30th Anniversary History Book

25 t h A n n i v e r s a r y F o u nd e r s Da y Ho n o r e e s

There is a phrase used by project managers when they are involved in initiatives that demand complex creation and problem solving. They say: “it’s like building a ship already in the water.” That is an appropriate summary of the many challenges faced by Dr. Debora Townley, who uprooted her family to come to Beacon College in 1992 to aid in its preparation for academic accreditation. Beacon was a ship already in the water and moving forward quickly. Debora was instrumental in swiftly and flawlessly

reevaluating the college’s programs. She adjusted them to match the mission of the college, student needs, and the requirements of the accrediting body of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Debora began as the college’s director of admissions and soon became the first vice president of academic affairs. She led the college into multiple majors, new methods of student recruitment and retention, enhanced academic and career development support, field placement and academic mentoring.

Dr. Debora Townley

Eileen Marinakis first stepped onto the Beacon campus in 1992 as a parent searching for the right college for her son, Christopher. In 2014, as chair of Beacon’s Board of Trustees, she was at the frontline of Beacon’s efforts to define and build new opportunities for future generations of students with learning disabilities, ADHD and ASD. Eileen joined the board in 2007 and immediately became board secretary, gaining a new degree of appreciation of the challenges that Beacon faced. Driven by her belief in Beacon’s mission — and with the unwavering support of her husband, George —

Eileen was elected chair in 2011. Eileen brings the same energy, dedication and commitment to her role as board chair as she did to her successful career in nursing education and as an advanced practice nurse in clinical nursing practice. Eileen led the Board of Trustees during the 2012 presidential search resulting in the hiring of Dr. George J. Hagerty, celebrated the dedication of Beacon’s first all new building, Beacon Hall, and helped engineer the future direction of the college. Under her leadership, Beacon also made significant strides in increasing enrollment and enhancing its national reputation.

Eileen Marinakis

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