Bob Casey and The University of Scranton seem like a natural fit.
For starters, the Jesuit-educated Casey is one of the city’s most recognizable figures from a distinguished career in public service, and the University is the city’s flagship college.
However, the former U.S. Senator has countless other reasons to engage the young people who will help shape Scranton’s and the nation’s future — and it starts with his own past.
“I had a window into The University of Scranton very early in life,” Casey said.
His mother’s cousin, Rev. Henry Butler, S.J., worked for several years as the University’s director of student personnel. “Hank,” as he was known to Casey, died in 1981, just a few weeks into his tenure as the University’s executive vice president.
“He was a remarkable man and a really committed Jesuit,” Casey said.
Casey’s cousin, Bob McGrath ’68, was a star basketball player whose 31-point effort against Susquehanna in 1967 still dots the Royals’ record books. A young Casey was on campus for several basketball games, as well as for the awarding of honorary degrees to his parents, Robert P. Casey H’69 and Ellen H. Casey H’88. The Caseys’ family circle has included other recognizable University of Scranton names like College Football Hall of Fame coach Jack Harding, Casey’s mother’s uncle.
“I believe it’s critically important that young people are inspired and taught that, if you serve in public office, you have to do it ethically.”
— FORMER U.S. SENATOR BOB CASEY
Because of these foundational experiences, his career endeavors and the Jesuit education he and many family members received, Casey understands the gravity that comes with his role as the University’s Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service. The position, supported by Edward ’68 H’01 and Patricia Leahy, was created prior to the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
Casey doesn’t take his position lightly. And he’s often reminded of its purpose.
“When you walk into Brennan Hall, inscribed into the lobby is that passage from Luke 12:48: ‘Of those to whom much is given, much is expected,’” Casey said. “Meaning that, if you’re given opportunities in life, there’s an expectation that you give back. I think that’s consistent with Jesuit principles and Jesuit values, but also very consistent with what public service should be about. It should be an exercise in giving back, especially if you have the opportunity.”
During the fall semester, Casey spoke to more than 10 classes — sometimes more than once — across various academic disciplines, ranging from political science to accounting and areas in between, while also holding office hours and attending numerous University events.
“The students in my communications ethics class could hardly believe that a former U.S. Senator was standing in their classroom,” said Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media. “Sen. Casey used the opportunity to encourage them to consider careers in public service. After his visit, several of them told me that his inspirational talk had them thinking seriously about public service as a means of becoming ‘men and women for others.’”
Casey, who, like his father, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and College of the Holy Cross, is also putting his Catholic University law degree to work. In addition to working at the University, he is Of Counsel at Philadelphia law firm Dilworth Paxson.
Optimistic’ About A New Generation of Problem Solvers
Casey describes public service as an enriching pursuit in which one can learn about the community, the world and its people. He encourages all students, regardless of political learnings or personal beliefs, to advance the common good through ethical leadership.
“I believe it’s critically important that young people are inspired and taught that, if you serve in public office, you have to do it ethically,” Casey said. “You can have different points of view or a different philosophy, but everybody has to be ethical all the time. To earn the trust of the people … you have to be ethical and commit yourself to quality public service every single minute that you have the public trust.”
Casey served Pennsylvania from 1997-2005 as Auditor General, 2005-2007 as State Treasurer and 2007-2025 as a U.S. Senator. Known as an effective bipartisan legislator in the U.S. Senate, Casey authored and passed 99 pieces of legislation into law. He was especially instrumental in advancing the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
Casey understands public service is not at the forefront of many students’ minds as they pursue their degrees. But, if he could at least plant a seed now, it may bear fruit later.
“I’m learning a lot about a new generation … they are confronting challenges with fortitude and optimism and determination,” he said. “Young people make me very optimistic. I think the alumni of The University of Scranton, when they contribute and support the University, they are supporting a generation of students that is going to be prepared to lead, prepared to solve problems and prepared to move our democracy into a brighter future.
