For many Tulane alumni, one name resonates above all others Bea Field. The Bea Field Alumni House stands as a tribute to her remarkable legacy. It welcomes alumni back to the university.
Bea Field, born Beatrice McMillan Field, graduated from Newcomb College in 1928. She later earned a master’s degree from Tulane in 1942. Bea dedicated her entire career to Tulane University.
Appointed assistant director of alumni services while still a student, she became the head of alumni activities in 1942. She served in that role for 34 years until her retirement in 1976. Alumni remembered her most because she was so active. People knew her for her amplified megaphone at football games.
Bea’s contributions extended far beyond campus. In 1954, she established the Tulane Educational Conference. Tulane faculty shared their research with alumni clubs in distant cities. For 22 years, it was one of the top alumni outreach programs in the country. Bea also created the Tulane Alumni Fund. This fund received national recognition.
Her innovation earned her national recognition. In 1964-1965, she was elected national chairman of the American Alumni Council. On campus, Tulane honored her. Presidents established the Beatrice Field Scholarship for needy students. The Tulane Student Senate created the Bea Field Alumni Relations award. It recognized students’ contributions to student-alumni relations.
After retirement, Bea continued to serve Tulane as a consultant. She compiled a historical fact book titled “Potpourri: An Assortment of Tulane’s People and Places.”
Known fondly as “Miss Tulane,” Bea Field left an indelible mark. In 2011, Tulane officially renamed the Alumni House in her honor. A portrait of Bea hangs inside. Past presidents of the Alumni Association gifted it. It welcomes alumni to the Bea Field Alumni House.