In Memoriam: Walter E. Beach

November 2006: With great sadness, APSA reports the death of Walter Eggert Beach.  Walter was an enthusiastic citizen of political science and of public life, a benefactor to many, and a friend to all.  He served in many leadership roles on the APSA staff for 15 years and as an active member of the Association for many more.  Through his generosity and that of his many friends and colleagues, APSA established the Walter E. Beach Travel Fund to provide travel grants to junior scholars and graduate students attending the APSA Annual Meeting.

Dr. Beach was 72, and had recently been in declining health.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 25, at 2:00 pm at the Cosmos Club, 2121 Mass. Ave., NW  Washington DC.

In 1998, APSA recognized Walter's contributions by awarding him the Association's Goodnow Award, whose citation below is a fitting testimony in his memory.
 
Michael Brintnall
APSA Executive Director
 

1998 Goodnow Award Citiation

WALTER E. BEACH

Dedicated to the health and welfare of the political science profession and its sustaining organizations, Walter Beach was instrumental in the development of the early international activities of the American Political Science Association, directed the Congressional Fellowship Program and served as editor of PS: Political Science and Politics during his fifteen years with the Association. He played a significant role in the development of the Southern Political Science Association and has sustained the activity of the National Capital Area Political Science Association through his work as its secretary treasurer for more than twenty five years. Beach's commitment to the diffusion of scholarly work continued through his time at the Brookings Institution and his years directing Heldref Publications.

Beach thinks globally and acts locally. Many organizations headquartered in the nation's capital, like the International Eye Foundation and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, have been strengthened by his leadership. His commitment to higher education is evidenced by his years of service as a trustee of Dickinson College, his alma mater, a trustee of Mount Vernon College, and a board member for the Washington Center. Numerous local efforts, ranging from political campaigns to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, have been bolstered by his participation. Beach's continued dedication to the health of the APSA is exemplified by his service as chair and member of the Kirkpatrick Fund Board and member of the Endowments Committee.