Propped up on Bill Casey’s desk is his Master Editor-Publisher plaque, beckoning for a more deserving spot on the wall. Next to this award rests another one of his neglected accolades.

As The Daily Iowan publisher settles into his new office in the Adler Building after relocating there in late spring, his walls still remain barren.

“I’ve never been one to hang plaques up,” remarked the 54-year-old.

The other plaque situated next to his Master Editor-Publisher one is the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa Newspaper Association in 2003. He jokes that he’s “gotten all the awards you can get in Iowa.”

After his friend and colleague Vanessa Shelton nominated him, Casey was presented with the Master Editor-Publisher award from the Iowa Press Association on February 4, 2005. The annual honor recognizes Iowa publishers who fit a range of criteria, including excellent work and longevity in their field.

“He’s just as accomplished, if not more than the other nominees,” Shelton said. “The standards for them are at such a level that a lot of people would not be eligible.”

Reaching his 30th anniversary at the student run newspaper, Casey is still as humble as he was at the beginning of his career.

“I wasn’t expecting to win. It was very nice,” Casey said. “I think if you stay around long enough, people give you awards.”

The father-of-two celebrated his award with family and friends and received an outpouring of congratulations from people across Iowa including former employees and his peers.

However, Casey got misty eyed when he said he was most grateful that his 84-year-old mother was able to witness it all.

“It was nice to have her alive,” he said.

While he started as a DI truck driver in 1972, the UI graduate quickly worked his way up to circulation manager, and shortly afterwards was able to elevate his position to the one he currently commands.

One way Casey has been able to maintain the level of nationally praised journalism at the DI is through a scholarship program aimed toward incoming freshmen who pledge to work at the paper over their four years at the university.

Created in the late 1980s, Casey said the DI scholarship, which is annually granted to four recipients, not only helps fund the students’ education, but it also makes the publication stronger because it attracts “bright kids.”

Casey accredits the students with making the DI so successful.

“We have great students here,” he said, noting that the DI’s reputation trickles down to newcomers. “Someone here before you did a good job, and you don’t want to let them down.”

Shelton – a member of the Student Publication Inc. Board for the DI – describes Casey as “a big teddy bear” who is intelligent, patient and easy-going.

“He’s running this newspaper, and it can’t function at the level that it does without being a successful business,” Shelton said.

As for retirement, Casey doesn’t seem to be in any rush.

“No two days are the same, and that’s kind of fun,” Casey said. “I love my job, so I don’t see any reason to leave."