(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam School District held their 2022 Wall of Fame Award ceremony Wednesday honoring an Outstanding Alumni and three Friends of Education. Margaret Lamoreaux Macfarlane was named as the Outstanding Alumni. After graduating in 1934 at the age of 16, Macfarlane moved to Washington DC and earned her law degree from the National University Law School. She was one of the first female attorneys with the Index Digest Section Corporate Attorney’s Office. Macfarlane also received many accolades during her career at the Government Accountability Office and was the first woman to receive the Comptroller General’s Distinguished Service Award. The nomination was submitted by local historian Roger Noll.
“At every point in her life, when faced with an obstacle, rather than claim herself a victim of her circumstances, she did not just overcome it, she obliterated it,” Noll recounts in a documentary he produced that was played at the program. “No glass ceiling would hold her back.”
Bev Beal-Loeck, a longtime school board member, was named a Friend of Education for years of child-focused, youth-centered volunteerism.
“Growing up I was blessed with great teachers,” she says, “teachers that taught me more about life in general outside of the school day.”
A Friend of Education recognition went to Gale Prinsen, whose 30-year career in teaching is highlighted by his passion in sustaining the decades-long Arbor Day tree planting tradition at Jefferson Elementary.
“So what turned into a teaching program connected to an Arbor Day tradition was a natural extension of what I love to do,” Prinsen says, “and I work my calendar of activities around the last Friday in April every year.”
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Beaver Dam Branch recognized as a Friend of Education.
“Since our first local meeting in 1933 we have given scholarships to graduating high school seniors,” says AAUW Chapter President Bobbi Marck. “In the last ten years alone we’ve given over $60-thousand dollars in scholarships.”
You can watch the ceremony, including the documentary produced by Noll, on the school district YouTube page, and also at DailyDodge.com.
Margaret Lamoreaux Macfarlane is the 2022 Outstanding Alumni:
Margaret Lamoreaux Macfarlane is a 1934 graduate of Beaver Dam High School where she graduated at the age of 16. She moved to Washington DC immediately following graduation to work in the clerical department at the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.
In 1935, she started at the National Archives as an assistant to the Head Archivist. She studied to become an accredited professional archivist and was promoted to the position of Junior Archivist. While working at the National Archives, she took pre-law courses at George Washington University.
From there, she was accepted to National University Law School in Washington DC where she graduated with a with a law degree in 1941. She worked at the Board of Economic Warfare and when the war ended, she began her career with the United States Government Accountability Office.
She was one of the first female attorneys with the Index Digest Section Corporate Attorney’s Office. During her career, she served as Chief of the Legislative Digest Section, Chief of the Index Digest Section, and Chief of Legal Reference. She retired as Chief of Legal Reference in 1971.
She received many awards and accolades and was the first woman to receive the highest award, the Comptroller General’s Distinguished Service Award. After her retirement, Margaret returned to Beaver Dam where she served the community and state. She served as legal research counsel for the Wisconsin Hospital Association, served on the Beaver Dam City Board of Appeals, was secretary of the Dodge County Historical Society, secretary of Chapter 1091 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Margaret also was a member of the AAUW Beaver Dam Branch, Dodge County Bar Association, Wisconsin Hospital Society, Dodge County Friends of Animals, and Partners of the Beaver Dam Hospital. In 1990, she was part of a video honoring women who blazed a trail for women in the Government Accountability Office. Margaret is a true inspiration to all, especially women and girls.
Friends of Education
Bev Beal-Loeck
Bev Beal-Loeck is a true advocate for children. During her 27 years on the Board of Education, she worked diligently to ensure students had opportunities for success in productive learning environments. She has also made a difference in students’ lives through her time as a Junior Achievement volunteer.
Her involvement in the community is child-focused, whether it is the youth-centered activities she plans through Downtown Beaver Dam, Inc. events and Kiwanis efforts, or ensuring kids have healthy opportunities through her service on the Board at the YMCA of Dodge County, Bev ensures that it is for the benefit of children.
Gale Prinsen
Gale Prinsen continues to share his interest in nature and the environment with students since retiring from his 30-year career in teaching. He has been instrumental in sustaining the Arbor Day celebration and tree planting at
Jefferson Elementary School. Gale’s commitment to ensuring that students know the importance of planting trees has allowed the tradition to continue for 70 years. He loves to share his knowledge of nature with students to help them become better stewards of the environment. Gale created the courtyard at Jefferson Elementary School for students to learn about the impact that trees and various plants have on nature and he maintains it for students to see every day.
American Association of University Women-Beaver Dam Branch
Education is at the heart of American Association of University Women’s mission. The Beaver Dam Branch began in 1933 with a value and understanding of the power of education. They promote this value and understanding through the number of scholarships they have awarded to deserving young women and the educational events and programs they have sponsored for young women and girls. AAUW-Beaver Dam Branch has promoted and sponsored programs that improve literacy, expand post-secondary education, and increase the number of women in STEM fields.
They have made donations to the elementary school libraries to support literacy, sponsored “Project Girl” curriculum at the Middle School, and numerous other programs and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young women and girls.
Award plaques will be permanently displayed on the high school’s Wall Of Fame in the common’s area.
Watch the program here:
