
Robbin D. Crabtree, dean of the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (BCLA), was recently honored with the Patriotic Employer Award in recognition of her continual support for Father Reedy’s work as a chaplain to the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The award is given by the Employer Support Group of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program.
Reedy, S.J., a clinical assistant professor of philosophy in BCLA and member of the LMU Jesuit Community, nominated Dean Crabtree for this award. “Not only did Dean Crabtree support my emergency activation in 2020 to the Destroyer Squadron 21 in San Diego during the height of COVID, as well as my day-to-day ministerial work with the marines of Camp Pendleton, but she is also supportive of my upcoming mission to Africa,” said Reedy.
Next academic year, Father Reedy will be deploying to Djibouti, a country on the Horn of Africa, to minister to the sailors and marines stationed there and support the local Catholic Diocese through community service projects in the region. “When I heard reports of many of my colleagues struggling to gain permission from their respective employers, I became aware of how very fortunate I am that not only does Dean Crabtree have my back and support my mission, but she understands my service in Africa as an extension of my work with LMU,” said Reedy.
The Patriotic Employer Award reflects the high level of good will and adaptability shown by leaders, like Dean Crabtree, which are critically important to the National Guard and Reserve’s ability to retain highly skilled and qualified members. Father Reedy personally presented the award to Dean Crabtree at an appreciation dinner held at the LMU Jesuit Residence. “I feel honored and deeply moved by this recognition. Mostly I am incredibly proud of Father Reedy and all the ways he distinguishes himself through his teaching, scholarship, loyalty, and service,” said Dean Crabtree.