North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Bids Adieu to Athletics Department Pillar
1/31/2008 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
BY JIM WHITE
RALEIGH, N.C. They say God puts some people on this earth to just make it more bearable for the rest of us. That seems to describe Libby Frederick, who retires today from full-time service after nearly four decades in the NC State athletics department.
She's always the first to think of the needs of others. Whether organizing birthday mini-parties in the office copy room, sending flowers on behalf of athletics director Lee Fowler and the department for a funeral or hospitalization, or ensuring someone’s payroll problem is solved in time, she always cares deeply about the staff members. And she always works with a humble spirit, deflecting credit.
She is a person respected and loved by her coworkers, the athletics directors she has worked for, student-athletes, and those in the Wolfpack Nation who have had an opportunity to meet or interact with her. On her final day as a full-time member of the staff, Frederick reflects on her time at NC State.
Q. Which athletics directors did you work for? Willis Casey, Jim Valvano, Dr. Hal Hopfenberg (Interim AD), Todd Turner, Les Robinson and Lee Fowler.
Q. How did you first get your job? I had a applied for work at NC State and there happened to be an opening in the athletics department assisting in the AD’s office. I was a cheerleader in high school, so I had been around athletics, and attended State games with my husband, Charles. I remember watching David Thompson play as a freshman in Reynolds and the great crowds that came to see him play. So I was excited about the opportunity to join the department.
Q. What are some of the things you liked most about your job? I always enjoyed helping people and my job allowed me to do that. I handled the documentation for all new hires and enjoyed making our new coaches and staff members feel welcome. I also liked the interaction with the people who contacted or visited the director’s office. I wanted to help create a warm and friendly atmosphere. Also, I especially liked the upbeat environment in athletics. Losing can be hard, but the staff is enthusiastic and enjoys its work and being part of the Wolfpack team. And they are passionate about what they do. I don’t think you have that as much in a corporate setting. It’s just more personal here; and caring. Our staff has always reached out to those in our department who were going through difficult times themselves or within their families. I remember the support and encouragement I received when I fought cancer in 1992. Coach Yow and others were there during the toughest and darkest days and God brought me through it.
Q. Your faith has been a big part of your life hasn’t it? My Christian faith has always been important to me. It’s meant a lot to have colleagues who shared that faith.
Q. Any plans? I hope to get involved in some ministry, maybe at my church, Garner United Methodist. I hope to spend more time with our two granddaughters and I’d like to come back and help in the AD office part time. Coach Fowler has invited me to do that.
Q. Any other thoughts? I’ve made so many wonderful friendships here and have a special bond with my “classmates,” who are now all retired: Ina Wiggins, Beverly Sparks, Carolyn Stuart, Caffie Darden and Peggy Myers. I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Wolfpack athletics family. I’ve been so blessed through the years.
