Kellie Keeling and Kathie Novak—along with several other Daniels faculty—show up for their students at Commencement
Behind every student walking across the Commencement stage is a faculty member who helped them get there—literally.
The University of Denver’s faculty marshals are present at every graduation ceremony, making sure it all goes smoothly. Daniels is well represented: Mac Clouse, David Corsun, David Dassler, Tamara Hannaway, Paul Harrison, Suzette Loving, Kerry Mitchell and Scott Toney have all committed to showing up on the big day. So have Kathie Novak and Kellie Keeling, who serve as chief marshals.
More than a decade ago, Novak and Keeling each decided to take the job. It was a fun opportunity to see students in one of their happiest moments. (It didn’t hurt that it was also an easy way to stay moving during an often sedentary ceremony.)
“I have always loved commencements,” Novak said. “I’m lucky that I get to see students along their journey, between teaching an FSEM and early Daniels core courses all the way through BUS 3800, which is the last class in the core. You see their journey, and then to see them at Commencement knowing that you had a small role on that is really fun.”
Added Keeling: “It’s a really nice way to make a final connection with students before they go.”
What does a marshal do? Much of it is keeping things organized to keep the ceremony moving. Faculty marshals help students line up in Hamilton Gymnasium and process in and out of Magness Arena efficiently.
“And then it’s the mom in me trying to make sure, ‘OK, let’s get your stole the right way,’ or, “let’s tuck your master’s hood the right way, because it may not matter to you, but your family’s watching. It matters to them.’ So we’ll make sure you’re photo ready when you walk across the stage,” Novak said.
Keeling and Novak ascended to the role of chief marshals a couple years ago, and have enjoyed working together outside of the classroom. Their temperaments work well together, Keeling said, and they are always welcoming faculty to join their ranks.
“It’s worth your time to come out and be able to see the students,” Keeling said. “It’s the last most important thing. They’re spending a year, two years, four years, and it’s all about them graduating to get their job.”
Novak would also love to see more faculty in the crowd.
“I think it’s just so important and to send a message that we’re there from the beginning to the end and that we really do wish them well,” Novak said. “Not as just the ending of their time here at the university, but as they commence the rest of their lives.”