March 27, 2000 Purdue president honored by athletic departmentWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has seen to it that the impact university President Steven Beering and his wife, Jane, have had on the school is remembered long after their term as the university's 'first couple' ends. Athletic Director Morgan Burke says his office sought and received permission from the Purdue Board of Trustees to rename North Russell Street, which runs from Stadium Avenue to Cherry Lane, as 'Steven C. Beering Drive'. "Steve Beering has always extended an open hand to the athletic programs at Purdue and recognized them as an integral part of the university," Burke said. "We felt that renaming a street that essentially connects the academic portion of the West Lafayette campus to many of its athletic facilities was a very appropriate way to honor his support of our programs. The new signage reflecting the change appeared this week. The athletic department has also decided to name its academic support offices for athletes the 'Jane P. Beering Academic Learning Center for Student Athletes', effective immediately. "Jane has always been interested in the total student athlete," Burke explained. "She's traveled with some of our teams and understands the commitment it takes to compete on this level and still perform optimally in the classroom. It's very fitting to have her name on the door of the Learning Center in the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility." Beering, who has been Purdue's president since 1983, has announced plans to relinquish the presidency on July 1. However, at the board of trustee's request, he will serve beyond that date if the new president is not ready to take office. Sources: Morgan Burke, (765) 494-3189, mjb@purdue.edu Writer: Sharon A. Bowker, (765) 494-9723, sbowker@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page
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