Biography

Gerald “Jerry” Loomer grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Mount Rushmore was almost in his back yard; he’s a graduate of St. John University and got his Masters of Science degree in Physics from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Jerry taught Chemistry, Physics and other sciences for 37 years primarily in Rapid City, SD.  He was involved in the early development of distance teaching to classrooms where a science teacher wasn’t available from Arizona to Virginia.

At the University of Southern California Wrigley Institute, he managed the Edison Challenge developing science challenges for area students.  Also taught ‘Making Science Fun’ for area science teachers.

His dedication didn’t go unnoticed.  He was named South Dakota Teacher of the Year, was the First National Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching Honoree, and Finalist in the NASA Teacher in Space Program.

Jerry and his wife Judy moved from southern California to The Villages permanently in 2015.  He’s been active in community organizations, Educators Retired of the Villages, the Knights of Columbus and has recently been elected Chair of the Sumter County Technology Library Board.

Mentoring students to win at area Science Fairs is a lifelong passion. Many went on to win at the International level winning significant scholarships. Helping students to share his passion for science is at his core.