Dick Beekman wears many hats.
He is a double major in history and political science, an honor student, student body president, intern, friend and veteran.
With many hats comes many opportunities, and his duties are plentiful. As he grows in his passion for his studies, plans his future and represents UNC Charlotte students, he moves forward with optimism while growing in character, all with good humor and high spirits.
Not to mention a cup or two of coffee doesn’t hurt; Beekman has a Keurig prominently displayed on a bookshelf in his student government office, along with other snacks.
“When I won the election for student body president, my parents gave me a Keurig,” said Beekman. “Sure enough, it comes in handy quite often.”
Every sip of coffee helps. Beekman is constantly busy, especially with his responsibilities at UNC Charlotte. Before he ever became student body president, he was involved with student government as freshman class president. He then shifted over to the student senate where he served as president pro tempore.
In each one of these roles, his responsibilities increased, and with it, doors opened for growth, change and advocacy with the University administration. Through his time in student government, he has put an emphasis on outreach and connecting with students in order to understand what's important to them, what their concerns are, what they think the University is doing well and what they think the University can improve. Beekman has greater opportunities to do so as student body president.
“It was a conversation between Gabi Hitchcock, my vice president, and me,” he explained. “We got together and had a long talk about our vision for the school, what we hope to advocate for and what issues we hope to address. This position offers a lot of opportunities to engage in those discussions regarding what we'd like to see change around the University.”
As student body president, Beekman acts as a voice for students when discussing issues and policies with school administrators, finding ways University policies can benefit students. Essentially, Beekman serves as part of the advocacy group for the student body, a duty he’s invested in and passionate about. As part of that role, he actively initiates student outreach, listening and searching for a solution to their concerns.
In addition to sending out polls and surveys, he intently looks at trends in the responses along with anecdotal stories from other students. Even still, students trust Beekman and come directly to him with their concerns.
“Many students are proactively approaching me with issues they’re facing,” said Beekman. “It can be very specific to those individual students, but if I notice a larger growing trend, it can be an indicator to mention to the University and resolve the recurring issue.”
Collecting important feedback isn’t without its creativity. The solution to reaching even more students? Beekman calls it a cookie with a complaint. He and his team set up tables around the University with trays of cookies from Subway. If a student wanted a cookie, all they had to do was tell them something that concerned them about the University.
Beekman has continued to grow through the process, accepting the challenges and rewards that are earned through hard work.
“When you have a student that's brought you an issue, and you're able to do something on their behalf, and you're able to help, I’d say that’s the most rewarding feeling in the world,” Beekman continued. “Even if you're not changing the world overnight, you're doing something to create positive change in somebody's life.”
Beekman gives credit to the student body for their support, even when a solution can’t be reached.
“They're very understanding and appreciative that I was taking time out to try to advocate on their behalf regardless of the outcome,” said Beekman. “So while it can be difficult for me when I can’t give students the answer they were hoping for, they’re support is appreciated.”
As for Beekman, his life as a student is full. He works at an internship, goes to class and has homework, just like every other student. This summer, he’s taking four classes and is preparing for the next chapter in his life, which includes applying to law school and studying for the LSAT. Some of his favorite spots on campus are Crown Commons, the Veteran’s Lounge and an underrated study spot, the Student Organization Resource Center located in the Popp Martin Student Union.
With everything that Beekman balances in his life, he strives to stay healthy in many different ways, such as checking in with Center for Counseling and Psychological Services for mental health and making sure he eats well, exercises and gets enough sleep when he can.
No two days look the same for Beekman, but his passion always remains the same: helping students get the best out of their experience and time at UNC Charlotte, resulting in the betterment of their future.
“There's a saying if you love what you do, you never work a day. I'm very fortunate that I'm able to avoid a lot of burnout, just from the fact that I love this job. And I love this position and advocating for UNC Charlotte students.”