Girton’s energy will be missed after this school year. He is retiring after 22 years as Riverland’s theater director.

“I just thought it was time,” Girton said. “I just thought I’ve been here for 22 years and I still really enjoy what I do, and I thought I’d rather retire when I still enjoy what I do. It was a really difficult decision to make.”

Girton hasn’t strayed far from his Grand Meadow roots, having grown up reading lines for his older siblings who performed in plays in high school. He got hooked, going to school first at Riverland (back when it was Austin Junior College) and finishing up at Southwest State University. He started teaching in 1973, working as a high school teacher and theater director for years before finding what he considers a rare and amazing job: a college director position.

Since his start in 1989, he’s built a reputation as an integral part of the Riverland experience.

“He’s quite the institution all unto himself,” said Scott Blankenbaker, Riverland music professor. “He’s really built the theater program up and continued a tradition that was handed down to him.”

His students agree. He’s clearly a favorite amongst his students, who all say the same about him: He’s a father figure to his actors and actresses, looking out for them on and offstage, offering advice when asked, incredibly energetic and always positive whether he’s offering advice or admonition.

“He’s more than a teacher and an educator,” said Kaylin Wolf, Riverland student.

Wolf remembers her recent trip to London with members of the theater department, and how Girton took her and her friend to a showing of “Legally Blonde,” where they had ice cream during intermission. It’s memories like this that students recall when they talk about him. Ashley King, another student who’s known Girton for years, remembers how he offered positive encouragement to her when she would work as a stage director, and how much that meant to her.

“It’s hard to describe how he is, other than great,” said Emma Langemo, who’s been in plays directed by Girton for about four years.

Girton has many memories himself, of the shows he’s directed, of the alumni he’s seen grow into their own, of the new students he’s coaxed into trying theatre, watching how much fun they’ve had and how much they took away from their experiences. He remembers unique shows like “Metamorphosis,” a play he put on several years ago which included a swimming pool in the pit area below the stage.

“That was cool,” Girton said, grinning while he remembered. “That was very beautiful because the whole theater kind of sparkled with the light of the water. That, technically, was pretty amazing.”

Yet each show has its memories; each show carries its own special meaning for him. That’s why he’s had mixed feelings doing “Mame!” a raucous musical set in the 1920s around a wealthy eccentric whose jet-setting life is turned upside down when her 10-year-old nephew comes to live with her, a result of his parents’ death. While it’s his last Riverland show, he still has the Summerset play as well as the alumni show to look forward to. He thinks it’s good that he’s slowly weaning himself off from the trials and fast-paced nature of theatre, but he’s slightly off-put over what happens in August.

“I won’t be starting school, and it will be very bizarre,” Girton said. “My whole life, I’ve basically started school in August.”

He’s looking forward to retirement however, having contemplated it for a couple years now. His students, while happy for him, are also sad when they realize he won’t be around so future students can enjoy his lessons.

“He is a force,” said David Albino, Riverland student.

“If you’re going to start theater, you want to start off with Jerry,” Wolf added.

Girton doesn’t quite know what he’s going to do with himself once he leaves Riverland. He plans on cleaning out his garage, catching up on prime time TV and spending more time with his daughter and grandchildren, but he’s comfortable with figuring out what he’ll do after that.

“It’s time to do something else, but I don’t know what that is,” he said. “I don’t need to know yet.”

But some find it hard to believe Girton will stay away from the stage for long.

“I think he’s going to keep doing theatre in some form or fashion,” said Blankenbaker. “It’s his passion in life. I don’t think you can give up your passion that easily. It’s certainly much more than just a job for him. I can’t see him giving it up altogether.”