David J. Beck Awards
Faculty
David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award
The David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award was established through a gift from Lamar University Distinguished Alumnus David J. Beck. The teaching excellence fund provides Lamar University the opportunity to honor and reward one faculty member each calendar year who excels as a teacher or otherwise brings significant honor to the University through innovative instructional pedagogy.
Students
David J. Beck Fellowship
The David J. Beck Fellowships reward outstanding academic achievement and allow top students to further challenge themselves with unique opportunities for undergraduate research and creative study. Fellows receive full academic scholarships covering all tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board. They will also get funding for a summer project, which may entail research, an internship or international study.
About David J. Beck
Through a generous gift to the Lamar University Foundation, David J. Beck established the teaching excellence award and undergraduate fellowships for students with high academic performance in any discipline.
Beck, who has been recognized by several publications as one of the top lawyers in the state, region and nation, is a founding partner of Beck Redden in Houston, a premier litigation boutique firm. He has served as president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Association of Defense Counsel and the State Bar of Texas.
A 1961 Lamar University graduate and distinguished alumnus, Beck has served as president of the Lamar University Foundation and a regent of the Lamar University System. A Port Arthur native whose father worked at a refinery and mother worked to raise five children, Beck credits the university with giving him the opportunity to attend college and gain a foundation for future success.