The Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Association of Bates College recently selected Ted Beal to receive the Stella James Distinguished Service Award for his pivotal role in diversifying the college’s community. The award is presented to individuals who have shown exceptional support and allyship for minority students, profoundly enhancing the quality of student life at Bates. His instrumental efforts in engaging with prospective students played a crucial role in attracting Black students to Bates during a transformative period in the college’s history, 

Ted graduated from Bates in 1964. A long-time teacher, coach and athletic director at Neptune High School in Neptune, New Jersey, he played an important role beginning in the 1970s encouraging minority students to enroll at Bates, one of the nation’s top small liberal arts colleges. 

While Ted was not able to be present for the presentation he was represented by his wife Karen, daughter Katherine Haynes, granddaughter Kristen Haynes and brother-in-law Erik Bertelsen. Ted and his family are longtime summer residents of Boothbay Harbor.