Distinguished Alumni 2006: Stanley H. Beck

Stanley H. Beck

BS, Pharmacy, Purdue University, 1955
MBA, University of Chicago, 1965

Retired, Vice President of Marketing, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL

Stan Beck is a native of Lebanon, Indiana. He received his BS in Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1955. During his years at Purdue, Mr. Beck was an active member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club representing the University at numerous venues. He also was a member of Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Upsilon, Kappa Psi, and Sigma Pi. Stan gained a taste of the pharmaceutical industry by working part-time for Lafayette Pharmacal while a student at Purdue.

Following graduation in 1955, Mr. Beck accepted a Research Pharmacist position with Abbott Laboratories. It was the only research position open in the country at that time. Dr. Glen Sperandio recommended Stan for the job. During his 41 year tenure at Abbott Laboratories, Mr. Beck was involved with various aspects of the company both in research and marketing. In addition to receiving a patent for an improved heparin injection, Stan was involved with formulations for Hytrin, Abbokinase, Cylert, Erythromycin, and Vi-Daylin. Mr. Beck was selected as the first candidate in a new Executive Training Program which Abbott implemented in 1957, where he experienced all major areas of manufacturing, packaging, production planning, marketing and field sales.

After completing the program, Stan became the Manager of Sales Promotion and later the Vice President for Marketing where he managed many new products for Abbott. In the last few years before he retired, he served as Director of Global Reimbursement which was the only position of its kind in the industry. He had to correlate reimbursement regulations as they pertained to diagnostic equipment. He served not only Abbott but advised many other companies as well.

During a portion of his time with Abbott, Mr. Beck also worked part-time at several local pharmacies. Stan went to night school for six years at the University of Chicago, receiving his MBA in 1965. Stan and his wife, Charlotte enjoyed golf, boating watching their son Jeff at racing events and family trips to their cabin in Northern Illinois.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Beck returned home to Lebanon, with his wife, Charlotte. Mr. Beck's impetus to return to Lebanon was predicated through a desire to give back to a community loved by both he and his wife. The Becks have spearheaded programs to help redevelop the downtown area by rehabilitating a major Lebanon business building, and open a downtown deli-restaurant. Stan and Charlotte are major contributors to Witham Hospital and a new community center, developing and managing a "Keep Lebanon Beautiful" program.

Stan and Charlotte are members of the Rolls Royce Owners Club and often take short trips with their friends in the club. They also enjoy spending time with their three children, Jeffrey, Nicole and Cheryl as well as their two granddaughters, Sarah and Jennifer.