Westmont President Honored with Beebe Plaza

Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe and first lady Pam Beebe were recognized Sept. 28 at Spring Arbor University (SAU) in Michigan at the dedication of a new plaza on their campus named in their honor. Beebe Plaza recognizes and celebrates his seven-year tenure as SAU president (2000-2007), citing his “innovative and entrepreneurial leadership coupled with a servant’s heart.”

“During my time at Spring Arbor, we enjoyed a period of historic growth, raising money for a variety of projects, programs and scholarships,” Beebe says. “We nearly doubled the enrollment to 4,000 students, constructed 15 new buildings and remodeled 11 others. It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized for this work, and I’m delighted that Pam and I were able to attend the ceremony and reflect on my time there.”

SAU alumni and supporters gathered at the ceremony during their Homecoming activities to celebrate Beebe’s leadership and overall contribution to Christian higher education.

Brent Ellis, SAU president, read the plaque at the ceremony: “Dr. and Mrs. Beebe led the institution in its transition from college to university status and changed the landscape of the Spring Arbor campus through the Concept of Promise campaign. Their tenure was marked by significant enrollment growth, community engagement and commitment to the Spring Arbor University concept.”

“I was totally motivated by the Spring Arbor University concept, which was so close to what my own life is committed to,” Beebe said. “It was easy to get up every day motivated. I often think your vision has to exceed the inconvenience of the job. The job is hard, but it’s so worth doing because the vision was so great.”

“People come alongside, and they get involved in projects where they see passion and vision, and President Beebe did that extremely well,” Ellis said.

The Westmont community was proud to see Dr. Beebe at SAU and joins them in celebrating the new Beebe Plaza.