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Building named for Beardsley

Posted April 23, 2009, at 7:35 p.m.

BANGOR, Maine — The Husson University board of trustees has decided to name the university’s newest building in honor of William H. Beardsley, its outgoing president.

The trustees’ unanimous vote to honor the university’s president by naming the Meeting House after Beardsley came during their spring meeting earlier this week.

The official grand opening and naming ceremony for the Beardsley Meeting House will be held during the school’s homecoming weekend, Oct. 16-18.

“This is a wonderful honor and I am deeply touched,” said Beardsley, who earlier this year announced his plan to step down at the end of December.

For trustees, the decision was a no-brainer.

“As everyone knows, Bill’s impact on Husson’s success over the past 20 years is immeasurable” said Arthur D. Fuller, board chairman.

“As his 22-year tenure comes to a close, we think that making his name a permanent part of our campus is a well-deserved recognition of his personal and professional contribution to the community and to Husson University,” Fuller said.

The 55,000-square-foot Meeting House, a name Beardsley chose to signify a central “meeting place” on campus, is a place where students, faculty and staff, alumni and the broader community can gather for university and cultural events.

The facility consists of the School of Science and Humanities, the alumni and administrative complex and the 500-seat Gracie Theatre.