Pence announced the appointment of Lawrence “Sonny” Beck to the Purdue Board of Trustees. President of Beck’s Superior Hybrids in Atlanta, Indiana, Beck graduated from Purdue University with an undergraduate degree in Agronomy and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He received the GA Ross Award as the top male student in the University. Under his direction, Beck’s Superior Hybrids has focused on quality and service and has grown to become the largest family owned seed company in the United States. Beck has held a variety of leadership positions within the agriculture industry including President of the American Seed Trade Association, President of the Indiana Crop Improvement Association, Vice President of the Ag Alumni Seed Improvement Association, and member of the First Indiana State Department of Agriculture Advisory Council. An active and loyal supporter of Purdue University, Beck has served as a member of the Purdue Ag Advisory Council, the Purdue University Executive Council, Parents Council, and the FarmHouse Fraternity’s Scholarship and Foundation Boards.
“Sonny Beck is an extraordinary Hoosier whose character, business experience in the agriculture industry and commitment to excellence make him the perfect choice to serve on the Board of Trustees of Purdue University,” said Governor Pence.
The Governor expressed his deep gratitude to Keith Krach for his service to Purdue University, serving two full terms, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees. To ensure a smooth transition of his leadership as Chair, Mr. Krach will accept a new appointment, with the understanding that he will preside at the trustees’ next regularly-scheduled meeting in July. After that meeting, Mr. Krach will resign. His successor will be Lawrence “Sonny” Beck, whose three-year term will be effective upon the conclusion of the Board’s July meeting.
President and Chief Operating Officer of McDonald’s, Don Thompson, of Oakbrook, Illinois, has been reappointed to the Board to serve a three-year term effective July 1, 2013.
Kelsey Quin will serve as Student Trustee on the Board for a two-year term effective July 1, 2013. With a career goal of being a Pediatric Psychiatrist, Quin shows leadership inside and outside the classroom. Quin is on the Dean’s list with Semester Honors. Serving as a member of the Purdue Student Government, she was also selected to participate in the President’s leadership class. In 2011, Quin was named Indiana’s Distinguished Young Woman.