Purdue News

June 15, 1990 Beck Honored As A Named Professor West Lafayette, Ind. – Professor Alan M. Beck of Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine has been named the first Dorothy N. McAllister Professor of Animal Ecology. Beck's appointment was confirmed Friday (6/15) by Purdue's Board of Trustees. McAllister is a longtime community benefactor and supporter of Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine. Her support has made possible development of McAllister Community Center and McAllister Park, as well as improvements to Lafayette's Columbian Park Zoo. In 1989 Lafayette Mayor James Richle presented a Marquis de Lafayette Award to her and posthumously to her husband, Alfred J., for their community efforts. Alfred McAllister, who was a Purdue trustee from 1955-58, died in 1982. "Dr. Alan Beck is one of the country's foremost authorities on the interaction of people and animals," Varro E. Tyler, Purdue executive vice president for academic affairs, said. "His expertise and studies should enhance this very important field, which has seen a growing interest by society and scientists." Beck is director of the Center for Applied Ethology and Human/Animal Interaction in Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine and professor of ecology, positions he has held since Jan. 1. The center was established to develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between people and animals. Studies are conducted on such issues as the bond between people and animals and the welfare of animals in a variety of environments such as the farm, home and zoos. Ethology is the study of animal behavior, and ecology is the science of the relationship between any living organism and its environment. Before coming to Purdue, Beck spent 10 years at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine as director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Soc ety, which he founded. While there, he also was associate professor of animal ecology. From 1974-79 he was director of animal programs for New York City's health department. In that capacity, he was instrumental in developing the Canine Clean-up Law, which requires all dog owners in New York City to clean up after their pets on public property. Beck is a nationally recognized authority on how people and animals interact. His studies of the ecological and public-health implications of dogs in Baltimore, St. Louis and New York City led to his writing the book, "The Ecology of Stray Dogs," believed to be the first on the role of dogs in urban settings. He is co-author of the book "Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship" and co-editor of the book "New Perspectives on our Lives with Companion Animals." He has published numerous articles and book chapters on humans' relationship with animals, animal welfare, the changing role of pets in society and other related subjects. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Beck received his bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, master's from California State University at Los Angeles and doctorate from The Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the American Society for the Advancement of Science and American Society of Mammalogists, and a founding board member of the Delta Society. The Delta Society is a not-for-profit organization that conducts educational, research and public-service activities to promote mutually beneficial relationshios between people and animals. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page