When Dr. Edward Teeple walks across the commencement stage Saturday at PennWest University, he will do so after a lifetime defined by learning, service and curiosity. 

Teeple, 75, is graduating from the California campus with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree — an accomplishment that adds yet another chapter to an already remarkable educational journey. A retired anesthesiologist, he previously earned degrees in environmental science, medicine, business and public health from institutions including Rutgers University, the University of Miami and the University of Pittsburgh.  

Throughout his medical career, Teeple also traveled extensively through educational exchanges, including People to People programs and medical mission work in countries including China, Russia, Honduras, Cuba and Guatemala. But even while building a successful career in medicine, art remained an interest he hoped to pursue more seriously someday. 

“I really enjoy going to college and learning,” Teeple said.  

What began as an interest in photography eventually expanded into painting, ceramics, jewelry and digital illustration. After first taking courses at the Community College of Allegheny County, Teeple enrolled at PennWest California to complete his BFA. 

Along the way, he found an unexpected sense of community in the studio classrooms. 

“At first, students would kind of wonder, ‘Who’s the grandpa in class?’” Teeple said with a laugh. “But then we got to know each other.”  

Over time, those classmates became an important part of the experience. Teeple said he appreciated hearing younger students’ perspectives, while also encouraging them through the frustrations and challenges that come with learning new artistic techniques. Often, after finishing his own projects, he stayed behind to help classmates with theirs. 

For Teeple, art became about far more than creating something visually appealing. He believes the discipline teaches people how to think critically, communicate clearly and connect with others. 

“Art is communication,” he said. “It teaches you how to express ideas.”  

As commencement approaches, Teeple hopes his experience serves as a reminder that education does not have a finish line. 

“It’s a tremendous privilege to continue learning,” he said.