30th Anniversary History Book

Throughout the nation’s history, colleges and universities that have taken root and prospered have done so because of their “living” mission, their deeply held and animating raison d’être . Influential higher education communities are thus distinguished and recognized because of their special and enduring contribution to the public good. Nowhere is this axiom better manifested than on the campus of a small but growing college of just 30 years: Beacon College. Beacon’s enduring legacy is that of the first institution of higher education solely devoted to collegians with learning and attention issues (LAI) to be accredited regionally to award the baccalaureate degree. Dedicated people loyal to an abiding and singular vision and mission have provisioned the community’s journey to its 30th year milestone and to the reputational advantage the college now enjoys. Their vision: the creation of a competitive and rigorous liberal arts institution for bright and ambitious undergraduates who have unique learning profiles not well accommodated by American higher education, in general. The storyline of its founding, right through to its present and future is a compelling one waiting to be told. It is unmistakable when one enters the Beacon campus that something special is underway, although the well-maintained buildings and grounds evoke the traditions and purpose evidenced on any other noteworthy college or university across the nation. The “Beacon difference” is in the energy of the place, emanating from devotion to a common purpose, an unwavering commitment to robust (nation-leading) student outcomes, and the clear-eyed conviction of those in the community that our work is important and pioneering. There is an urgency in all that we do and for which we plan. We are pleased, as a gift from the community at this milestone moment, to share our history, what we have learned, how our distinct undergraduate model has evolved, and how we educate and serve today. Perhaps there is no better way to begin this exploration than by introducing our students. It is their stories that matter, and their aspirations that the college was founded to champion and for which to provide sure footing.

CELEBRATES 30 YEARS of the life abundant

Dr. George J. Hagerty, President Beacon College

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