For eight years Officer Bill Kelley has been “everyone’s grandpa” on campus. Because of his initiative in actively caring for all and pitching in wherever he sees a need, Officer Kelley recently won the Seminary’s Calian Prize. This award is given to an exemplary member of the Pittsburgh Seminary community who demonstrates excellence in carrying out responsibilities and volunteer assignments and also expresses a caring spirit of good will and hope essential in life together as a community. The award is given in recognition that all members of the community are an important part of the success of the Seminary.

“To me, Mr. Kelley takes the place of the family that I miss so much back home,” says M.Div. student Erin Angeli. “He's my daily check-in. He knows who you are and he makes sure that you know you are valuable. Mr. Kelley always makes me feel like I'm tough enough to be here, like I can handle everything. He reminds me to make sure I sleep. He believes in me—really in all of the students—and that's what makes him family.”

Officer Kelley has served as a guard for 15 years. Prior to working in this position, he served as a brick layer and for two decades in the United States Army, from which he retired in 1989 as a platoon sergeant. Though Officer Kelley spent most of than 20 years with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, in North Carolina, he also traveled around the world. “Germany was my favorite place,” he says. “It was cold, but what a beautiful country.”

Asked about why he wanted to work in security, Officer Kelley said, “It’s something to do. They told me when I retired from the Army that I would keel over if I didn’t have something to do.” Plus, Officer Kelley likes the work and loves the Seminary. “I help out anybody when they’re here and do whatever I need to do.” He’s often seen taking out the trash and typically arrives on campus hours before his shift.

Officer Kelley hasn’t jumped out of a plane since his time in the service. These days in his free time he plays basketball and puts together puzzles. “I like the 3,000 piece ones,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of patience.” He also spends times with his five children and 13 grandkids.

Erin Angeli adds, “The Seminary’s equivalent to hollering ‘Honey, I'm home!’ is waving to Mr. Kelley as you drive onto campus.”

 

For eight years Officer Bill Kelley has been “everyone’s grandpa” on campus. Because of his initiative in actively caring for all and pitching in wherever he sees a need, Officer Kelley recently won the Seminary’s Calian Prize. This award is given to an exemplary member of the Pittsburgh Seminary community who demonstrates excellence in carrying out responsibilities and volunteer assignments and also expresses a caring spirit of good will and hope essential in life together as a community. The award is given in recognition that all members of the community are an important part of the success of the Seminary.

“To me, Mr. Kelley takes the place of the family that I miss so much back home,” says M.Div. student Erin Angeli. “He's my daily check-in. He knows who you are and he makes sure that you know you are valuable. Mr. Kelley always makes me feel like I'm tough enough to be here, like I can handle everything. He reminds me to make sure I sleep. He believes in me—really in all of the students—and that's what makes him family.”

Officer Kelley has served as a guard for 15 years. Prior to working in this position, he served as a brick layer and for two decades in the United States Army, from which he retired in 1989 as a platoon sergeant. Though Officer Kelley spent most of than 20 years with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, in North Carolina, he also traveled around the world. “Germany was my favorite place,” he says. “It was cold, but what a beautiful country.”

Asked about why he wanted to work in security, Officer Kelley said, “It’s something to do. They told me when I retired from the Army that I would keel over if I didn’t have something to do.” Plus, Officer Kelley likes the work and loves the Seminary. “I help out anybody when they’re here and do whatever I need to do.” He’s often seen taking out the trash and typically arrives on campus hours before his shift.

Officer Kelley hasn’t jumped out of a plane since his time in the service. These days in his free time he plays basketball and puts together puzzles. “I like the 3,000 piece ones,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of patience.” He also spends times with his five children and 13 grandkids.

Erin Angeli adds, “The Seminary’s equivalent to hollering ‘Honey, I'm home!’ is waving to Mr. Kelley as you drive onto campus.”