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Mike Rominger | University Photographer
Lee McCaskey (left) received the Plemmons Leadership Medallion in
1998 with Fernando Little (center) and Dr. James Jackson (right).
McCaskey retired in 2000, and lost his battle with cancer last
month. |
Appalachian
remembers McCaskey as inspiration to all
by Alison Fosbenner
Staff Writer
His countless contributions, sense of humor, devotion, and most importantly
his genuine love for the students will be remembered and admired by those
who knew him.
The Student Government Association, Judicial Affairs, Student Programs,
Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL), Freshman Seminar
and Resident Student Association, would not be what they are today without
the efforts and dedication of Lee H. McCaskey.
“These were all under his leadership at one time, and then spun off
to become separate entities,” Dino DiBernardi, director of CSIL,
said.
Last month, Appalachian State University lost McCaskey to cancer.
In 1968, Lee McCaskey came to Appalachian State University from Lees-McRae
College to take on the position as director of student activities.
From 1970-1975, McCaskey served as the director of student development.
Soon after, he moved on to become the director of complimentary education.
McCaskey’s list of accomplishments goes on and on.
Early on, he advised and coordinated the Student Judiciary Committee
and the Student Government Association, along with organizing programs
at Plemmons Student Union and Farthing Auditorium.
To add to his list of achievements, he created Appalachian’s
first tutoring program and many current residence life services.
McCaskey also taught leadership classes.
In 1991, he assumed the role of director of judicial affairs and served
as the SGA advisor for 17 years, where he helped to develop the student
judicial system.
“I think his legacy, if you will, for the university is that, what
I think is one of the strengths at Appalachian, providing students with
out of class experiences that can compliment their in class learning,” DiBernardi
said.
In 1977, a young DiBernardi met McCaskey, who recruited him to ASU as
a Greek advisor.
“From my perspective, his focus always was to provide opportunities
for students to learn, to grow and develop,” DiBernardi said.
“His philosophy was that you should turn over responsibilities
to students for their own well-being, but along the way, you need to
give the skills and abilities to be able to accept those responsibilities.”
DiBernardi adds that McCaskey was successful with that as many students,
who got their start under his leadership, went on to be successful in
their chosen profession.
“He had high expectations of people,” Brown said. “And
he would prompt them to meet those.”
McCaskey brought his passion for Appalachian into his home. All four
of his children attended Appalachian.
“Black and gold runs through our blood,” said Cindy M. Brown,
one of McCaskey’s three daughters.
She is now a Behavior Support Specialist for Watauga County
Schools. Brown said her father was a huge inspiration on her interest
in teaching. As a youth, Brown said he made teaching look “easy,
fun and honorable.”
McCaskey specifically touched the life of Richard L. Geis,
who, thanks to McCaskey, is now the director of Housing & Residence Life.
“He was like a father to me,” Geis said. “He
had plenty of love to share,” Brown said in regards to
the “father figure” role McCaskey had with many students.
Geis has been at Appalachian since the early ‘70s
with McCaskey guiding him along the way.
Geis described McCaskey as student-centered, the best professional
role model and a practical joker.
“He made us all think about the students,” Geis
said. He added that he keeps that value with him to this day.
McCaskey spent more time in the work field than people typically
do; he retired in 2000 at the age of 65.
Brown said she recalls her father once commented that he
was making the most money, having fun and working with the best people, “so
why leave?”
Growing up, Brown was able to see her father’s true
feelings toward the university.
“He always loved ASU and loved the students,” Brown said. “ASU
was very lucky to have him all those years.”
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