Stories

Nancy Keil Service Excellence Award
In recognition of staff having established a well-deserved reputation for sustained excellence and initiative in providing technical or administrative support service, and for consistently approaching one’s responsibilities with a professionalism that demonstrates dedication to the welfare of students and others and that leads by example.

In her four years of service to the Department of Political Science, Casey sets an example of going beyond the call of duty while bringing an infectious enthusiasm and deep love for SCU and its students. As the office manager of a very large department, she proactively uses her technical, financial, and management skills and entrepreneurial approach to make the lives of the department’s faculty and students better. Casey is equally adept in supporting the faculty as she is in supporting and cheering on students, especially LEAD students. Her office is a welcoming place for students of all backgrounds. Those who declare a major in Political Science will immediately feel welcome in the department as they receive support and information from Casey.

Casey also goes above and beyond her work in the department. She is generous in sharing her ideas and expertise with others across the entire university. For example, over the last two years, she reliably volunteered to help the college during the transition to Workday HR and Workday finance. Casey participated in early focus groups, feedback groups, and training sessions. She gathered information, tracking down answers that helped the College provide helpful information to our departments. Also, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she helped the Office of the Registrar pivot and create an online petition to graduate. Finally, we want to express our appreciation for her dedication to our LEAD students. In the words of LEAD director Erin Kimura Walsh:

“Casey Robertson has been an important ally to the LEAD Scholars Program. Each year she proactively welcomes our new LEAD first-year and transfer students and then continues to be their cheerleader throughout their time at SCU. She creates a welcoming environment in the Political Science Department office and has provided care and support to some of our highest need students as they have navigated significant challenges. Casey has also come up with some great ideas to benefit LEAD and has made them happen: she worked with the Registrar's Office to create a query to identify LEAD Scholars and compiled a list of LEAD Scholars who have won university awards. In all that she does, it is evident that Casey is passionate about supporting all SCU students but especially those who are underrepresented, and she does this with joy and compassion.”

Her former chair notes that even while working from home, Casey continued to reach out and support these students who were experiencing often devastating situations. She took care to ensure no one fell through the cracks. 

For her genuine personal investment in the lives of all Broncos, but especially our most vulnerable students, her positive spirit, contagious enthusiasm, expert work in her department, and willingness to go the extra mile to develop processes that will help others across the college and university, we are happy to present the Nancy Keil award to Casey Robertson.