Development & Alumni
Award Established to Honor Faculty/Staff Achievement in Nursing Profession
The Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Award has been established by Kimberly M. Kennedy in memory of her mother, a loyal friend and devoted supporter of Penn State Altoona. The award honors and recognizes outstanding achievement by a faculty member and staff member of Penn State Altoona who represent the field of nursing.
Kennedy said the award celebrates her mother's commitment to higher education and the nursing profession. Barbara Long Beck was previously married to the late Theodore J. Long, whose gift to Penn State Altoona established five annual awards that recognize faculty and staff for significant professional accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of the college.
"Barbara Long Beck was not only my mother but she was my best friend, so when she passed away unexpectedly in May, choosing what to do to memorialize her was an easy decision," Kennedy explains. "Penn State Altoona has always meant a lot to her. However, her appreciation for the University grew when she met and married Theodore J. Long. My mother and Ted attended many functions together, including the banquets to recognize the outstanding dedication of staff and faculty."
"When Ted passed away, my mother continued on with the legacy he left here at Penn State Altoona, and now my wish is to continue with my mother's legacy. Ted and my mother both recognized that staff and faculty are critical assets because quality staff and faculty directly impact the students, community, and future of the University. I look forward to being a part of recognizing these individuals and awarding them a small token of our appreciation for going above and beyond what is expected of them, in my mother's memory."