October 28, 2002

Elsey named grand marshal of homecoming parade
Former dean of students devoted 30 years to ISU

Robert Elsey

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — After wearing many "hats" at Indiana State University for 30 years, Bob Elsey will bear a new one as grand marshal in the 80th Blue and White Homecoming Parade on Nov. 2.

"I am honored and very pleased to have been chosen," Elsey said. "Homecoming is an important event in the University's history."

The selection of parade marshal is decided by the homecoming steering committee to honor an individual who has served the university above and beyond the call of duty. Dedication to ISU, students and having a willingness to help others are major factors considered during the selection process.

Elsey began his higher education at Purdue University. One of the factors in Elsey's decision to attend Purdue was a certain student organization.

"I wanted to sing in the Purdue Glee Club," Elsey said. Elsey earned three degrees from Purdue - a bachelor's in biological education, a master's in guidance and counseling and a Ph.D. in guidance and counseling. He started his administrative career there in 1962 as the assistant to the dean of men. Through joining student organizations and fraternities while in college, Elsey began to see the benefits of being social while in school. "I've gotten so much out of student activities," Elsey said. "I've been in this business for 40 years. I've not regretted what I've chosen; I'd do it again."

Maintaining focus helped Elsey in his decision to work in student services. 

"I have always believed that the only thing you have absolute control over is your attitude. You can always decide how you are going to react to things," he said.

While keeping positive philosophies on life, Elsey began to advance in his career. He moved to the position of coordinator of student activities at Illinois State University in 1967. After his career at Illinois State, Elsey saw an opportunity he couldn't pass up at Indiana State University. In 1972, he began his fulfilling career at ISU as the associate dean of student life. 

"ISU was an opportunity to move up professionally. I jumped at the chance and have never regretted it."

Elsey has experienced many joys while at ISU during his 30-year tenure.

"It's about people. ISU is a place that offers students a place to grow and develop. It's large enough to have lots of opportunities but small enough for students to feel comfortable." 

Elsey has seen students come in as freshmen and then watch the same students walk down the aisle receiving their degree. "It's been gratifying watching people come in the door and watch them in involvement in out-of-class activities. I had the chance to see many students blossom."

Over the years, Elsey has earned numerous titles at ISU, including:

• Associate Dean of Student Life (1972-73)
• Director of Residential Life Programs (1973-84)
• Dean of Student Life (1985-89)
• Dean of Student Services and Director of the Career Center (1989-94)
• Dean of Student Life (1994-95)
• Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Student Programs and Services (1996-97)
• Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students (1997-2000)
• Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students (2000-2002)

One of the most prestigious awards an ISU employee can receive is the University Medallion. In 1998, Elsey received this award for his exceptional initiative and accomplishment through years of service to ISU and through civic involvement.

Jim Norton, associate director of athletics for external operations, said that there is no more fitting person to be chosen for the honor of Grand Marshal than Elsey. "Dr. Elsey's enthusiasm and support to athletics and students on campus is unmatched."

Elsey has enjoyed many homecoming events while at ISU, but his memories are special to those who work 'behind the scenes.'

"My memories of homecoming are the enormous amount of work students put in to producing homecoming. While in my job, I was connected with Union Board and Homecoming Board. I would watch students organize the trike race, and the parade. These will be my memories of how hard people work to produce homecoming," Elsey said.

Though Elsey stopped working at the end of June, he will officially retire at the end of December. He is currently involving himself in a service organization and enjoying traveling. "My job was a lot of nighttime and weekend working, so I wanted to take some time off and not be scheduled. I'm getting used to not being scheduled."

He lives in Terre Haute with his wife Judy. They have two daughters and one son.

Elsey will be leading the largest student-organized college parade in America. The homecoming parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Ninth and Chestnut streets. It will then proceed south on Ninth, west on Wabash to Fifth Street and north to Lincoln Quad (Tippecanoe).

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Writer:
Adriane Shaw, public affairs student intern
(812) 237-3773 or ashaw3@mymail.indstate.edu

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu