School, Indiana University and the School of Law at Valparaiso University, Wallace, 46, is a single father of Elizabeth, 15.
He is a volunteer at Impact Ministries and in the nursery of his church, Christian Fellowship Church.
Latest book you have read: I read several books at one time: "Ruthless Trust" (Brennan Manning and Richard J. Foster ), "World Religions" (Dean C. Halverson), "The Universe Next Door" (James Sire) and "Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone (J.K. Rowling).
Secret vice: Peanut M&Ms.
Dream retirement: To be the director of an orphanage.
Most-treasured possession: Faith and hope.
Greatest accomplishment: Making a difference in the lives of children.
Greatest regret: Not winning a state wrestling championship
What do you to pretend not to want: To be tall, dark and handsome.
Worst day in your life: The day Shania Twain did not return my telephone call.
Most-marked characteristic: Determination, passion, vision.
Favorite childhood memory: Playing football.
When I was in high school, I wanted to grow up to be: A person who made a difference on this planet.
Evansville's best-kept secret: The many internationally known organizations headquartered in Evansville.
Best piece of advice anyone ever gave me: "Never, ever give up."
Favorite musician: Harry Chapin, because I enjoy his stories.
When and where you are happiest: Whenever I believe I am making a difference in a child's life.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? In a very hot climate.
Where do you plan to live after retirement? I never plan on retiring.
If money and power were no object, what would you do to benefit Evansville? Work to help all the children in Evansville receive a good education and live in a loving, safe and secure home.
What slang haven't you heard lately that you heard growing up? "Dyn-O-mite."
Favorite line from a movie: "Houston, we have a problem" ("Apollo 13").
Favorite thing to do when no one is looking: Random acts of kindness.
My favorite place in Evansville is: With my daughter and her friends.
Best advice for a 20-year-old: "Listen, observe and learn."
Behind my back, people say: "Does he ever stop?"
What are you afraid to die of? A slow death.
People would be surprised if they knew: I am extremely sensitive.
Must-read book: "Abba's Child" by Brennan Manning.
Biggest fear: Not being as good a parent as I want to be.
First paying job: Mowing lawns at $5 per lawn.
If I won $1 million, I would: Give most of it away; for example, I want to build a trade school in an impoverished country for orphaned children so they could be truly educated and prepared for life after the orphanage and break the cycle.