Floyd A. Beams Retires
After 28 years of outstanding service to the department, Professor Floyd A. Beams has retired. He and his wife, Thais remain in Blacksburg. On May 20, 1995, over fifty faculty, family, alumni and friends gathered to recognize Floyd. After a surprise reception and dinner in Hillcrest Dining, several presentations were made to Professor Beams. Larry Killough returned an old tobacco tin and Gene Seago returned an old pipe to Floyd. Then Konrad Kubin presented Floyd with a book that contained 107 letters from students, alumni, and friends. Gene Seago presented Floyd with a print of Burrus Hall that had been signed by all current faculty and staff. Bob Brown and Larry Killough presented Floyd with a rocking chair with the Virginia Tech seal. The chair was a gift from the faculty.
At the conclusion of the event, Wayne Leininger announced the establishment of the Floyd A. Beams Accounting Scholarship. He indicated 75 alumni and friends had contributed over $31,000 to endow the scholarship in recognition of the many contributions Professor Beams had made to our department.
Floyd was surprised and pleased to have the opportunity to visit with the many guests who attended. He was especially pleased to have five of his Ph.D. students return. He expressed his deep appreciation for the letters and other gifts. As a faculty member who kept students welfare as his top priority, he was especially pleased to learn about the scholarship.
Speaking for the faculty, Wayne Leininger said, "Floyd Beams has done it all as a member of our academic community. His Advanced Accounting textbook, now in the sixth edition, his publications and continuing education courses have brought recognition to our department. He has been a great friend and advocate for our students. Finally, Floyd has had a tremendous influence on the structure of our curriculum. Floyd has been a leader in all three of our programs. We will miss him, but have greatly benefitted from his membership in our community."
