After a lifetime of service that demonstrates the courage of his convictions, Brigham Young University alumnus Raymond E. Beckham has earned the right to be called Mr. BYU — and is certainly an ideal choice to serve as the 2013 Homecoming Parade grand marshal with his wife Janette Hales Beckham.
The couple will lead the procession Saturday, Oct. 12 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Marriott Center east parking lot.
Among his accomplishments, Beckham was the first full-time BYU Alumni Association director. Fifty years ago he persuaded the university to develop the Aspen Grove family camp in Provo Canyon, and he was the first person to hold the title of BYU Sports Information director.
Additionally, Beckham co-founded the Cougar Club and was highly involved in the fundraising for the LaVell Edwards Stadium, the Marriott Center and the Smith Fieldhouse.
He earned a doctorate and served on the BYU faculty for more than two decades and snagged honor after honor: BYU Hall of Fame, Man of the Year, Presidential Medal and Alumni Distinguished Award, to name a few.
Janette Hales Beckham, also a BYU graduate, has led a life of notable service. She has served in the Utah State Legislature, been the general Young Women president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, participated on the Church’s Olympic Coordinating Committee and has been a chair of the Utah Valley State College Board of Trustees.
“We are delighted that Ray and Janette Beckham will serve as grand marshals at this year's Homecoming Parade,” said John C. Lewis, chair of the executive Homecoming committee. “Their contributions to BYU have been multiple and remarkable over many, many years. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Aspen Grove Family Camp this year, which Ray really made happen, it’s especially meaningful to honor the Beckhams in 2013.”
Writer: Charlene Winters
