Timothy Caskey named Housing and Residence Life Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for 2024

Introducing this year's distinguished alumni, Timothy Caskey, who has dedicated over 41 years to serving as a special education teacher in the Cleveland, Ohio metro school system. Tim's commitment to education and student welfare is evident in the countless lives he has positively influenced throughout his career. His journey to this impactful role began during his time at Ohio University, where he immersed himself in Housing and Residence Life, taking on various positions that shaped his leadership skills and understanding of diverse student needs.

During his time in Athens, Tim served as a Resident Assistant, Assistant Resident Director, and eventually as a Residence Director while in graduate school. These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into student development and community building, laying the foundation for his future work in education. Tim’s dedication to fostering inclusive environments and supporting students from all backgrounds has been a hallmark of his career, reflecting the principles he embraced during his tenure with HRL. His story exemplifies the enduring influence Ohio University has on the lives of its graduates.

Tell us about your experience working for Housing and Residence Life.

I was a first-year RA in 1977-78 on the 2nd floor of Jefferson Hall. In 1978-79 I moved over to [then] New South Green to be an RA in Fenzel House. Prior to my Senior year in 1979-80, I received a promotion and became the Assistant Resident Director of the Wray Complex in Ewing House. In the fall 1980, I started grad school and became the Resident Director of Boyd Hall. I finally moved off campus in 1981 and worked as the Night Manager of Baker Center.

What are you most proud of from your time on staff? What is one of your most memorable moments at Ohio University?

The experiences for which I am most proud would not have been possible without the two men I initially met my first year as an RA in Jeff Hall: Chris Guarino and Jeff Goold. Together, we produced a series of campus-wide parties that garnered the attention of local and regional media.

We were honored in 1980 at the annual National Association of College & University Residence Halls (NACURH) conference in Chapel Hill, NC for our leadership in developing interesting and innovative programming for students at OU, while also including a charity component to it.

In the Bi-Centennial issue of the alumni magazine, “Ohio Today, ” there was an article titled "200 things to love about Ohio University" Our Big Snooze Pajama Rama and the Beach Parties were listed at #88 and #161 respectively.

I was Jeff’s RA and Chris’ room was a few doors down from my floor section in 1977-78 in Jefferson Hall. The three of us were pretty much inseparable for the next three years. They both also became RAs. After graduation, Jeff and I played in bands together and kept in touch with Chris who went on to work at CNN. 47 years later, we are still friends and communicate regularly.

What was your biggest challenge as a staff member?

My biggest challenge was learning to manage students who were so close in age to me.

What lessons did you learn during your time at Ohio University that remain important to you today? How have they impacted your current work?

It still amazes me that in the grand scheme of my 66 years, my brief time in Athens influenced so much of my adult life. The friends I made, the experiences we shared, the lessons we learned. Learning how to work with students and staff from diverse cultures and backgrounds has been invaluable in my 41 years of being a Special Education teacher in Cleveland Metro Schools.

What does it mean to you to be the 2024 HRL Distinguished Alumni award recipient?

I am both honored and humbled to be receiving the 2024 HRL Distinguished Alumni award. Returning to Athens for this festive weekend (Homecoming 2024) is a big thrill. Sharing it with compadres I met 47 years ago is something I will always cherish.

This interview with Timothy Caskey, recipient of the 2024 HRL Distinguished Alumni Award, highlights his significant influence on Ohio University's Housing and Residence Life. His dedication and contributions reflect the core values developed during his time with HRL, making a lasting impact on the community.

To learn more and to give to the Housing and Residence Life Foundation visit www.ohio.edu/housing/support-housing.