Dr. Curt Beechan, professor of chemistry, was recently recognized for 25 years of service at Sterling College at the annual Kick-Off Banquet.

“The department of natural sciences and mathematics is blessed to have a chemist like Dr. Beechan. He has had experience as an organic chemist in an industrial laboratory, conducted research that has been published, and taught at several other colleges. His knowledge brings depth and stability to the chemistry classes, and we are extremely grateful for his service,” said Dr. Gregory Kerr, vice president of academic affairs.

Beechan first heard of Sterling College in an advertisement in Chemical & Engineering News. The job was appealing to him because he enjoyed teaching, and Sterling offered a Christ-centered environment to incorporate his faith into the classroom.

“I enjoy teaching at Sterling because I have the freedom to teach as I want to teach; I can share my faith and integrate it into my chemistry lectures. I also enjoy getting to know my students,” said Beechan.

In 1996, Beechan won Sterling College’s McCreery Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. The award is presented to faculty members who have provided innovative instruction during the academic year. He has also served on several committees such as the Faculty Welfare Committee and the Academic Policy Committee.

Beechan graduated from the University of California, Riverside, in 1970 with a B.S. in chemistry and from Stanford University in 1978, with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Upon graduation, Beechan became a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Riverside, Calif. He then worked for Rachelle Laboratories, Inc. as an organic chemist and supervisor. He moved on to Ultrasystems, Inc. to work as an organic chemist from 1981-1982. Beechan became Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California in San Diego, Calif. from 1982-84. In 1984 he moved on to be an assistant professor at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles for two years. He also taught as an adjunct professor at Christian Heritage College and Grossmont College, both located in El Cajon, Calif.