Workin’ Obertime
   By Danielle Owen

To many new students, Randy Ober is just the guy who gave them a parking sticker during registration. To several returning students, he is much, much more. The self-described “most colorful character on campus” has been at Blackburn for a number of years. If you’re wondering exactly who Randy Ober is, Dennis Blanchard, the Director of Housing, can give you an interesting physical description of him. Blanchard said, “He’s definitely shorter, has salt and pepper hair, glasses and always wears a badge on his belt.” He went on to say that Ober is “clean-shaven-he’s got more hair in his ears than he does on his face.”

Dean of Students Heidi Heinz and Campus Center Director Steve Oberman agree with Ober’s self-assessment, adding that he is a “firecracker” and “always upbeat”. Heinz says, “Firecracker is a good word to describe him. He’s as colorful as a Fourth of July fireworks display.” Although he is known having such a striking personality, he also seems to be known for generally having a good attitude.

According to Oberman, “he’s basically just a nice guy. In spite of everything, he’s always upbeat.” He went on to say, “He’s very out for the students. He just wants to be a good staff member and help.” Randy Ober has been at Blackburn for 22 years, and has served as head of Campus Services and Security for many of them. In 1988, Ober saw a need to initiate a security crew, and soon had 12 to 15 students working as volunteers.

With the Board and dean of students, Heidi Heinz backing him, Campus Security became a department in 1990. Ober ran both departments until this past summer, when he decided that Security should be his focus, as it was taking up most of his time.

“It’s not fair to them [Campus Services],” Ober told President Pride, and she agreed. His initiative and honesty about the matter were no surprise to Heinz, who described him as a “straight-shooter with the patience of a saint”.

One of the determining factors for Ober’s decision was age. He is 54. “The older I got, the harder it was for me to take care of 86 people.” He adds, “I met myself coming and going.”

Ober has been known to go far above and beyond his job duties to “take care of” his students. “They’re what brings us and keeps us here,” he said. This attitude is evident to other staff members as well.

Steve Oberman said, “I think he’s here more than some students! He surely keeps the strangest hours of any staff.”
Ober has helped students with a wide range of issues, including car trouble and court appearances. Former student Ben Cessna can attest to Ober’s dedication to students.

He says, “I wanted to go home after I unlocked at 5 a.m. one morning. It was really cold, and my car wouldn’t start. I called Randy, and he was there immediately.”

Many people may wonder why he goes to such lengths. It seems that he would just like someone to do the same for him or his family. Ober says, “I’ve got four kids at home. I know if they went to school and needed help, I’d want someone to help them out. When mom and dad aren’t here, it’s this dad’s turn to step in and help out. Even if it’s not part of my job, I’ll do it.”

“Randy’s amazing” Campus Security Manager Zack Spaur says, “because everyday he comes in and helps someone out. He’s extraordinary everyday.” Ober is also known for his fairness. Dennis Blanchard told the ‘Burnian about his first encounter with Randy. “I was a freshman,” he said, “and I was trying to sell the school. I was putting a “For “Sale” sign in front of the Blackburn sign out front, and Randy pulled up. He was firm with me, but fair.”

Blanchard added, “Even though that was our first meeting, Randy never held it against me. He treated me well through the rest of my school years.” Randy Ober is also very involved in the Carlinville community, serving as a representative on the city council for several terms. He is active on the water, lake, and public safety committees.