Friends, family, coworkers honor McKaig

He’s given lectures dressed as the Cat in the Hat. He’s taken pies to the face, to the point where he’s famous for it. He’s even approved a naked poetry session at Collins Living-Learning Center. But after a glittering 38-year career, legendary Dean of Students Dick McKaig is retiring.

Friends, family and coworkers honored McKaig at a ceremony Tuesday. Emcee and self-proclaimed “beloved Mayor” Mark Kruzan kicked off the ceremony. Kruzan, former IU Student Association President Luke Fields, Provost Karen Hanson, IU Chancellor Ken Gros Louis, as well as McKaig’s brother and several of his coworkers gave speeches.

“The thing that sets (McKaig) apart is his presence,” Fields said. “He’s always at student events.”

McKaig’s last day in office is July 31.

McKaig was presented with several awards, including the Provost’s Medal and a small replica of the Herman B Wells statue that is located in the Old Crescent.

McKaig’s remarkable ability to show up at large and small student events earned him a reputation as a unique, hands-on dean. Almost every speaker at the
ceremony noted his dedication, and Gros Louis said he was
astounded by McKaig’s ability to answer student questions thoughtfully and enthusiastically every time, even if he’d answered them before.

“One time, at the student leader pool party, a bunch of us were just kind of standing around awkwardly,” Fields said. “Out comes Dean McKaig, and he’s the first guy in the pool. That kind of sums him up. He dives right in.”

In addition to attending hundreds of student events each year, McKaig is known for his ability to get to the students’ level.

“He used to come to (resident assistant) training dressed up in costumes,” said John Goshert, a student affairs professional at Residential Programs and Services. “One time it was the Cat in the Hat.”

Another RPS employee, Wil McCall, remembered a time when a group of students at Collins Living-Learning Center wanted to host a naked poetry session. McKaig told the group that it was OK as long as it wasn’t immoral or illegal, but that everybody at the session had to be naked, not just the performers, McCall said.

“It didn’t become a tradition,” McCall said.