Students had their final chance to say goodbye to Chancellor Sean O’Keefe and thank him for his work with the University prior to the end of his term. Student Government held an informal reception for the chancellor Wednesday afternoon in the Student Union Magnolia Room. “We’re just here to commemorate the service that Chancellor O’Keefe has done for LSU and the state of Louisiana,” said Parker Wishik, SG communication director. SG President Cassie Alsfeld said the chancellor insisted the reception be low-key. “He really wanted to come speak to the students,” Alsfeld said. About 50 students and a few faculty members stopped by to visit with O’Keefe. Several students introduced themselves and said a personal thanks to the chancellor. J.P. Abon, College of Arts and Sciences senator, thanked the chancellor and asked for an autograph. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the chancellor,” Abon said. “I’m going to miss him.” He said he was disappointed when he heard O’Keefe was resigning. O’Keefe said the students have been his main inspiration during his time as chancellor. “There’s a lot of activism on this campus,” O’Keefe said. He gave advice for faculty members looking for motivation. “Talk to anybody out there about what their dreams, inspirations and hopes are, and that’s why we’re here,” O’Keefe said. Colorado Robertson, Speaker of the Senate, said he hopes the next chancellor considers student input as O’Keefe did. He said O’Keefe has always been accessible to students. “There was not a day I didn’t walk in and do my very best,” O’Keefe said. Alsfeld said O’Keefe worked diligently, pushing the University to be a nationally recognized institute. “He will be remembered for the positive marks he left on this campus,” Alsfeld said. Alsfeld said his accomplishments include crisis management and fundraising abilities. “He’s been a great leader and a role model to me for his long career in public service,” Robertson said. O’Keefe said he did not really want to make a big “hoorah” about leaving. “It has been really quite memorable for me,” O’Keefe said. O’Keefe said he will be able to stay active with students while he teaches his class this semester. He said he is exploring options for his next career move.
—-Contact Emily Holden at [email protected]