“DU is on such a high and is so successful," says alumna Liz Keating. "It’s exciting to be a tiny part of that success." Photo courtesy of Liz Keating
The stereotypical bespectacled school librarian, commanding silence with narrowed eyes and furrowed brow, never existed in the persona of Liz Keating (MA librarianship ’74).
Keating is a library information specialist for Leawood Elementary School in Littleton, Colo., and she views her interaction with students as an “opportunity to impact future global leaders.” Keating also is a self-proclaimed research aficionado whose enthusiasm for learning is contagious.
“When I’m teaching fifth-graders how to get the most out of a search engine, they get excited — and so do I!” Keating says.
Keating also works as a competitive intelligence consultant, and recently, she trained government officials in the Republic of Georgia to outsmart smugglers.
Her expertise extends to her role as the DU Alumni Council communications chair as well. Using comparative analysis and research data to isolate critical issues and generate strategic ideas, Keating is reaching out to alumni and has helped launch several new programs.
In November and early December, the Alumni Council hosted two hockey pre-game parties at the Leo Block Alumni Center. An Alumni Weekend — with faculty lectures, seminars and panels in addition to traditional reunion activities — is planned for next fall.
One of Keating’s favorite efforts is the passing of DU lapel pins to other alumni. “The idea is to remove your DU pin and give it to them, asking them to do the same when they meet a fellow alum,” she says.
Although more than 30 years had passed since she graduated from DU, an alumni newsletter announcing the alumni council’s reorganization ignited Keating’s involvement.
“I wanted to get involved because my daughter, who will be among DU’s 2007 graduates, has enjoyed a fantastic educational experience,” Keating says. “DU is on such a high and is so successful. It’s exciting to be a tiny part of that success.
“I’m 500-percent committed to making this fly.”