Dr. Scott Beckman receives Distinguished Citizen Award

ByMatthew Crane Reading Time: 3 minutes
Dr. Scott Beckman received the Distinguished Citizen Award at the annual Scout Banquet held in Huntingburg Wednesday evening. In the photo, Dr. Beckman and his wife, Chris, wait to be presented the award.

More than 370 friends, family and scouts were on hand for the 32nd Annual Buffalo Trace Council Distinguished Citizen Award Banquet to honor Dr. Scott Beckman.

Though the night was in honor of Dr. Beckman’s distinguished career and many achievements, he took the moment to highlight the Dubois County Leukemia Association’s efforts to collect donor matches to help battle blood cancers. Not only do they help match potential donors, they also provide monetary assistance to those battling leukemia as well as childhood cancers.

The guest speaker was Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, who provided oncology care for Dr. Beckman during his leukemia battle that began when he was diagnosed in February of 2022. The diagnosis prompted his retirement.

“Thank you for coming out tonight and supporting a great cause,” Dr Beckman told the crowd.

He challenged the attendees to look for those ordinary moments as opportunities to act, to make a simple gesture of kindness. “Sometimes they have a big impact on another person,” Dr. Beckman said.

In ending his remarks, Dr. Beckman read a quote from author Dean Koontz in his book “Life Expectancy.”

“We are born for wonder, for joy, for hope, for love, to marvel at the mystery of existence, to be ravished by the beauty of the world, to seek truth and meaning, to acquire wisdom, and by our treatment of others to brighten the corner where we are.”

“We can follow the Scout way and have a positive impact on our families, friends and members of our community,” Dr. Beckman added. “Thank you all very much. It’s very much appreciated. And, I love you.”

Scouts perform the flag ceremony at the opening of the event.
Troop 182 Cub Scout Ashlyn Hays, 8, cheesed for a photo during the opening of the event.
Scouts walk the award up to the stage for a presentation to Dr. Beckman.
Shirley Beckman, Dr. Beckman’s mother, applauds as her son is presented with the honor.
Scott’s siblings, Amy Mehringer, Phil Beckman and Susan Berg, joined him on stage as Amy spent some time talking about her brother. Amy shared moments that had Scott and the crowd laughing, as well as anecdotes that had him crying.
Dr. Steve Hopf hugged his friend after speaking. Dr. Hopf and Dr. Beckman were partners for many years at Jasper Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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