McKaig a mentor to many

Dick McKaig was my adviser when I was IUSA president from 1981-82. He had a dramatic impact on my life by taking a low-key approach to advising. Rather than directing students what to do, he guided us. He let us make our own mistakes and learn from them. Dick is unbelievably and constantly in tune with student issues and needs. The McKaig Secret is a blend of intelligence, dedication, understanding of human nature and, above all, humor.”
– Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan, B.A. ’92

“Dean McKaig’s nine-year service as Union Board’s administrative representative proved to be a crucial asset in properly representing our organization with the administration. In spite of his extensive tenure on Union Board, Dean McKaig’s interest and enthusiasm never diminished.

His participation in weekly meetings, insightful advice and genuine interest in attending events tremendously increased his accessibility on campus. Students knew that whether he was swimming to the other end of the pool in the Cardboard Boat Regatta or sitting in the back of a lecture, Dean McKaig was committed to their needs on campus.”
– Senior Andrew Dahlen

“From the annual student leader pool parties at his house early in the school year to all the committee work we did together, I think students gravitated toward that feeling that they actually knew him, and more importantly, he knew them each.”

– Luke Fields, 2008-09 IU Student Association president

“No more Kegs with Dean McKaig? How sad! I was an RA at Wright in ’05-’06, and Dean McKaig came in as he did each fall for a (root beer) Keg with Dean McKaig. He talked with our residents about everything from why IU didn’t have a fall break to how to handle situations with teachers and other students. The residents really enjoyed his answers, and the talk made the dean so much more accessible to students.

At a university as large as IU, getting personal advice from someone as high up the ladder as the dean of students helps students feel important to and connected to the campus community. I hope the next dean follows Dean McKaig’s example of getting to know as much of the student body as possible.”
– Jaymie Ocker, B.A. ’08

“My graduation in 2000 was a big deal to my parents, as I was the first in my family to receive a four-year degree. My parents decided to cater a big party at my house in Bloomington, and I invited all of my friends, former IDS colleagues and a couple of special ‘guests.’ As a joke, I included Myles Brand (IU president at the time), Cam Cameron (who was the IU football coach), Bob Knight and Dean McKaig on my massive e-mail invite list. It truly was a joke; I expected none would actually show up.

After commencement at the football stadium, I headed home with a couple of friends to help my parents prepare the party. Imagine my surprise when the first guest to arrive at my door was Dean McKaig decked out in an IDS T-shirt – no photographers, no handlers, just Dean McKaig.

For more than an hour, he hung out with us talking about our time at IU and our plans for the future. Think, this is the dean of students at a Big Ten university spending more than an hour – on one of his busiest days of the year – at the party of a student he’d never met before. How cool and how ‘McKaig.’

My first job after graduation was with the IU Office of Communications and Marketing, so I had the great fortune of working with Dean McKaig on several occasions over the next few years. He was a true professional but, more importantly, a true friend to the students of Indiana University.
– Kevin A. Gray, B.A. ’00

“I had the great privilege of serving with Dean McKaig on the 2006 Indiana Memorial Union Board of Directors. He came to every board meeting his busy schedule would allow (which was most of them). What I will always remember about Dean McKaig is that he stood by us, no matter how controversial a program we brought to campus, no matter how he may have felt about it personally. He was willing to put his reputation on the line to preserve the integrity and autonomy of the largest student-run programming body at IU. He always conveyed that he was a voice among equals on the board – and would always make us smile when he brought in cookies from Sugar & Spice.

Dean McKaig has never forgotten that his mission was to serve the students of IU, and
I can’t think of one administrator who spent as much time among the students, going to campus events and connecting with the student body. No one could ever accuse him of not being in touch with student concerns – he was always open and available, engaging in dialogue with anyone who wanted to talk.

I will be so sorry to see him go, but I hope he immensely enjoys his retirement after 38 years of giving his all for the students. Dean McKaig, I hope we gave back to you, in some small way, everything you gave to us.”
– Ali Diercks, B.A. ’08

“Dick McKaig is a great man. Thirty-eight years of pushing for excellence calls for an ovation from all alum across this great green Earth. We need more of his kind to encourage greatness to quench its own thirst by partaking of itself. Old IU is a great institution for reasons too many to name. But if I had to name one, I would name Dick.
And, although Dick and I have never met, I have drank from the goblet pulled from the stream, and too my thirst was quenched.

Thank you for your years of service – service that has made a difference.”
– John Dixie, B.A. ’93

“Dean McKaig was a really cool dean. When I joined the McNutt Judicial Board, he offered a lot of advice on conflict resolution techniques. He also wasn’t too bad of a bowler either. I wish Dean McKaig the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
– Bill Storey, B.A. ’03

“Dick has been an exemplary dean of students with remarkable gifts. He has regaled students with tales of University ceremonies gone a little awry, perhaps shortly after a student-run event did not turn out as planned. He has comforted students after the loss of a parent, either sitting in silence if that was appropriate, or listening as long as needed to hear the fondest memories of the parent.

One of his gifts is the ability to remain fresh. He might have been asked the same question 10 or 50 times over the years, but his answer sounds like he is hearing it for the first time. Depending on the length and depth of the relationship, students for nearly four decades have liked or loved him; by all, he has been admired and respected.”
– IU-Bloomington Chancellor Ken Gros Louis

“I’m now in my 25th year at IU, and I can honestly say that I have yet to meet anyone who can lay greater claim to the title of ‘the students’ dean’ than Dean McKaig. He has spent countless hours getting to know students, inspiring them, and empowering them to become leaders. He also has been an influential leader himself, guiding and mentoring his staff to always keep students’ rights at the forefront in our decision making. I thank him for all of this, but especially for not expecting me to take turns at the pie throwing booths.”
– Assistant Dean of Students Pam Freeman

“Dick McKaig’s legacy at IU is immense, and we wish him all the best upon his retirement. For nearly four decades, Dick has been a tireless advocate for IU students.
He truly cares about each and every student at the University, and he has worked days, nights and, many times, weekends to ensure IU students get the most out of their college experience.

More than anyone, he understands the tremendous challenges our students face as they learn, grow and mature. As both a friend and mentor, he has guided students through tough times and shared in their many triumphs.

In doing so, he has made a transformative difference in the life of Indiana University and its students. He has earned deep admiration from all who know him for his loyalty, spirit and, perhaps most of all, his overwhelming sense of fairness.”
– IU President Michael McRobbie