Samford Alumnus and Health Care Advocate SUPPORTS NEW COMPLEX INITIATIVE

by Dakota Rice

John Beard, J.D., M.B.A. ’76, and his wife, Louise, are pillars of philanthropy in Alabama, and more personally, Samford. Over the years, the Beards have supported numerous initiatives on campus, with their passion being the health and well-being of Samford students.

Beard’s time at Samford helped him form a successful career, and it also impacted his personal life. One of his law school classmates introduced him to Louise, and the two have been married for 46 years. “My connections and time at Samford set both my business career and personal life on a positive lifetime path,” he said.

Beard’s family became involved with health care when his father founded a home health agency. There was a need in the community for in-home, skilled nursing professionals for Birmingham’s senior population. The agency was called Alacare Home Health Services, and Beard served as its chairman and president from 1976 until 2019. Beard and Alacare have a long history of contributing to nursing school initiatives across the state.

After years of supporting nursing and health care efforts at Samford, they jumped at the chance to support Samford’s newest wellness initiative. “The new Campus Recreation, Wellness and Athletic Complex at Samford will make significant contributions to the health of students, faculty and staff as well as the overall college experience at Samford,” said Beard. “As expected, the nursing school and its students are involved in the health care of their campus and their community. We are honored to support these activities.”

The generous gift from the Beards will support the university’s efforts to see all Samford students flourish in the pursuit of health, happiness and knowledge. Gifts of all levels make an impact in the effort to build this new complex, and Samford is grateful for faithful advocates and friends like the Beards. ◗

For more information about the Campus Recreation, Wellness and Athletic Complex, scan the QR code. samford.edu/go/recreation