“Whenever The University of Akron names a location on campus after an individual, it is a special honor,” said Chand Midha, Ph.D., dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. “It is an affirmation by University leaders that they hold in high regard the person for whom the location is being named.”
Dr. William H. Beyer (right), retired UA professor and administrator, stands with his wife, Delores, in front of the conference room that bears his name. Joining the couple is Dr. Chand Midha, dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, who spoke at the celebration.
Such was the case June 24, when family and friends joined William H. Beyer, Ph.D., in the Arts and Sciences building to celebrate the official dedication of the Dr. William Beyer Conference Room. Naming the meeting space for Beyer, explained Midha as he addressed the group, demonstrates how much the University and the College continue to value Beyer’s longtime service to UA.
A 1952 alumnus, Beyer dedicated nearly his entire professional career to the University. After serving three years as an assistant professor in the Mathematics Department at Virginia Tech, he returned to his alma mater in 1961 as a math and statistics professor. Later, he held a number of high-level administrative roles, including head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, associate dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, and associate vice president-administrative support for UA’s Department of Business and Finance.
Along with his wife of more than 55 years, Delores, Beyer also has made significant gifts to support student success at The University of Akron, such as establishing The William H. Beyer Statistics Scholarship and including The University of Akron in his estate plans through a charitable remainder unitrust. What’s more, the couple’s three children – Randall, Kimberly, and Kevin – all earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from UA.
“I am honored and humbled by today’s celebration,” said Beyer. “While I’m grateful for the recognition from the University and the College, I am equally appreciative of the University. My relationship with this institution began more than six decades ago, and I continue to believe that higher education is the best, surest way for anyone to realize their dreams.”