Class of 1961

Dad’s Association Scholarship Recipient and Donor

The Dads Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (“Illini Dads”) is proud of its 100+ year service to the students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Established in 1922, we are the oldest known Parent Association in the US. During this time, the Illini Dad’s Association has donated >$1M in grants and scholarships benefitting our students and affecting generations.

Scholarship Legacy

It’s exciting to hear of the gratitude from past scholarship recipients that have paid it forward to the next generations of students. Mary Beastall attended the University of Illinois from 1957-1961 and was a Dad’s Association Scholarship Recipient for 1958, 1959 and 1960. This came at a critical time and a real need as her father became ill and couldn’t always work.

Mary graduated UIUC in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She also completed her UIUC Masters in Education in 1971. She taught over eight years at five different school districts, Champaign, Evanston, LaGrange, and a year in Petaluma, California, and also Louisville, Kentucky.

Paying Forward

In 1979, Mary was employed in the University of Illinois Systems Offices and soon served on 2 boards at the University YMCA: Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, where they also provided scholarships to students. Mary always appreciated the Illini Dad’s Association for their support for students especially with the scholarships. Soon thereafter, she felt privileged to also participate in the scholarship application process and help other UIUC students financially.

Today

Today, Mary is retired having worked 25 years at the University from 1979-2004 in Human Resources and Nondiscrimination. She has seen the University of Illinois grow statewide and proud of the continued support to our UIUC students. Mary is excited about the Illini Dads Centennial Plaza and has donated a brick in honor of her father and family. She also provided a small gift to the Illini Dad’s Association to continue paying forward to our beloved UIUC students.