2007 Knox Service Award Winners
Nancy Cane Beelman '58, Class Correspondent
One of the many ways Knox volunteers may give their time to the College is by serving as a class correspondent. Class correspondents gather news items from classmates and compile this information in a column for publication in Knox Magazine.
- Nancy Cane Beelman served Knox as the Class of 1958 Correspondent for more than four decades. As a result of the continued dedication of volunteers like Nancy, Class Notes is one of the most popular sections in Knox Magazine.
- Mondo Lopez '58 wrote that Nancy's column did much to maintain communication among classmates, preserve class unity, and contribute to the Knox community. He describes Nancy's column as the "thread that bound us to our beloved Knox College." Barbara Lee Fay '61 and others have referred to Nancy's unique writing style -- a style that made her column fun and interesting reading for alumni outside of the Class of 1958.
- Barbara mentions also Nancy's dedication to Pi Beta Phi, saying that she was a true example of a dedicated member of a Greek organization where values and commitment are encouraged on a daily basis.
- Outside of Knox, Nancy was the president of the Montana Watercolor Society and chaired a nationally acclaimed watermedia exhibition and workshop.
- She served on boards for the Missoula Children's Theatre, American Cancer Society Board, and Art Associates of Missoula.
Nancy passed away on April 9, 2003. Surviving family members include her husband, Dale Beelman; daughter, Clare Beelman '91; and son, Curtis Beelman '86.
The Montana Watercolor Society website features a message from Nancy. Her remarks include the following:
I was lucky. I had the best parents, husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends in the whole world. I was also blessed with the most loving pets in the animal kingdom. My friendships meant everything to me. I enjoyed giving laughter to others even at my own expense. It was an expense well spent. Remember I had a wonderful full life filled with Art and Fun. Smile for me and know that I am with those I love who have been waiting for me, as I shall be waiting for you. So long for a while . . .
Lynn E. Salier '56, Advancement Volunteer
The face of Lynn Salier is a familiar one -- on campus, at Chicago Knox Club events, and at Beta Theta Pi gatherings. His passion for Knox is evident in his willingness to remain actively involved in the Knox community.
- Lynn served as an at-large member of the Alumni Council for two terms.
- Lynn served on the very first Young Alumni Achievement Award Selection Committee. This committee work was especially meaningful for Lynn, who enjoyed a long career as a high school guidance counselor. He was very supportive of the Alumni Council's decision to add an award category recognizing the achievements of young alumni.
- As a guidance counselor for Township District 214, Lynn recommended countless students for admission to Knox College and has always been very willing to advise current students and young alumni on career development.
- He was a member of the Reunion Campaign Committee for the Class of 1956's 40th and 50th Reunions. The 50th Reunion Campaign Committee's work resulted in winning three awards for Reunion giving.
- As a new member of the Fifty Year Club (FYC), Lynn assisted Megan Clayton in her efforts to hold FYC events in the Chicago area.
- Lynn is a regular attendee of Chicago Knox Club events and, two years ago, became a member of the Chicago Knox Club Executive Board.
- He has been a key player in organizing local events for the Betas -- planning ball game outings and inviting the group to his home in Arlington Heights for cook-outs.
Lynn returns to campus for Homecoming and Commencement as often as possible and makes a special effort to visit with the current students living in the Beta house. Because of his ageless personality, natural optimism, and wonderful sense of humor, Lynn has never experienced the barrier often created by differences in age.
Dorothy Thomas Wharton '55, Advancement Volunteer
Two years ago, members of the Class of 1955 took the stage at Homecoming Convocation to receive awards for their Reunion giving campaign. One of the leaders of that effort was Dorothy Thomas Wharton, co-chair of the Reunion committee. Her leadership helped motivate class members to action and resulted in the Class of 1955 taking home honors for both the largest class gift and highest participation.
- In addition to her role as Reunion co-chair, Dorothy has served as the Class of 1955 correspondent since 1970. She shared the responsibility with Nancy Letcher Wetmore for a time and, in the 1980s, became the sole voice for the Class of 1955.
- Bob Burden '55 states that "Dorothy's news column is a major reason the Class of '55 feels so strong about Knox and the friendships that were made during that four year period of our lives."
- Dorothy and her husband, Bud, also Class of '55, have lived in Illinois, Alabama, and Florida. In each community, Dorothy has served as a volunteer. She sponsored a youth group on Chicago's South Side; volunteered at a well baby clinic; helped form the Brewton, Alabama, Council of the Arts; and volunteered at the Hibiscus Children's Center in Stuart, Florida.
- As a teacher in a small high school in Alabama, Dorothy spearheaded the establishment of a National Honor Society chapter. Dorothy retired after 25 years of teaching but not before the literary magazine she sponsored at Larkin High School won the Columbia Press Association's top rating.
- Dorothy remains active in Delta Delta Delta and has served as secretary of the local alumnae chapter.
- She is a member of the local Panhellenic Alumni Chapter and publicity chairman and now treasurer of the Treasure Coast Macintosh Users Group.
- She currently serves Knox as a member of the Alumni Achievement Award Selection Committee.
The late Pete Hosutt '55 joined Bob Burden in saying, "Dorothy Thomas Wharton is a beautiful testimony for Knox College and is most deserving of a Knox Service Award."