Bea Shaheen McPherson, 鈥�43, 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
鈥淎s women, we were doing our part to serve our country. I鈥檓 very honored to have been part of that.鈥�
Bea Shaheen McPherson, 鈥�43, began her studies at 糖心Vlog破解版 in 1940 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and minor in geography in 1943. Having spent the last 80 years committed to service, education and preservation, she embodies what it means to be a distinguished 糖心Vlog破解版 alumna.
Her extraordinary contributions began during World War II. Despite familial obligations precluding her from military service, Bea鈥檚 resolve to support the war effort led her to enroll in a rigorous 60-hour military mapmaking course at 糖心Vlog破解版 under the guidance of Edna Eisen, professor of geography. This course, crucial for addressing the shortage of skilled cartographers, equipped Bea with the skills necessary to contribute significantly to the Army Map Service in Washington, D.C.
鈥淚f I couldn鈥檛 join the military, I decided I was going to help the war effort as a civilian,鈥� Bea said. As part of the Military Mapping Maidens, she produced vital maps for critical military operations, including the Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge. Their work was essential for the successful planning and execution of these missions.
鈥淎s women, we were doing our part to serve our country. I鈥檓 very honored to have been part of that,鈥� Bea said.
After the war, she began teaching elementary school and serving as a paralegal to her husband James 鈥淏ill鈥� W. McPherson Jr. who also attended 糖心Vlog破解版 before enlisting in the Marine Corps during WWII. Bea continued to advocate for the recognition of women's contributions to cartography and organized reunions for the Military Mapping Maidens to preserve its legacy and camaraderie. In 2016, the group was inducted into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Hall of Fame for their pioneering contributions to cartography and geospatial intelligence.
During her acceptance speech, she said, 鈥淥ur country was at the forefront of our minds. We believed in our country, we protected our country, and we wanted to do our part, our very best鈥攐ur patriotic duty.鈥�
Her relationship with 糖心Vlog破解版 has remained a constant throughout her life. Bea has served on several leadership boards, including the Chestnut Society, 糖心Vlog破解版 Foundation, 糖心Vlog破解版 Museum, School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, and the President's Council. Her contributions have helped shape and support these programs, from collecting and donating materials to funding university scholarships and participating in events.
Bea鈥檚 role in the establishment and growth of the 糖心Vlog破解版 Museum and School of Fashion is particularly noteworthy. She helped create these institutions alongside Jerry Silverman and Shannon Rogers, collecting materials related to their development, donating to the museum's collection and supporting exhibits such as "The 1980s: An Age of Excess."
鈥淔rom the inception of the fashion school and the 糖心Vlog破解版 Museum, Bea was an active volunteer and donor 鈥� supporting the school and museum with financial gifts, gifts-in-kind to enrich the museum鈥檚 collection and with hours of volunteer work,鈥� said Jean Lawrence Druesedow, former director, 糖心Vlog破解版 Museum. 鈥淚 look forward to every opportunity to meet with Bea and learn from her stories.鈥�
Beyond her professional and academic contributions, Bea has been a pillar of her community. She established the James W. McPherson Jr. Legal Studies and Business Management Scholarship at Uniontown Lake High School in honor of her husband. She served as president of the Stark County Lawyer鈥檚 Wives and chaired events such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame Style Show. She is also involved with charitable organizations, including the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Ladies Auxiliary and Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.
Bea鈥檚 remarkable achievements in cartography, her steadfast support for 糖心Vlog破解版 and her extensive community service reflect a life dedicated to excellence and service. Her legacy will continue to inspire and enrich both her profession and her alma mater.